Digital PDFs

EK-LA75E-UG-001

July 1991

152 pages

Original

1.2MB

Document:	LA75 Plus Companion Printer Installation and User Guide
Order Number:	EK-LA75E-UG
Revision:	001
Pages:	152
Original Filename:

OCR Text

LA75 Plus Companion Printer
Installation and User Guide

Digital Equipment Corporation

First Printing, July 1991
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital
Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear
in this document.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital
Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear
in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used
or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment that is
not supplied by Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and
Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1991.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments forms at the end of this document request your critical
evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in Japan
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DEC

DIBOL

RSX

DEC/CMS

EduSystem

UNIBUS

DEC/EDI

IAS

VAX

DECnet

MASSBUS

VAXcluster

DECsystem-10

Message Router

VMS

DECSYSTEM-20

PDP

DECUS

PDT

DECwriter

RSTS

IBM is a registered trademark, and IBM Proprinter is a trademark of International
Business Machines Corporation.

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 1.2.

FCC NOTICE
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed
and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has
been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC
Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following methods.
Reorient the receiving antenna.
Relocate the computer or peripheral with respect to the receiver.
Move the computer or peripheral away from the receiver.
Plug the computer or peripheral into a different outlet so that they are on
different branch circuits than the receiver.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the
booklet How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems, prepared
by the Federal Communications Commission helpful. This booklet is available
from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 20402, Stock No.
004-000-00345-4.
To meet FCC requirements, a shielded parallel cable is required to connect the
device to a personal computer or other Class B device.

iii

Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

viii

1 Installing the Printer
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.4
1.5
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3

Checking the Contents of the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Site Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A First Look at the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Packing Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Printer to a Computer System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If You Have Difficulties Printing a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–1
1–3
1–4
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–11
1–16
1–19
1–19
1–20

2 Using the Operator Control Panel
2.1
2.1.1

About the LA75 Plus Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Operating Switches and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–2

iii

3 Loading the Paper
3.1
Paper Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2
Loading Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1
Rear Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1.1
Viewing the Last Printed Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1.2
Document on Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2
Single-sheet Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2.1
Printing Multiple Single Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.3
Switching to Bottom Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.4
Bottom Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3
Adjusting the Printhead for Paper Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–1
3–5
3–7
3–12
3–13
3–14
3–17
3–18
3–22
3–26

4 Using Fonts
4.1

Using the Optional Font Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–1

5 Configuring the Printer
5.1
5.1.1
5.2
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.4

What is Configuration? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining the Printer’s Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Features and Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set-up Mode Switches and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Printer’s Configuration (Set-up Mode) . . . . . . . .
Saving New Values and Exiting Set-up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protocol Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–1
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–4
5–5
5–5

6 Maintaining the Printer
6.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.3
6.4

General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correcting Simple Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power-related Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation-related Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print-related Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ribbon or Carriage-related Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–1
6–2
6–2
6–3
6–4
6–5
6–6
6–7
6–12

7 Reference Information
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Equipment Corporation Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calling the Service Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Set-up Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7–1
7–1
7–2
7–2
7–4
7–9

A Set-up
A.1
A.1.1

Set-up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List of Set-up Features and Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A–1
A–1

B Printing Control Characters
C DEC PPL2 Quick Reference
D IBM Proprinter X24E Quick Reference
Figures
C–1
C–2
C–3
C–4
C–5
C–6
C–7
C–8
C–9
C–10
C–11
C–12
C–13
C–14
C–15

Designating and Invoking Character Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard 8-bit Code Table (Left Half) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standard 8-bit Code Table (Right Half) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC Special Graphics Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC Technical Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISO Latin-1 Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Legal Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC 7-bit Hebrew Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC Hebrew Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISO Latin-Hebrew Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISO Latin-Greek Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC Greek Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISO Latin-5 Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC Turkish 7-bit Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEC Turkish 8-bit Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C–7
C–12
C–13
C–16
C–17
C–18
C–19
C–20
C–21
C–22
C–23
C–24
C–25
C–26
C–27

C–16
C–17
C–18
D–1
D–2
D–3

ISO Latin-Cyrillic Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISO Latin-2 Supplemental Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JIS Katakana Character Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All Character Set, All Code-pages, Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All Character Set, Code-page 437 U.S.A. , Right Side . . . . . . . . . .
All Character Set, Code-page 850 Multilingual, Right Side . . . . . .

C–28
C–29
C–30
D–9
D–10
D–11

Loading Methods and Types of Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set-up Features and Values - Common Features for both Dec and
IBM protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set-up Features and Values - Dec Protocol Features . . . . . . . . . . .
Set-up Features and Values - IBM Protocol Features . . . . . . . . . .
Set-up Features and Values - Factory Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sheet size and margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type size and spacing, managing implicit cursor motion . . . . . . . .
Font management and attribute selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting character sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Sets Power-up Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCS Final Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
National Replacement Character sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terminal Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vertical Form Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horizontal Form Handling and Printing Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Print-Mode Priority Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphics Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alternate Graphics Mode (AGM)1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Character Set Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–5

Tables
3–1
A–1
A–2
A–3
A–4
C–1
C–2
C–3
C–4
C–5
C–6
C–7
C–8
C–9
C–10
C–11
C–12
D–1
D–2
D–3
D–4
D–5
D–6
D–7
D–8
D–9

A–2
A–6
A–11
A–13
C–2
C–2
C–3
C–3
C–4
C–5
C–6
C–7
C–8
C–9
C–10
C–14
D–1
D–2
D–2
D–3
D–4
D–6
D–6
D–7
D–7

Preface
About This Guide
The LA75 Plus Companion Printer Installation and User Guide is part of the
LA75 Plus documentation package. This guide, which explains how to install
and operate the printer. is written for someone with little or no computer
experience. You should read the whole of the guide.
Even if you are familiar with this kind of desk-top printer, you should, at the
very least, read Chapter 3, Loading the Paper, to familiarize yourself with the
LA75 Plus’s new features.
The guide is divided into seven chapters and four appendixes.
Chapter 1, Installing the Printer describes how to unpack and install the
printer. It names the printer parts, shows you how to test the printer, and
how to connect your printer to your computer system, personal computer or
video terminal. Read this chapter completely before you begin the installation
procedure.
Chapter 2, Using the Operator Control Panel describes how to use the
printer’s operating controls.
Chapter 3, Loading the Paper provides a detailed explanation of the
different ways to load paper.
Chapter 4, Using Fonts describes how to insert and access the optional font
cartridges available for the LA75 Plus.
Chapter 5, Configuring the Printer explains how to configure the printer so
that it can communicate with your computer system.
Chapter 6, Maintaining the Printer shows how to keep the printer clean,
how to replace the ribbon cartridge and the fuse, and how to install or
replace the printhead. The chapter also suggests how you can identify simple
problems, and so avoid having to contact your Digital sales representative.

viii

Chapter 7, Reference Information contains general user reference material,
including a summary of the printer’s set-up features, and printer and paper
specifications.
Appendix A, Set-up contains details of the set-up process, and a complete list
of the available values for each of the printer’s features. The factory setting of
each feature is marked.
Appendix B, Printing Control Characters explains how to print printer
control characters.
Appendix C, DEC PPL2 Quick Reference contains basic information on
using DEC PPL2 control codes and escape sequences.
Appendix D, IBM Proprinter X24E Quick Reference contains basic
information on using IBM Proprinter X24E control codes and escape sequences.

Conventions Used in This Guide
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
The warnings, cautions, and notes in this guide have the following specific
purposes:
WARNING

Contains information about preventing personal injury.

CAUTION

Contains information about preventing damage to equipment.

NOTE

Contains general information of which you should be aware.

Associated Documentation
The other guides in the LA75 Plus documentation package are the LA75 Plus
Companion Programmer Reference Manual, part number EK–LA75S–RM–001,
and the LA75 Plus Companion Printer Sheet Feeder Guide, part number
EK–LA75S–SF–001.
The optional Automatic Sheet Feeder is documented separately in the LA75
Plus Companion Printer Sheet Feeder Guide.

Software Requirements
The LA75 Plus has many features. The features you can use depend on the
following conditions:
The computer system (also known as the host) to which the printer is
connected
The operating software used by your computer
The software program you are using
Check the documentation for the software you are using to learn what
printer features you can use. Your software may allow insertion of the
printer attribute escape sequences. Some basic escape sequences are listed in
Appendix C. Refer to your software documentation for information about how
to insert escape sequences.
If you need help choosing the correct computer software for your application
needs, contact your Digital sales representative.

About the Printer
The LA75 Plus is a narrow-carriage, impact dot-matrix printer, designed to be
a personal desk-top printer, and suitable for general business applications. It
has flexible paper handling, and is capable of printing on continuous pinfeed
paper, single sheets, multiple-part forms, and envelopes. An Automatic Sheet
Feeder (LA75Y-SF) is available as an option, to hold and automatically load
up to 80 sheets of cut paper. The print quality is suitable for limited word
processing in a small-to-medium computer environment.
The LA75 Plus has the following features that were not present in the LA75:
The LA75 Plus is a 24-pin printer.
The printer is able to print in four colors once the color ribbon (PN
LA75R-KC) has been installed.
The printer also has a Document on Demand capability (automatic or
manual) which prevents wasting forms or paper between printing jobs.
The printer has an Automatic Viewing capability, which allows the user to
see the last printed line after a job has finished.
The printer can be connected at the same time to serial and parallel ports,
and switches automatically between them when data is received.
The printer is compatible with the IBM Proprinter X24E which is the
default protocol at power-up when the parallel port is used.

Replacing the Fuse
Your printer is equipped with a fuse which has the following value according to
the mains voltage. If you need to change it, you must replace it with a fuse of
equal value.
Mains Voltage

Fuse Value

100V and 120V models

1.6 A - 250V

220V and 240V models

1 A - 250V

1
Installing the Printer

1.1 Checking the Contents of the Box
Unpack the LA75 Plus and make sure you have all the items shown in
the table. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your Digital sales
representative.
Please complete the installation procedure in sequence. After you install the
LA75 Plus, keep this guide near the printer for easy reference.

Item Number

Item Name

Printer

Documentation

Ribbon Cartridge

Power Cord

Interface Cable

Pinfeed Paper

Installing the Printer 1–1

LA7

5 Plu

s Co

mpan

ion P

rinte

2
6

3
5

1–2 Installing the Printer

1.2 Site Considerations
The LA75 Plus can be installed in your office, school, or home.
Environmental Conditions
Install the printer in an area away from a heater or other heat source, and
away from an air conditioner or strong drafts.
Avoid installing the printer in a dusty or humid environment.

Work Location
Place the printer on a flat, solid, level area such as a desk or printer stand.
Allow enough space around the printer to ensure correct ventilation and
easy access to all sides of the printer.

Power Requirements
No special wiring is required. A typical household or office wall outlet is
sufficient.
Do not plug other equipment such as coffee pots, office copiers, or air
conditioners into the same wall outlet.

See Chapter 7 for more detailed specifications.

Installing the Printer 1–3

1.3 A First Look at the Printer
Before installing the LA75 Plus, spend a little time familiarizing yourself with
the printer.

Item Number

Item Name

Access Cover

Tractor Release Lever

Paper Release Lever

Printhead Adjustment Lever

Control Panel

Printhead

Paper Parking Lever

Paper Cover

Bail Bar

10.

Parallel Port

11.

Serial Port

12.

Power Cord Socket

13.

Platen Knob1

Only turn the platen knob to manually clear a paper jam.

1–4 Installing the Printer

2
9
3

5
7

ion

pan

LA7

Plus

Com

ter

Prin

2
1
13
8

11
10

Installing the Printer 1–5

1.3.1 Installing the Power Cord
1

Make sure the power switch is set to 0 (off).

Plug the power cord into the socket at the back of the printer.

Plug the other end of the cord into your electrical outlet.

1–6 Installing the Printer

1.3.2 Removing the Packing Material
1

Remove the access cover.

Remove the cardboard packing.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Installing the Printer 1–7

1.3.3 Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
Note: The printer will automatically detect a color ribbon as soon as one has
been installed.
1

Remove the ribbon cartridge from its wrapper. To tighten the ribbon, turn
the ribbon adjustment knob in the direction indicated on the cartridge.

1–8 Installing the Printer

Fit the ribbon cartridge between the mounting clips (C) on the carriage.
Make sure the ribbon fits between the front of the printhead (B) and the
clear plastic smudge guard (A). Press down on the cartridge until you hear
it click into place.
Note: Make sure the ribbon is secured on both the left and right sides.

ion

pan

ter

Prin

LA7

om
sC

Installing the Printer 1–9

Turn the ribbon adjustment knob enough to tighten the ribbon against the
printhead.

LA7

1–10 Installing the Printer

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

1.4 Testing the Printer
The printer self-test allows the printer to check its operations independently.
To load paper into the printer and run the self-test, perform the following
steps:
1

Make sure the power switch is set to 0 (off).

Remove the access cover and the paper cover.

lus

LA7

rinte

anio

p
Com

Installing the Printer 1–11

Unlock only the clamp on the right tractor by pulling the clamp towards
the front of the printer.
Note: The left tractor has been factory set so that the left edge of the
paper (column 1) lines up correctly with the printhead when it starts
printing. Digital recommends that you do not unlock the left tractor clamp.
Only unlock it if, for some reason, the leftmost character does not line up
with the edge of the paper.

Open both tractor doors.

ion

pan

LA7

1–12 Installing the Printer

om
sC

ter

Prin

Align the pinfeed holes on both edges of the paper with the tractor pins.
Close the tractor doors to secure the paper.
Note: The red marks on the bail bar indicate the print area for a standard
sheet of paper. Use these marks to help position the paper correctly.

Readjust the right tractor position by moving it to the right so that the
paper extends smoothly between the two tractors. (The pinfeed holes
should not be mis-shaped by too much tension on the paper.) Lock the
right tractor by pushing the tractor clamp towards the back of the printer.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Installing the Printer 1–13

Pull the paper release lever towards the front of the printer to set the
printer in tractor mode.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Replace the access cover and the paper cover.
Note: The printer will not work if the covers are not on, or if they are
replaced incorrectly.

1–14 Installing the Printer

On the control panel, press and hold down the Form Feed switch (FF), and
turn the power switch to 1 (on).
Note: The paper is fed through automatically, so do not turn the platen
knob. Only turn the platen knob to manually clear a paper jam.

10 Release the Form Feed switch as soon as the printer begins to print. The
printer produces the following pattern.

!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmno
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnop
"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopq
#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqr
$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrs
%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrst
&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstu
'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv
()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvw
)*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx
*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy
+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz(
-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz(|
./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz(|)
/0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz(|)~
0123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz(|)~
123456789:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz(|)~.!

11 After a few lines of printout, turn off the power to stop the self-test. (If the
printer does not pass the self-test, see Section 6.2 in Chapter 6.)

Installing the Printer 1–15

1.5 Connecting the Printer to a Computer System
A. Connecting to a Digital Computer, Server, or Terminal
You should connect to the serial port before following the steps described in
this section.
B. Connecting to a Digital PC or PC Compatible
You should connect to the parallel port, and select the IBM Proprinter X24E
driver from the PC application software before following the steps described in
this section.
Note: If the above cabling strategy is followed, the LA75 Plus will be ready,
once the power is switched on, to communicate:
1

In Digital protocol through the serial port.

In IBM Proprinter X24E protocol through the parallel port.

1–16 Installing the Printer

Turn the power switch to 0 (off).

Plug the interface cable 1 into the back of the printer.

To connect to a Digital PC or PC Compatible, use the parallel data cable BC-19M-10. If you
use a shielded serial data cable (DD-16E-10), insert it into the cable retainer.

Installing the Printer 1–17

Plug the other end of the interface cable directly into your host computer.
If you use an adapter,1 first plug the interface cable into the appropriate
adapter, and then to your host computer or video terminal (with printer
port).

1
2

To connect to a Digital Computer, Server, or Terminal, use the H8571-A adapter.

1–18 Installing the Printer

1.5.1 Cables
For specific information on cables, see Section 7.6 in Chapter 7.

1.5.2 Printing a File
Refer to your computer system documentation for information about operating
the printer with your computer. Your computer or terminal may require printer
set-up before it can operate with the printer.
If your computer does not require printer set-up, you can print a file as follows:
1

Turn your computer or video terminal on.

Turn the power switch on the LA75 Plus to 1 (on). The printer is ready to
print.

Make sure there is paper in the printer, and that you have advanced the
paper (by pressing the FF switch) to the print position. Do NOT turn the
platen knob to manually advance the paper. 1

Follow the instructions in your computer system’s documentation on
printing a file.

Note: When the LA75 Plus is connected to two computer systems at the same
time, the printer can accept data to print from either one only if it has been
idle for two seconds.

Only turn the platen knob to manually clear a paper jam.

Installing the Printer 1–19

1.5.3 If You Have Difficulties Printing a File
The LA75 Plus configuration is factory set for use with Digital’s computer
systems. If you have difficulties printing your files correctly, you may need to
change the printer’s configuration. Some suggestions follow.
1

Check that the printer features match the host computer configuration, in
particular, the communication protocol. If the printer is connected to the
serial port, check the printer’s baud rate, and data bits and parity. See
Section 7.4 in Chapter 7 for information on these features. Also check your
computer system’s documentation.

If you have to change the printer’s configuration to match that of the host
computer, see Chapter 5.

If your printer still does not print your files correctly, see Section 6.2 in
Chapter 6.

If you are not sure of how to correct the problem, contact your Digital sales
representative.

1–20 Installing the Printer

2
Using the Operator Control Panel

2.1 About the LA75 Plus Control Panel
This chapter describes how to use the printer’s operating controls. To print
files, the control panel switches perform the functions that appear above the
switches.

Ready
Fault

Quiet

Quiet/
Quality

Protocol DEC LF

RDY

Serial Port

Draft

Set-up

Note: The functions on the control panel that appear below the switches are
explained in Chapter 5.

Using the Operator Control Panel 2–1

2.1.1 Printer Operating Switches and Indicators
Ready Indicator and Switch
The Ready switch puts the printer on-line or off-line. When the Ready indicator
(RDY) lights up, the printer is on-line and ready to print. When the Ready
indicator is blinking, the printer is off-line and will not print.
If you press the Ready switch while the printer is printing (putting it off-line),
the LA75 Plus will complete the line it is printing, stop, then move the paper
until the last line is visible.
Serial Port Indicator
The Serial Port indicator lights up when the printer receives data from the
serial port. When the Serial Port Indicator is not lit up, the printer receives
data from the parallel port.
Fault Indicator
The Fault indicator is amber. It lights up when the paper supply is exhausted
or nearly exhausted, or if there is a mechanical problem, and flashes
continously when the printer finds an electronic problem. (See Section 6.2.3 in
Chapter 6 to find the probable cause of the problem, as well as suggestions for
correcting the problem.)
Quiet Indicator
The Quiet indicator is green. It lights up when the printer is turned to Quiet
mode.

2–2 Using the Operator Control Panel

Quiet/Quality Switch
When the printer is in Ready mode, pressing the Quiet/Quality switch puts it
into Quiet mode.
When the printer is off-line, (the Ready indicator (RDY) is blinking), the
Quiet/Quality switch allows you three choices of print quality:
1

Letter Quality (LQ), which prints at 83 characters per second (CPS).

Draft Quality (DQ), which prints at 250 CPS.
In both cases, an indicator lights up next to the print quality you have
selected.

If no indicator lights up, the print quality is controlled through software
commands.

The LA75 Plus has one other print quality, Near Letter Quality (NLQ), which
prints at 125 CPS. This mode is only selectable through sofware commands.
Note: All CPS speeds listed in this guide are quoted at their maximum burst
speeds (Normal Mode). For more information on CPS, see Section 7.5 in
Chapter 7.
Protocol Indicator and Switch
The Protocol switch lets you change the way the printer communicates with
your computer system. This switch is only operative when the printer is in
a paused state, and a print job has finished. (There is no data left in the
print buffer.) Press this switch to toggle between DEC protocol and IBM X24E
protocol.
When DEC LED is On, DEC mode is selected; when DEC LED is Off, IBM
mode is selected. The protocol can also be changed by the application software.
Line Feed (LF) Switch
The LF switch advances the paper in the printer one line at a time. Continued
pressure on the switch advances the paper a number of lines.
Form Feed (FF) Switch
The FF switch advances the paper in the printer to the top of the next form.

Using the Operator Control Panel 2–3

3
Loading the Paper

3.1 Paper Controls
The levers and controls described in this section are used for loading and
positioning paper in the printer.

Loading the Paper 3–1

3
4

7
lu

LA7

3–2 Loading the Paper

ion

pan

om
sC

ter

Prin

Parking Lever
The parking lever (7) controls the autopark function. This function is used to
move pinfeed paper into the park position before single-sheet loading.
Bail Bar
The bail bar (5) holds the paper against the platen (9). The red marks (6) on
the bail bar indicate the print area for a standard sheet of paper. Use these
marks to position the paper corrrectly.
Platen Knob
The platen knob (4) is only used to clear paper jams. Do not use it in any
other circumstances.
Paper Release Lever
The paper release lever (3) controls the paper drive system. Pull the lever
towards the front of the printer for tractor feed. Push the lever towards the
back of the printer for friction feed.
Tractor Release Levers
The tractor release levers (2) are used to position the entire tractor unit for a
paper-feed operation.
Tractor Clamps
The tractor clamps (1) allow you to adjust the position or location of the
tractors for different paper sizes. Pull the clamp towards the front of the
printer to move the tractor to the left or right. Push the clamp towards the
back of the printer to lock the tractor in place.
Tractor Stop
The tractor stop (8) prevents the left tractor from being moved too far to the
right.

Loading the Paper 3–3

Printhead Adjustment Lever
The printhead adjustment lever changes the printhead position to allow for
different thicknesses of paper, and for forms or envelopes. The lever can be
moved to four positions to vary the distance between the printhead and the
platen. See Section 3.3 in this chapter for more information.

LA7

3–4 Loading the Paper

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

3.2 Loading Paper
There are three ways to load paper for the LA75 Plus which are illustrated in
the cross-section diagrams later in this section.
Load pinfeed paper from the back of the printer (Factory default).
Hand feed single sheets 1 from the back of the printer.
Load pinfeed paper through the printer’s bottom slot.
Note: Bottom Loading is intended for printing applications using forward
paper motion only. Typically, bottom loading is most appropriate for loading
"difficult" paper (for example "sticky" labels). It is the least frequently used
of the three loading methods.
Note: Using the printer’s bottom slot requires a special printer table or stand.
Contact your Digital sales representative for ordering information.
For applications requiring reverse paper motion to achieve printing functions
such as bolding, underlining, and superscripting or subscripting, load the
paper from the back of the printer. The new LA75 Plus features described
in Section 3.2.1.1, Viewing the Last Printed Line and Section 3.2.1.2,
Document on Demand are only possible with Rear Loading.
Table 3–1 illustrates Digital’s recommendations on using the three methods.

Table 3–1

Loading Methods and Types of Paper

Method

Type of Paper

Rear Loading (Section 3.2.1)

Pinfeed Paper

Single-sheet Loading (Section 3.2.2)

Single Sheets/Envelopes

Bottom Loading (Section 3.2.4)

Pinfeed Paper
-Labels/Multipart

See also the LA75 Plus Companion Printer Sheet Feeder Guide

Loading the Paper 3–5

Loading Methods
Diagram A illustrates the Rear Pinfeed Loading method, Diagram B the Singlesheet Loading method,1 . and Diagram C the Bottom Pinfeed Loading method.
The three methods are discussed respectively in Section 3.2.1, Section 3.2.2
and Section 3.2.4 later in this chapter.

See also the LA75 Plus Companion Printer Sheet Feeder Guide

3–6 Loading the Paper

3.2.1 Rear Loading
1

Open both tractor doors.

ion

pan

ter

Prin

LA7

om
sC

Align the pinfeed holes on both edges of the paper with the tractor pins.
Close the tractor doors to secure the paper.

Loading the Paper 3–7

Note: The red marks on the bail bar indicate the print area for a standard
sheet of paper. Use these marks to help position the paper correctly.
4

Readjust the right tractor position by moving it to the right so that the
paper extends between the two tractors. (The pinfeed holes should not be
mis-shaped by too much tension on the paper.) Lock the right tractor by
pushing the tractor clamp towards the back of the printer.

LA7

3–8 Loading the Paper

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Pull the paper release lever towards the front of the printer to set the
printer in tractor mode.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Loading the Paper 3–9

Replace the access cover and the paper cover.

Pull out the wire paper-separator (A).
Note: The printer will not work if the covers are not on, or if they are
replaced incorrectly.

LA7

3–10 Loading the Paper

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Activating the Automatic Paper Feed
You can now advance the paper to the print position by activating the
automatic paper feed as follows.
Turn the power switch to 1 (on).
All the indicators light up on the Control Panel. The printhead moves to
the center, to the print position, and the paper automatically moves under
the platen, also to the print position.
If the power was already on, press FF to load the paper.

Ready
Fault

Quiet

Quiet/
Quality

Protocol DEC LF

RDY

Serial Port

Draft

Set-up

You are now ready to print.

Loading the Paper 3–11

3.2.1.1 Viewing the Last Printed Line This section and Section 3.2.1.2
describe two LA75 Plus features that are available using the Rear Loading
method.
There are three methods to advance the paper to see the last printed line.
(This procedure applies only to pinfeed paper.) To ease readability, the paper
support should be in the raised position.
A

When printing has ended and the printer is in the Ready state:
1

Press the Ready switch.
The paper advances so that the last printed line can be seen above the
tear-off line.

Press the Ready switch again.
The paper returns to the previous printing position.

When the printer is printing:
1

Press the Ready switch.
The printing stops, and the paper advances so that the last printed line
can be seen above the tear-off line.

Press the Ready switch again.
The printer moves back, and printing continues from the next line

If you select Automatic Advance, the paper will advance for viewing if no
data is received for two seconds. The paper will move back as soon as the
next data is received.

Note: You cannot view the last printed line if the end of the paper has been
detected.

3–12 Loading the Paper

3.2.1.2 Document on Demand If the last character received by the printer
was a Form Feed, or if you pressed FF at the end of the last printed job, you
can make use of the Document on Demand feature and so avoid wasting paper
before the next printed job.
Document on Demand works in the same way as Viewing the Last Printed
Line. Two modes can be selected in the Set-up menu: Automatic and Manual
(the factory default).
Automatic
When two seconds have elapsed since the printer received the last piece of
data (FF), the paper perforation moves on to the tear blade. Tear off the
paper. On the receipt of new data, the paper moves back to its previous
position (the first printable line).
Manual
Press the Ready switch to move the paper perforation on to the tear blade.
Tear off the paper. Press the Ready switch again to move the paper back to
its previous position (the first printable line).
Note: To use Document on Demand correctly, make sure that
the value of the printer’s form length matches the physical
paper size. 1 .

For selecting form length (Generic Feature 2 in Set-up mode), see Section 7.5 in Chapter 7

Loading the Paper 3–13

3.2.2 Single-sheet Loading
1

Turn the power switch to 1 (on).
All indicators light up on the Control Panel. The printhead moves to the
center, to the print position.

If (and only if) there is pinfeed paper in the printer, pull the parking lever
all the way forward to the autopark position.
The paper moves away from the print position and remains in the tractors.
Note: This autopark feature allows you to reverse the paper only two page
lengths (15 inches, 38.1 centimeters) at a time.

ion

pan

LA7

3–14 Loading the Paper

om
sC

ter

Prin

Raise the paper support and secure it in place. Pull out the paper
separator.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Loading the Paper 3–15

Move the paper release lever towards the back of the printer so that it is in
friction mode.

Place a single sheet of paper on the paper support so that the paper is
resting just under the platen.
If the Fault indicator goes out when the paper is inserted, move the paper
away from the platen until the Fault indicator lights up again.

Move the paper-edge guide to the right until it is aligned with the arrow on
the paper support.

LA7

3–16 Loading the Paper

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Advance the paper to the print position by activating the Automatic Paper
Feed. To do this, press the FF switch on the control panel. The Fault
Indicator turns off.

You are now ready to print on the single sheet.
3.2.2.1 Printing Multiple Single Sheets To print multiple single sheets, use
the Automatic Sheet Feeder option. Full details of the installation and use of
the Automatic Sheet Feeder (LA75 PlusX-SF) are included in the LA75 Plus
Companion Printer Sheet Feeder Guide.

LA7

5 Plu

s Co

mpa

nion

Prin

ter

Loading the Paper 3–17

3.2.3 Switching to Bottom Loading
Note: Using the printer’s bottom slot requires a special printer table or stand.
Contact your Digital sales representative for ordering information.
1

Make sure the power switch is set to 0 (off).

Remove the access cover and the paper cover.

Move the left tractor release lever towards the front of the printer until it
locks.

ion

pan

LA7

3–18 Loading the Paper

om
sC

ter

Prin

Move the right tractor release lever towards the front of the printer and
pull the tractor unit up. The tractors are now in a horizontal position.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Loading the Paper 3–19

Unlock the tractor clamp on the right tractor by pulling the clamp towards
the front of the printer.
Note: The left tractor has been factory set so that the left edge of the
paper (column 1) lines up correctly with the printhead when it starts
printing. Digital recommends that you do not unlock the left tractor clamp.

Open both tractor doors.

ion

pan

LA7

3–20 Loading the Paper

om
sC

ter

Prin

Move the paper release lever towards the front of the printer to set the
printer in tractor mode.

lus

LA7

rinte

anio

p
Com

Loading the Paper 3–21

3.2.4 Bottom Loading
1

After opening the tractor doors, insert the paper through the bottom slot of
the printer.
Note: To prevent skewing, position the paper so that it feeds straight into
the bottom of the printer.
Note: Using the printer’s bottom slot requires a special printer table or
stand. Contact your Digital sales representative for ordering information.

Pull the paper up between the platen and the clear plastic smudge guard,
and onto the tractors.

LA7

3–22 Loading the Paper

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Align the pinfeed holes on both edges of the paper with the tractor pins of
both tractors. Close the tractor doors to secure the paper.
Note: The red marks on the bail bar indicate the print area for a standard
sheet of paper. Use these marks to help position the paper correctly.

Readjust the right tractor position by moving it to the right or left so that
the paper extends between the two tractors. (The pinfeed holes should not
be mis-shaped by too much tension on the paper.) Lock both tractors in
place by pushing the clamps towards the back of the printer.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Loading the Paper 3–23

Adjust the paper by pulling it down from beneath the printer’s bottom slot.

ion

pan

LA7

3–24 Loading the Paper

Plus

Com

ter

Prin

Manually adjust the top of the form.

Replace the access cover and the paper cover.
Note: The printer will not work if the covers are not on, or if they are
replaced incorrectly.

You are now ready to print.
Note: To return to rear loading, release the tractor unit by pulling both tractor
release levers towards the front of the printer. Click the tractor unit into place.

Loading the Paper 3–25

3.3 Adjusting the Printhead for Paper Thickness
For single-part pinfeed paper, and single-sheet hand-fed paper:
Push the printhead adjustment lever all the way towards the platen.
For multipart paper or envelopes:
Pull the lever towards the front of the printer.

lus

LA7

3–26 Loading the Paper

rinte

anio

p
Com

4
Using Fonts
This chapter describes how to insert and access the optional font cartridges
available for the LA75 Plus.

4.1 Using the Optional Font Cartridges
A set of font cartridges is available which cover different printing needs. Each
cartridge works both in DEC and Emulation protocols. For details of these
cartridges see Section 7.6 in Chapter 7.
Note: The print density must be set to Letter quality when you are using
typestyles from the font cartridge. When you select Draft quality, the printer
uses the internal draft typestyles.
1

Make sure the power switch is set to off (0).
Caution: If you do not set the power switch to off before inserting the font
cartridge, you could damage the cartridge.

Using Fonts 4–1

Insert the cartridge, making sure it is firmly in place.
Caution: The font cartridge has a key and can be inserted only one way.
Do not try to force the cartridge into place.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Power On the printer and enter the user set-up mode to select the type
style or character sets provided by the cartridge. (Refer to the notice on
the cartridge.)

4–2 Using Fonts

5
Configuring the Printer

5.1 What is Configuration?
This chapter describes how to set up or configure the LA75 Plus, so that the
printer and your computer system can communicate correctly with each other.
Communication between the two requires that both the computer operating
system and the printer have the same communication settings or features. The
most important of these are protocol, baud rate, and data bits and parity. You
may also need to change some of the printer’s other features depending on
your hardware and software requirements. (See Chapter 7 for a complete list
of printer features.)
Set-up mode allows you to access the LA75 Plus’s configuration memory. The
memory stores a list of all the printer’s features and values, as well as the
values that you have chosen to run the printer. The set-up controls which are
discussed in Section 5.3, allow you to access set-up mode.

Configuring the Printer 5–1

5.1.1 Determining the Printer’s Configuration
Check your computer system’s documentation to determine what your system
requirements are for protocol, baud rate, and data bits and parity. (These are,
respectively, Generic Features 1, 7, and 8 in Set-up.)
You can see what is programmed into your LA75 Plus’s set-up memory by
following these instructions:
1

Turn the power switch to 0 (off).

Press and hold the Set-up switch while you set the power switch to 1 (on).
The LA75 Plus prints a list of what is in its set-up memory. See the tables
in Section 7.4 in Chapter 7 for examples of what information is stored in
set-up memory.

Press the Set-up switch to exit Set-up mode.

Compare the printer’s current configuration with the requirements of your
computer or video terminal. Read Section 5.3 if you need to change the
printer’s set-up memory.

Ready
Fault

Quiet

Quiet/
Quality

Protocol DEC LF

RDY

Serial Port

Draft

Set-up

5–2 Configuring the Printer

5.2 Features and Values
Each of the LA75 Plus’s features stored in its set-up memory has at least two
values. (See Section 7.4 in Chapter 7). A value is an option or choice within
each feature.
The features are organized into three groups as follows:
Generic
DEC (specific to Digital protocol)
X24 (specific to IBM Proprinter X24E)
When you are in set-up mode, you can change the value for any feature.
Changing the set-up memory changes the way the printer runs and how it
communicates with your host computer.
The following example illustrates the difference between a feature and a value:
The set-up menu gives you seven choices for the baud-rate feature. Baud rate
is the speed at which the printer can receive data from your host computer.
The printer’s baud rate is factory-set at 4800 bits per second.
If your host computer’s baud rate is set at 1200 bits per second, you will
need to change the LA75 Plus’s baud rate from 4800 to 1200 in order to have
accurate communication between your host computer and the printer.
In this example, baud rate is the feature; 4800 and 1200 are the values.

Configuring the Printer 5–3

5.3 Set-up Mode Switches and Indicators
In set-up mode, the control panel performs the functions that appear in letters
and arrows below the switches.
Set-up Switch
To put the printer in set-up mode, press the Set-up switch while turning the
printer on. After you have changed the printer’s configuration, press the Set-up
switch again to save the new values and to exit set-up mode.
Up-arrow and Down-arrow Switches
Press the Up-arrow and Down-arrow switches respectively upwards and
downwards through the features when you are setting the printer’s
configuration.
Right-arrow and Left-arrow Switches
Press the Right-arrow and Left-arrow switches to scan respectively forwards
and backwards through the values when you are setting the printer’s
configuration.

5.3.1 Changing the Printer’s Configuration (Set-up Mode)
Note: Before beginning the set-up procedure, make sure that the power switch
is set to 0 (off) and that paper is advanced to the print position.
1

Press and hold down the Set-up switch while setting the power switch to 1
(on).
The Serial Port and Draft indicators flash.
The printer automatically does the following:
Prints a list of the features and values stored in its memory. (See
Section 7.4 in Chapter 7.)
Prints the first feature in the list (Protocol: DEC Emulation, or
port-dependant).

Press the Right-arrow or Left-arrow switch to select the next or previous
value.

Press the Up-arrow or Down-arrow switch to access the feature you wish to
change.

5–4 Configuring the Printer

Note the following:
If the first value Protocol is set to DEC, only the DEC and Generic group
features are accessible in Step 3.
If the first value Protocol is set to X24, only the X24 and Generic group
features are accessible in Step 3.
If the communication is port-dependant, all features are accessible.

5.3.2 Saving New Values and Exiting Set-up Mode
Press the Set-up switch once to store your set-up changes in the printer’s
memory.
The printer automatically returns to print mode.
Note: If the power is turned off before the Set-up switch is pressed, no changes
are stored in the printer’s memory.

5.4 Protocol Selection
The protocol that is active at power-up is selected through Generic Feature 1 in
Set-up. When this feature is selected, the protocol is determined at power-up
by the following rules:
If the Port Selection feature is set to "Serial Port", the DEC protocol is
selected.
If the Port Selection feature is set to "Parallel Port", the IBM Proprinter
protocol is selected.
If the Port Selection feature is set to "Automatic", the first active port will
determine the selected protocol:
If the first active port is the serial port, the DEC protocol is selected.
If the first active port is the parallel port, the IBM Proprinter protocol
is selected.
After a protocol is selected, a new selection can only be done through
software commands, or through the Protocol switch on the control panel.

Configuring the Printer 5–5

6
Maintaining the Printer

6.1 General Maintenance
The printer does not need preventive maintenance.
The casing of the printer and the platen will need cleaning from time to time.
Digital’s computer-accessories catalog, DECdirect, lists suitable cleaners for
these tasks.
Always use the cleaners in accordance with the instructions on the cleaners..
Paper
Select the correct kind of paper for the job. Always make sure to position
paper squarely and set it tightly around the platen. Also make sure that
the printhead adjustment lever is in the correct position (See Section 3.3 in
Chapter 3). See Section 7.5 in Chapter 7 for paper specifications. To remove
paper from the printer, use the FF switch.
Ribbon Cartridge and Printhead
Keep samples of early printouts to help you know when to replace the ribbon
cartridge and printhead. Use only Digital-approved ribbon cartridges in the
printer. (Other cartridges may not give the same performance and may shorten
the life of the printhead.) See Section 6.3 in this chapter for information on
how to replace the ribbon cartridge, See Section 6.2 for tips on recognizing
when to replace the ribbon cartridge and printhead, or when to contact your
service representative.

Maintaining the Printer 6–1

6.2 Correcting Simple Problems
This section lists possible fault symptoms and suggests tests and actions to
help you clear those symptoms.
How to Use This Section
1

Find the category in which your problem occurs. For example, if the
print appears very light on the paper, look at Section 6.2.4, Print-related
Problems.

Find the symptom description that most closely matches the printer
symptom. In this example you would look at the symptom "Print faint
or of poor quality."

Try the first suggestion under that heading.

If the suggestion does not cure the problem, try the next suggestion.

If none of the suggestions enable you to continue printing, or if the fault is
not listed, you will need to contact your Digital sales representative.

Each time the printer is switched On, the indicators flash slowly for
approximately two seconds while the internal self-tests are run. Look at
all the indicators to make sure that they are all working. (If an internal fault
is detected, the Fault indicator will flash faster than the other indicators.)
If any indicators are faulty, or if the Fault indicator flashes, contact your
Digital sales representative.
Warning: It is assumed that the reader is not qualified to work on, or with,
high-voltage electricity. Interpret the suggestions in accordance with your
qualifications in electrical technology.

6.2.1 Power-related Problems
No indicators come On when power is switched On.
i

Check that the power cord and plug are securely fitted to the printer.

Ask for the power connector connections (and fuse, if fitted) to be
verified.

iii

Ask for the building electrical supply to be verified.

Ready indicator is flashing; Fault indicator is flashing (1 second
period), and does not respond when the Ready switch is pressed.
i

Is the access cover fitted and seated correctly?
Closing it and pressing the Ready switch should light the Ready
indicator.

6–2 Maintaining the Printer

If you have an Automatic Sheet Feeder, ensure that its front cover is
seated correctly.
Closing it and pressing the Ready switch should light up the Ready
indicator.

When the power is On, the carriage does not move.
i

Make sure that the access cover is seated correctly.

6.2.2 No Printout
Printing does not start.
i

Make sure that the Ready indicator is On. If not, press the Ready
switch. Printing should start when you send data from the host
computer.

Make sure that the printer is connected to the host computer. (Refer to
Section 1.5 in Chapter 1).

iii

Make sure that the host computer can send data.

Make sure that you have set the correct protocol. (Refer to Section 5.3
in Chapter 5.)

Make sure that you have selected the correct port (if the automatic
feature has not been selected). (Section 5.3 in Chapter 5.)

No response to computer commands. Ready indicator is On.
i

Examine and, if necessary, reseat the data cable connections.

Check the condition of the data cable. Replace it if necessary.

iii

Examine the features setup for a communications mismatch. Do the
features match those of the host computer?

Carriage moves, but there is no printout during Printing Self-test.
i

Make sure that the ribbon is installed.

Examine the ribbon path. Does the ribbon pass in front of the whole
printhead? Adjust the ribbon if necessary. (See Section 1.3.3).

Pinfeed paper does not advance.
i

Pull the paper release lever towards the front of the printer for tractor
feed.

Single sheet paper does not advance.
i

Push the paper release lever towards the back of the printer for friction
feed.

Maintaining the Printer 6–3

6.2.3 Operation-related Problems
Power/Ready indicator is flashing; Fault indicator is On.
i

This is an "out of paper" response. Make sure that the tractor/friction
feed lever is in the position needed by your application. Load paper;
the Fault indicator will turn Off, and the Power/Ready indicator will
either turn On or flash. If it flashes, press the Ready switch to turn On
the Power/Ready indicator.

The LA75 Plus stops printing; Fault indicator is On.
i

This is an "out of paper" response. Load paper; if the Ready indicator
is flashing, press the Ready switch. The LA75 Plus should resume
printing.

Make sure that the paper is not torn or otherwise damaged.

No reverse paper feed.
i

Make sure that you are not at the end of the paper.

Make sure that the paper is not damaged.

Paper is not positioned at perforation for tear-off feature.
i

Make sure that the printer is in the Pause state. If the Ready indicator
is On, press the Ready switch.

If the platen has been moved by hand, reload the paper. Make sure
that you use a complete form for the first sheet.

iii

Select the correct form length using the Set-up feature.

Printhead carriage does not move smoothly.
i

Examine the paper pathway. Remove any obstructions.

Examine the printhead carriage bar (the round bar on which the
printhead moves). Is it dirty? If so, clean it with an oil-lubricated soft
cloth. Do not use water or cleaners containing solvents.

iii

Examine the carriage area for obstructions. Remove, where necessary.

Carriage does not move; Fault indicator flashes.
i

Examine the paper pathway. Remove any obstructions. Press the
Ready switch when the paper pathway is cleared.

6–4 Maintaining the Printer

6.2.4 Print-related Problems
Printer cannot print in color.
i

Check that the color ribbon (LA75R-KC) is installed.

Check that the proper control sequences are sent to the printer. (See
the English-language Appendix C.)

Font cartridge has been installed, but the printer is still using
internal Courier fonts.
i

Switch off the printer and check that the font cartridge has been
correctly inserted.

Check that the font cartridge has been selected in the printer Setup (see the English-language Appendix A), or that proper control
sequences are sent to the printer (Appendix C).

Print faint or of poor quality.
i

Is the paper thickness control set correctly for the paper you are using?
Adjust as necessary. See Section 3.3 in Chapter 3.

Have you used the correct paper? See Section 7.5 in Chapter 7 which
contains a full specification of the paper you can use. Replace the paper
if it does not match the specification.

iii

Make sure that the ribbon is tensioned correctly.

Make sure that the ribbon is of the correct type. (See Section 7.5).

Does the ribbon need changing? Replace it with a new ribbon if
necessary.

Is the ribbon cartridge properly seated? Reseat as necessary.

Character or characters do not print evenly or are not uniform in
pitch.
i

Examine the paper pathway for dirt or other obstruction that may
cause the gap between printhead and platen to vary. Remove the
obstruction.

Print lines overlap.
i

Examine the paper pathway for dirt or other obstruction that may
prevent the platen from rotating freely. Remove the obstruction.

Make sure that the paper release lever is set fully to the front or to the
rear and not in an intermediate position.

iii

Make sure that the platen can rotate freely by moving the platen
knob.

Maintaining the Printer 6–5

Characters printed at a slant; paper tears or jams.
i

Make sure that the paper release lever is set fully to the front or to the
rear and not in an intermediate position.

Examine the paper pathway; remove any obstructions.

iii

Is the paper too loose or too taut between the tractors?
If the holes in the paper are deformed at their outer edges, the paper is
too taut.
If the paper rises between the tractors, it is too loose.
Readjust the tractor spacing so that the paper lies smoothly but
without any tension.
Ensure that the paper is horizontally aligned on the pins.

Error reports or characters printed; Ready indicator is On.
i

Examine and, if necessary, reseat the data cable connections.

Examine the features setup; there may be a communications mismatch.
Do the features match those of the host computer?

Printer does not stop when out of paper.
i

Printer circuits do not detect that there is no paper. Examine the paper
pathway. Remove any obstructions. Press the Ready switch when the
paper pathway is cleared.

6.2.5 Ribbon or Carriage-related Problems
Ribbon Problems.
i

Make sure that the ribbon is:
Tensioned correctly
Not worn thin or dry
Not torn or damaged in any other way
Not jammed
The correct type as recommended by Digital (See Section 7.5 in
Chapter 7).

Carriage does not move smoothly.
i

Examine the paper pathway. Remove any obstructions.

Examine the printhead carriage bar (the round bar on which the
printhead moves.) Is it dirty? If so, clean it with a soft cloth.

iii

Examine the carriage area for obstructions. Remove where necessary.

6–6 Maintaining the Printer

6.3 Removing and Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge
1

Remove the printer access cover.

Move the printhead carriage to the center of the platen.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Caution: Only use Digital’s LA75 Plus ribbons (LA75R-KA or LA75R-KC).
Do not use LA75 ribbons (LA50R-O6) as this could reduce the life of the
printhead.

Maintaining the Printer 6–7

Push the ribbon cartridge notches outward and remove the ribbon cartridge
by pulling it upwards. Discard the old ribbon cartridge.

6–8 Maintaining the Printer

Turn the ribbon adjustment knob on the new cartridge in the direction
indicated.

Maintaining the Printer 6–9

Fit the ribbon cartridge between the mounting clips (C) on the carriage.
Make sure that the ribbon fits between the front of the printhead (B) and
the clear plastic smudge guard (A). Press down on the cartridge until you
hear it click into place.
Note: Make sure that the ribbon is secured on both the left and right
sides.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

6–10 Maintaining the Printer

Tighten the ribbon with the ribbon adjustment knob.

LA7

rinte

anio

omp

C
Plus

Replace the access cover.

Maintaining the Printer 6–11

6.4 Removing and Replacing the Fuse
Note: Turn the power switch to 0 (off). Disconnect the power cord from the
wall outlet and the printer.
1

Push the fuse holder in while turning it to the left, and remove it.

Caution: Replace the old fuse with a new one of equal value.

6–12 Maintaining the Printer

7
Reference Information

7.1 Service
If you cannot correct a problem with the printer, contact your Digital sales
representative.

7.2 Digital Equipment Corporation Services
Digital Equipment Corporation provides a wide range of maintenance programs
that cover small systems, terminals, and printers. These include on-site, carryin, and mail-in maintenance services. You can use these programs to select
a plan that meets your service needs, from complete Digital support to
self-maintenance.
On-Site Service

Choose from three fast, low-cost, high quality,
on-site maintenance options: DECservice, Basic
Service Agreements, or Time and Materials service.

Carry-In Service

More than 150 Digital service centers in major
cities around the world offer convenient, fast, and
dependable "return-to" maintenance.

DECmailer

For those capable of self-maintenance, a fast
turnaround module and sub-assembly repair
service.

For more information on any of Digital Equipment Corporation’s Maintenance
Services, call the Digital Customer Services office in your area during normal
business hours.

Reference Information 7–1

7.3 Calling the Service Center
Refer to the following advice before calling the service center.
Before calling for service, check
the problem yourself.

Check Section 6.2 in Chapter 6; you may be able to
solve the problem yourself.

Who should call for service?

Typically, the system manager should place the call
for service.

What the service center
needs to know.

Write down the serial and model numbers of the
LA75 Plus. These are located on the back of the
printer.

Be ready to answer questions
when you call.

Summarize the problem. Make a note of:
What you were doing when the printer failed
Any indications on the control panel
Any strange noises
Stay by the printer/host system if possible; the
service engineer may ask you to recreate the
problem.

Where you should call.

In the continental United States, call DIGITAL at
1–800–272–2001. In Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and
Europe, call your local sales office for service.

7.4 Summary of Set-up Features
The following table summarizes the LA75 Plus set-up features and factory
settings. Refer to Appendix A for a full listing of the features and their
associated values.
Note: Set-up feature 99 stores the factory setting for each feature. If you
enter the value YES for this feature, the factory settings overwrite any existing
feature values when you exit from Set-up mode.

7–2 Reference Information

Number

Feature

Factory-set Value

Generic 1

Protocol at Power-up

Port Dependant

Generic 2

Form Length

11 inches

Generic 3

Vertical Pitch

6 LPI

Generic 4

Automatic Advance

Not Selected

Generic 5

Print Quality Control

Software Control

Generic 6

Port Selection

Automatic

Generic 7

Baud Rate

4800

Generic 8

Data Bits and Parity

8-None

Generic 9

Buffer Control

XON/XOFF

Generic 10

Error Beep

One Beep

Generic 11

Typestyle

Internal

Generic 12

Input Buffer Size

Generic 13

Disconnect on Fault

Not Selected

DEC 1

Horizontal Pitch

10 CPI (80 col)

DEC 2

GO Character Set

U.S ASCII

DEC 3

User Pref Character Set

DEC Supplemental

DEC 4

Printer ID

Conf. Level 2 (LA75 Plus)

DEC 5

Text Mode Right Margin

Wrap

DEC 6

Auto LF on CR

Not Selected

DEC 7

Auto CR on LF

Not Selected

DEC 8

Disconnect on EOT

Not Selected

DEC 9

Initialization Message

Not Selected

X24 1

Slashed Zero

Without Slash

X24 2

Auto LF on CR

Not Selected

X24 3

Auto CR on LF

Not Selected

X24 4

Active Character Table

Graphics Set A

X24 5

National character set

U.S.A (Code Page 437)

X24 6

Emphasized

Not Selected

X24 7

Character Height

Single

X24 8

Horizontal Pitch

10 CPI

X24 9

Alternate Graphic Mode

Not Selected

Reference Information 7–3

7.5 Specifications
Printer Specifications

Feature

Range

Printing Method:

Impact Dot Matrix, 24 pin

Print Head:

24 wires @ 180 dots per inch vertical density

Sensors:

Print head position
Cover open
Paper out
Paper edge
Parking lever pulled
Automatic Sheet Feeder present

Protocols:

Digital’s Conformance Level-2 (for sixel graphics)
IBM Proprinter (X24E)

Interfaces:

Serial, via 6 pin DECconnect type connector
Parallel, via 36 pin Centronics type connector

Selectable Baud
Rates:

200, 300, 600, 1200
2400, 4800, 9600

Selectable Data Bits
and Parity:

7-Even, 7-Odd, 7/Space, 7/Mark
8-Even, 8-Odd, 8-None

Print Modes:

Normal
Quiet (double passes)

Average Print Speeds:
Print

Paper Handling:

7–4 Reference Information

Speed

Draft

250 CPS

NLQ

125 CPS

83CPS

Pinfeed, Single Sheet
Single bin Automatic Sheet Feeder (optional)
Also see Paper Specifications in this chapter

Feature

Range

Selectable Form
Length:

mm
Inches
76.2
3
88.9
3.5
101.6
4
139.7
5.5
152.4
6
177.8
7
203.2
8
215.9
8.5
279.4
11
296.16
11 2/3
304.8
12
355.6
14
381
15
(0.176):XXX
(1/180"):XXX
Other values are available by software selection.

Horizontal Print
Density:

Vertical Print
Density:

5 CPI
6 CPI
6.6 CPI
8.25 CPI
8.55 CPI
9 CPI

2 LPI
3 LPI
4 LPI
6 LPI
8 LPI
12 LPI

10 CPI (80 col)
12 CPI
13.2 CPI
16.5 CPI (132 col)
17.1 CPI
18 CPI

1 LPCM
2 LPCM
4 LPCM

Reference Information 7–5

Feature

Range

Character Sets:

DEC
US ASCII
Great Britain
DEC Finland
France
DEC French/Canada
Germany
Italy
JIS Roman
DEC Norway/Denmark
Spain
DEC Sweden
Norway/Denmark
DEC Dutch
DEC Swiss
DEC Portugal

DEC Hebrew
DEC Turkish
DEC Turkish Supplemental
DEC Greek Supplemental
DEC Supplemental
DEC Technical
Katakana
DEC Hebrew Supplemental
VT100
W.P. Legal
ISO Latin 1 Supplemental
ISO Hebrew Supplemental
ISO Latin 5 Supplemental
ISO Greek Supplemental

IBM
USA (Code Page 437)
Multilingual (Code Page 850)
Portugal (Code Page 860)
Norway (Code Page 865)
Spain (Code Page 220)
Greece (Code Page 210)
Canada - French (Code Page 863)
German GS (Code Page 190)
Turkey (Code Page 857)

Printing Quality
Modes:

Draft
LQ

Print Attributes:

Underline
Double underline
Overline
Italic
Strike-through
Shadow bold
Double width

Noise Level:

Draft Mode - 6.5 LwAd, 55 LpAm
Quality Mode - 6.4 LwAd, 54 LpAm
Quiet Mode - 6.3 LwAd 53 LpAm

7–6 Reference Information

Feature

Range

Dimensions:

Width= 400 mm (15.7"),
Depth = 290 mm (11.4"),
Height = 120 mm (4.8"),
Height with Auto Sheet Feeder = 400 mm (15.7")

Weight:

16 pounds (7,5 kg)

Power Requirements:

100 V @ 1.6 Amps, 50/60 Hz, 50 W
120 V @ 1.6 Amps, 50/60 Hz, 50 W
220 V @ 1.0 Amps, 50/60 Hz, 50 W
240 V @ 1.0 Amps, 50/60 Hz, 50 W

Exact values on noise levels for specific configurations are available from your Digital
representative.

Reference Information 7–7

Paper Specifications

Feature

Range

Paper Types:

Pinfeed (tractor media)
Single sheets
Up to 3 part forms
Envelopes

Continuous Paper
(Tractor Media):

Single part continuous paper between 4" and 10" wide
including perforations is supported. The allowable
weight for these forms is 56 to 90 g/m² (15 to 24 pounds
per ream).

Multiple part forms: 4" to 10" wide including
perforation.
3 parts (1 original and 2 copies) with carbon:
First Sheet - 60 to 75 g/m² (16 to 20 lb/ream)
Copies - 45 to 56 g/m² (12 to 15 lb/ream)
Total thickness: .012" maximum (0.3 mm)
3 parts (1 original and 2 copies) without carbon:
First Sheet and Copies - 54 to 56 g/m² (14.5 to 15
lb/ream)
Last Sheet - 49 to 56 g/m² (13 to 15 lb/ream)
Total thickness: .012" maximum (0.3 mm)
NOTE
Hole spacing should be 12.7 mm +/- 0.25 mm
(0.50" +/- 0.01") non-accumulative over 50.8 mm
(2.00") with a hole diameter of 3.8 mm to 4.1
mm (0.15" to 0.16").

Single-sheet Paper
(Hand-fed Media):

Single-sheet plain bond, typewriter quality paper between
60 and 90 g/m² (16 and 24 pounds per ream).
Hand-fed multiple-part forms (.012 max. thickness) and up
to 8.5" in width.

Single-sheet Paper
(Sheet-feeder Media):

Single-sheet plain bond (60 to 90 g/m² (16 to 24 lb/ream))
Bin Capacity: up to 80 sheets at 75 g/m² (20 lb/ream)

7–8 Reference Information

7.6 Printer Accessories
Description

Part Number

Ribbon Cartridges
Black Ribbon Cartridges (six in a box)

LA75R-KA

Color Ribbon Cartridges (six in a box)

LA75R-KC

Font Cartridges
Letter Gothic Font

LA75Y-CA

Orator Font

LA75Y-CB

Prestige Elite Font

LA75Y-CC

OCR A Font

LA75Y-CD

OCR B Font

LA75Y-CE

ISO Latin 2/
Cyrillic Character Set Cartridge

LA75Y-CF

Cables
Serial Data Cable

BC16E-10

Parallel Data Cable

BC-19M-10

Shielded Serial Data Cable

DD-16E-10

Accessories
Automatic Sheet Feeder

LA75Y-SF

Acoustic Cover