Epson FX-870/1170 - Manual (Page 61)

Troubleshooting
Table 3-9. Serial Communications Errors (Continued)
Problem
Device timeout
Possible Cause
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The computer is not set for
infinite retries to the
printer.
Solution
Type a MODE command from the MS-DOS prompt
that includes the infinite retry parameter. For
instance, if the serial interface card’s switches are
in the factory setting, type:
is the number of the COM port you are using.)
The P parameter at the end of the command sets
infinite retries to the printer.
Characters are
printed as
graphics or are
printed in italics.
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Bit word length mismatch the word length set with DIP switch 1-2 on
the interface card. To be sure that the computer
is set to the same setting, type a MODE command
from the MS-DOS prompt. For instance, if the
serial interface card’s switches are in the factory
setting, type:
is the number of the COM port you are using.)
The 8 parameter in the command sets the word
length to 8 bits.
The printer
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Handshaking problem Verify that computer and printer are using the
outputs a couple
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Cable problem same type of handshaking. One cannot use
of pages and BUSY/READY if the other is using XON/XOFF.
then stops.
Check the cable configuration. (See Figure 2-1
and Figure 2-2.)
Nothing is
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Cable problem
printed.
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Baud rate mismatch
Check the cable configuration. (See Figure 2-1
and Figure 2-2.)
Verify the baud rate set with the DIP switches on
the interface card. To be sure that the computer
is set to the same setting, type a MODE command
from the MS-DOS prompt. For instance, if the
serial interface card’s switches are in the factory
setting, type:
is the number of the COM port you are using.)
3-8 Epson