Epson LQ-570e - Installing or Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge

EPSON LQ-570e/LQ-580 Revision C
Product Description Interface Specifications
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1.4.4 Interface Selection
The printer has 2 interfaces; the parallel interface and Type-B optional interface. These
interfaces are selected manually by Default Setting or selected automatically.
o Manual Selection
One of 2 interfaces can be selected by Default Setting.
o Automatic Selection
The automatic interface selection is enabled by Default Setting. In this automatic
interface selection mode, the printer is initialized to the idle state scanning which
interface receives data when it is powered on. Then the interface that receives data
first is selected. When the host stops data transfer and the printer is in stand-by
state for the seconds specified by Default Setting, the printer is returned to the idle
state. As long as the host sends data or the printer interface is in busy state, the
selected interface is let as it is.
o Interface State and Interface Selection
When the parallel interface is not selected, the interface gets into a busy state.
When the Type-B serial interface card is installed and it is not selected, the
interface sends XOFF and sets the DTR signal MARK. When the optional
interface is not selected, the printer sets “OFFLINE” bit of MNSTS register to the
optional interface.
When the printer is initialized or returned to the idle state, the parallel interface got
into a ready state, the serial interface sends XON and sets the DTR SPACE and the
printer resets “OFFLINE” bit of MNSTS register to the optional interface. Caution
that the interrupt signal such as a -INIT signal on the parallel interface is not
effective while that interface is not selected.
1.4.5 Prevention Hosts from Data Transfer Time-out
Generally, hosts abandons data transfer to peripherals when a peripheral is in busy state for
dozens of seconds continuously. To prevent hosts from this kind of time-out, the printer
receives data very slowly, several bytes per minute, even if the printer is in busy state. This
slowdown is started when the rest of the input buffer becomes several hundreds of bytes. At
last, when the input buffer is full, the printer is in busy state continuously.
1.4.6 IEEE1284.4 protocol
The packet protocol described by IEEE1284.4 is supported on the parallel I/F.
Two function modes of IEEE1284.4 protocol, “Off” and “Auto” are available, and one of
them is selected according to the value of Default setting. (See 1.5.2.3 "Default Setting")
o Auto:
Communication is carried out in the conventional mode until a magic string
(1284.4 synchronous commands) is received. By receiving a magic string,
communication in IEEE1284.4 packet mode is started.
o Off:
Communication is carried out in the conventional mode. A magic string (1284.4
synchronous commands) is discarded.
NOTE: The packet protocol of IEEE1284.4 allows a device to carry on multiple
exchanges or conversations which contain data and/or control
information with another device at the same time across a single point-
to-point link.
The protocol is not, however, a device control language. It does provide
basic transport-level flow control and multiplexing services.
The multiplexed logical channels are independent of each and blocking
of one has no effect on the others. The protocol operates over IEEE1284.
1.4.7 Type-B Interface communication specification
o Reply for Optional Commands
Table 1-26. Reply for Optional Command
Option Command
Number
Command Name Reply-A Reply-B
00h No-operation -- --
01h Start Hardware Reset Accept* Execute OK*
02h Start Software Reset Reject --
03h Send Main System Type Accept Execute OK
04h Send Name Data Reject --
05h Inquire Name Data Accept Execute OK
06h Send Product Name Accept Execute OK
07h Send Software Emulation Type Accept Execute OK
08h Complete Buffered Data Accept Execute OK
09h Stop Procedure Reject --