OKIDATA Microline 320 Turbo - User Manual

Setting up the Okidata Microline 320 Turbo to work with AutoDealer Plus
Physically Setting up the Printer:
1. First make sure the power switch
is in the “Off” position. Next plug
in the power cable to the back of
the printer, and plug the other
end into the wall. Then plug the
parallel data cable into the
printer. Make sure you plug the
other end of the data cable into
the back of your computer. Make
sure the printer turned off. We
will turn it on in a later step.
2. Move the lever on the right side
of the printer to the middle
position, so it is set to “Top”
feed.
3. Adjust the paper guide to
accept paper in the manual
feed position. The paper guide
should be at a 45 degree angle.
4. Slide the margin bracket on
the left side until it is touching
the notch. This margin
bracket will never need to be
adjusted and should always
remain in this position. Align
the right bracket by placing a
standard sheet of paper in the
printer and sliding it until it
keeps the paper in place
between both brackets
without binding the paper.

Summary

Physically Setting Up the Printer

Power and Data Cable Connection

Connects the power cable to the printer and wall, and the parallel data cable to the printer and computer.

Paper Feed Lever Adjustment

Adjusts the lever on the right side to the middle position for "Top" feed.

Paper Guide Adjustment

Adjusts the paper guide to accept paper in manual feed position at a 45-degree angle.

Margin Bracket Setup

Sets the left margin bracket to the notch and aligns the right bracket with paper.

Resetting the Printer

Factory Reset Procedure

Resets the printer to factory settings by holding SEL and Quiet buttons while powering on.

Adjusting Firmware Settings

Entering Firmware Menu

Enters the firmware menu by holding the Shift button and pressing the Menu button.

Setting Emulation Mode

Presses the Group button to print 'Printer Control Emulation Mode IBM PPR'.

Configuring Paper Out Override

Navigates menus using Group and Item buttons to set Paper Out Override to Yes.

Setting Auto Select

Presses the Item and Set buttons to change 'Auto Select' to 'Yes'.

Aligning the Feed Length

Adjusting Paper Position

Uses Shift and Micro Feed buttons to position paper 1/16th inch above the plastic guard.

Installing the Windows Driver

Automatic Driver Installation

Installs the default Windows driver by clicking Next through the Found New Hardware Wizard.

Printing a Test Page

Verifying Printer Functionality

Prints a test page from printer properties to confirm correct operation.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Physical Setup and Initial Configuration
4. Resetting the Printer
5. Adjusting Firmware Settings for AutoDealer Plus
6. Aligning the Feed Length
7. Installing the Windows Driver
8. Printing a Test Page
9. Maintenance Features

This document provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, configuring, and maintaining an Okidata Microline 320 Turbo printer, specifically for use with AutoDealer Plus software. The guide covers physical setup, firmware adjustments, paper feed alignment, driver installation, and printing a test page, ensuring the printer operates optimally for its intended application.

Function Description

The Okidata Microline 320 Turbo is a dot matrix printer designed for reliable and efficient printing, particularly in business environments where continuous forms or multi-part documents are common. When integrated with AutoDealer Plus, its primary function is to print contracts and other essential documents, offering a robust solution for dealerships. The printer's firmware can be adjusted to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with specific software applications, allowing for precise control over printing parameters such as emulation mode, paper handling, and margin settings. Its durable design and ability to handle various paper types make it suitable for demanding printing tasks.

Usage Features

The setup process begins with the physical connection of the printer. Users must first ensure the printer is turned off but plugged in. The power cable connects to the back of the printer and then to a wall outlet. The parallel data cable connects from the printer to the computer, ensuring a secure connection at both ends. Once connected, the printer can be powered on.

Physical Setup and Initial Configuration:

1. Power and Data Cable Connection: Connect the power cable to the printer and a wall outlet. Connect the parallel data cable from the printer to the computer. Ensure all connections are secure.
2. Lever Adjustment: Locate the lever on the right side of the printer. Move it to the middle position, setting it to "Top" feed.
3. Paper Guide Adjustment: Adjust the paper guide to accept paper in the manual feed position. The paper guide should be set at a 45-degree angle.
4. Margin Bracket Adjustment: Slide the margin bracket on the left side until it is touching the notch. This margin bracket will never need to be adjusted and should always remain in this position. Align the right bracket by placing a standard sheet of paper in the printer and sliding it until it keeps the paper in place between both brackets without binding the paper.

Resetting the Printer:

Before adjusting firmware settings, it is recommended to reset the printer to factory settings, even if it is a new printer.

1. Power Off: Ensure the printer is turned off but still plugged in.
2. Button Combination: Hold down the "SEL" button and the "Quiet" button simultaneously.
3. Power On: While holding the buttons, turn the printer on. The printer will reset to factory defaults.

Adjusting Firmware Settings for AutoDealer Plus:

These adjustments program the printer to work specifically with AutoDealer Plus. If any errors occur during this process, the printer can be reset to factory settings as described above.

1. Paper Insertion: Place a plain white piece of paper into the printer.
2. Menu Access: Hold down the "Shift" button, then press the "Menu" button, and release both. The menu light at the bottom will illuminate.
3. Emulation Mode Setting: Press the "Group" button. The printer will print a line. Wait at least 2 seconds for the line to finish printing before proceeding. The goal is to set the "Emulation Mode" to "IBM PPR". Continue pressing the "Group" button until the line "Printer Control Emulation Mode IBM PPR" is printed.
4. Graphics Setting: Press the "Group" button six more times until it prints the line: "Set-Up Graphics Uni-Directional".
5. Paper Out Override Setting: Press the "Item" button two times until it prints the line: "Set-Up Paper Out Override No".
6. Confirm Paper Out Override: Press the "Set" button. The printer will print the same line, but it will now say "Yes" in the right column, confirming the setting change.
7. Auto Select Setting: Press the "Item" button ten times, waiting at least 2 seconds after each print, until it prints the line: "Set-Up Auto Select No".
8. Confirm Auto Select: Press the "Set" button. The printer will print the same line, but it will now say "Yes" in the right column, confirming the setting change.
9. Exit Menu: Hold down the "Shift" button, then press the "Menu" button, and release both. The menu light should turn off.
10. Paper Removal: Press the "Park" button to completely remove the paper from the printer.

Aligning the Feed Length:

Accurate paper feed length is crucial for precise printing.

1. Paper Insertion: Place the same piece of paper back into the printer. Observe the plastic guard that holds the paper against the roller. The paper should protrude about half an inch above this guard.
2. Micro Feed Down: Hold the "Shift" button and then hold down the "Micro Feed Down" button until the paper has moved down to the top of the plastic guard. Adjust the paper so it is just barely above the plastic guard (approximately 1/16th of an inch).
3. Micro Feed Up (if needed): If the paper moves too far down, hold the "Shift" button and tap the "Micro Feed up" button to make fine adjustments.
4. Verification: It is recommended to press "Park" and remove the paper, then re-insert it a few times to ensure consistent loading in the same place every time.

Installing the Windows Driver:

When the printer is first plugged into the computer, Windows will typically detect new hardware and initiate a driver installation wizard.

1. Wizard Initiation: When the "Found New Hardware Wizard" appears, click "Next".
2. Automatic Installation: Select "Install the software automatically (Recommended)".
3. Completion: Click "Next" through subsequent windows until "Finish" appears, then click "Finish". This installs the default Windows driver. No driver disk is needed as the drivers are built into most major Windows versions.

Printing a Test Page:

After installation, it's important to verify the printer's functionality.

1. Default Printer Setting: Ensure the Okidata is not set as the default printer in Windows. A laser printer or another primary printer should be the default for other documents. To check or change this, click "Start", then "Run...", type "control printers", and click "OK". Right-click on the desired default printer (which will have a black dot with a check mark) and select "Set as Default Printer".
2. Print Test Page: Right-click on the Okidata printer icon, then click "Properties". Click the "Print Test Page" button in the bottom right. If paper is not already in the printer, insert one to print the test page.

Maintenance Features

The document highlights one key maintenance aspect related to paper feeding:

• Roller Cleaning/Replacement: If the paper loads inconsistently in different places, it may indicate that the black roller is not gripping the paper properly. In such cases, the roller may need to be cleaned or replaced to ensure consistent and accurate paper feeding. This is crucial for maintaining print quality and preventing paper jams.

The overall design of the Okidata Microline 320 Turbo, combined with these detailed setup and adjustment instructions, aims to provide a reliable and precise printing solution for specialized applications like contract printing in a dealership environment. The ability to fine-tune firmware settings and paper alignment ensures that documents are printed accurately and consistently, minimizing errors and improving workflow efficiency.

OKIDATA Microline 320 Turbo Specifications

General

Print Technology	Dot Matrix
Print Resolution	240 x 216 dpi
Connectivity	Parallel, Serial, USB
Emulations	Epson FX, IBM ProPrinter
Noise Level	55 dB
Paper Handling	Tractor Feed, Friction Feed
Number of Pins	9-Pin