Oki Microline 320 - User Manual

MICROLINE 320/390FB
User Manual (English)
MICROLINE 320/390FB User Manual (English)

Summary

Note to Customers

Important Safety Instructions

Important Wiring Instructions

Installing Your Printer

Preliminaries

Connecting to the Computer

Installing the Ribbon Cartridge

Loading Paper

Loading Continuous Paper

Instructions for loading continuous paper into the printer, covering paper path and adjustments.

Loading Cut Sheet paper

Setting the Top of Form

Positioning of the Printer

Running a Self Test

Printing Demo Patterns

Changing Menu Settings

Specifications

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Installation and Setup
4. Connecting to a Computer
5. Ribbon Cartridge Installation
6. Loading Paper
7. Setting the Top of Form
8. Positioning the Printer
9. Running a Self Test
10. Printing Demo Patterns
11. Changing Menu Settings
12. Maintenance Features
13. Cleaning
14. Troubleshooting
15. Ribbon Replacement
16. Printhead Protection

The OKI MICROLINE 320/390FB is a dot matrix printer designed for reliable and efficient printing. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining the printer, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Function Description

The MICROLINE 320/390FB is a versatile printer capable of handling various paper types, including continuous paper, cut sheets, multipart forms, envelopes, card stock, labels, and transparencies. It supports both parallel and serial interfaces, making it compatible with a wide range of computer systems. The printer is designed for both general office use and specialized applications requiring multipart forms or continuous paper. The 320FB model features a 9-pin printhead, while the 390FB model utilizes a 24-pin printhead, offering different levels of print quality and speed.

Usage Features

Installation and Setup:

Before plugging in the printer, it's crucial to remove the shipping retainer that protects the printhead during transport. This retainer should be saved for future transportation. The sheet stacker is easily installed by aligning its studs with the holes at the end of the rear vent. The power cord connects to the back of the printer and an earthed socket. It's important to ensure the power source matches the printer's rating and to avoid using adapters that defeat earthing. Once powered on, the POWER and ALARM lamps should illuminate; if paper is loaded, the SEL lamp will also light up.

Connecting to a Computer:

For standard Centronics parallel interface, ensure both the printer and computer are switched off before connecting the interface cable. The cable plugs into the port on the back of the printer and is secured with wire clips. The other end connects to the computer's printer port.

Ribbon Cartridge Installation:

To install the ribbon cartridge, first set the headgap lever to the "R" position and open the access cover. Gently slide the printhead towards the center to access the cut-out in the sheet guide. Hold the ribbon cartridge with the blue take-up knob facing up, insert the flat end into the upper part of the ribbon plate, and then lower the front over the printhead until it snaps into place. Turn the take-up knob in the direction of the arrow icon to tighten the ribbon. When removing a ribbon, move the cartridge to the position indicated by two arrow icons at the bottom and lift it out gently. It's important not to peel off the plastic film (ribbon mask) on the cartridge or stack cartridges sideways, as this can affect print quality. The printhead can get very hot during extended printing, so allow it to cool before touching it. Always use the correct ribbon to avoid print quality issues.

Loading Paper:

The printer supports both continuous paper and cut sheets.

• Loading Continuous Paper:

  1. Ensure the POWER lamp is on and the SEL lamp is off (if on, press the SEL button to turn it off).
  2. Push the paper lever to the continuous paper position.
  3. Adjust the headgap lever on the left side of the printer according to the paper thickness. The lever has seven positions for different sheet counts and an eighth position for extra-thick paper. For positions above 5, the printer slows down to maintain print quality with thicker multipart forms. The "R" position is for ribbon cartridge replacement.
  4. Lift the paper table gently from both sides.
  5. Open the lock levers on both pin tractors to adjust them to the paper width. Slide the sheet support to the center of the paper.
  6. Open both pin-tractor covers.
  7. Lay the continuous paper with the printing face upwards onto the pin-tractors, ensuring the first two pins poke through the sprocket holes and the paper covers the pin tractors. The space between the left edge of the paper and the left end of the platen must be more than 1/2 inch; otherwise, a Paper Out alarm will light.
  8. Close the left pin-tractor cover and push the left lock lever into the backwards (lock) position.
  9. Slide the right pin-tractor to tighten the paper, press the right lock lever down (lock position), and close the pin tractor cover. The arrow icon (▼) on the scale and the center of the diamond-shaped hole indicate the center of the first printed character.
  10. Close the paper table. The extension guide is not needed for continuous paper and should be pushed clockwise to fold under the sheet stacker.
  11. When the table is closed, the ALARM lamp will come on, indicating no paper is loaded. Press the FORM FEED button to load the paper automatically. The ALARM lamp will turn off, and the SEL lamp will turn on, signaling readiness for printing.

• Loading Cut Sheet Paper:

  1. Ensure the power is on and the SEL lamp is off.
  2. Pull the paper lever to the forwards (cut sheet paper) position.
  3. Position the headgap lever for the appropriate paper thickness.
  4. Place the cut-sheet along the paper guide with the printing face uppermost and insert it into the feed slot. The arrow icon (▼) indicates the center of the first printing character.
  5. The sheet will load automatically. The ALARM lamp will turn off, and the SEL lamp will turn on, indicating readiness to print.
  6. If paper jams, the ALARM lamp will blink. Open the access cover, remove the paper, close the cover, and press the SEL button to stop blinking.
  7. If the paper was not straight or positioned incorrectly, set the paper lever to the backwards position, remove the paper, and try again.
  8. After printing, press the SEL button to take the printer offline, then press the PAPER PARK button to eject the last page.

Setting the Top of Form:

The printer allows precise adjustment of the top of form (the first line of the printing surface) in increments of 1/144 inch. To advance the paper, hold the TOF/QUIET button and press the FORM FEED button. To reverse, hold the TOF/QUIET button and press the LINE FEED button. Release both buttons at the desired position, then press TOF/QUIET again to fix the setting. This setting is stored in the printer's memory until reset. Manual adjustment is also possible by turning the platen knob when the SEL lamp is off. Ensure the paper is deep enough for the platen to grip to prevent jamming.

Positioning the Printer:

For continuous paper, place the printer on a table approximately 75 cm high to allow paper storage underneath, ensuring a straight paper feed. Maintain at least 60 cm clearance from a wall for paper storage to prevent jamming.

Running a Self Test:

After installing the ribbon and paper, a self-test can be run to verify functionality. The default paper setting is 269.24mm; for smaller widths, change the setting to 203.2mm using the MENU MODE.

Printing Demo Patterns:

1. Load the correct paper.
2. Switch off the printer.
3. Choose a demo pattern from the table provided in the manual and press the corresponding button while turning on the power. The self-test will start immediately.
4. In self-test mode, the printer stops printing upon sensing the paper end signal. To interrupt printing, press the MODE button.
5. Once the self-test is complete, the SEL lamp will come on, and the printer will be ready to receive data.

Changing Menu Settings:

1. Ensure the printer is online.
2. Press the MODE/Exit button to enter Menu Mode.
3. Press the TOF/QUIET/Print button to print a list of current menu settings.
4. Use the LINE FEED/Group button to select the menu group.
5. Use the FORM FEED/Item button to select the menu group item.
6. Press the PAPER PARK/Set button to change the current item setting.
7. After making all changes, press the MODE/Exit button to exit Menu Mode.
8. Press the PAPER PARK/Set button to eject the paper. It is recommended to run a self-test after changing menu settings to check print quality. To restore factory default settings, turn the power on while holding down the MODE/Exit and SEL buttons.

Maintenance Features

Cleaning:

Always disconnect the printer from the mains source before cleaning. Regular cleaning helps maintain print quality and extends the life of the printer. Specific cleaning instructions for the printhead and other components should be followed as outlined in the full maintenance section of the manual (not provided in this excerpt).

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides guidance on common issues. If persistent problems occur, switch off the printer, disconnect it from the mains, and contact your dealer for assistance. The ALARM lamp serves as an indicator for issues like paper jams or paper out conditions.

Ribbon Replacement:

The ribbon cartridge is designed for easy replacement. The blue take-up knob helps tighten the ribbon, and specific arrow icons guide the removal process. Using the correct ribbon type is crucial for optimal print quality.

Printhead Protection:

The shipping retainer is a key component for protecting the printhead during transport, highlighting the importance of proper handling and storage. The printhead can become very hot, so caution is advised when handling it after extended use.

Oki Microline 320 Specifications

General

Print Method	Impact Dot Matrix
Emulation	Epson FX, IBM ProPrinter
Print Direction	Bidirectional
Resolution	240 x 216 dpi
Connectivity	Parallel
Paper Handling	Continuous Forms, Cut Sheet
Paper Width	Up to 10 inches
Noise Level	55 dBA
Number of Pins	9-Pin