Epson Stylus Color 300, Service Manual

Page: 24 / 44

Chapter 2 Operating Principles
Rev. A
2-1
2.1 OVERVIEW
Since most of the printer mechanism design and the electrical circuits of EPSON Stylus
Color 300 remains the same with EPSON Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200, this chapter only
describes the difference in the printer mechanism.
2.1.1 PRINTER MECHANISM
Based on the printer mechanism for EPSON Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200, a newly designed
one-piece 4-color printhead is incorporated on EPSON Stylus Color 300. This section only
describes the printhead.
2.1.1.1 Printhead Unit
The printhead unit for EPSON Stylus Color 300 is a new design printhead and has both
black and color (CMY) nozzles in one unit. The nozzle arrangement of the printhead is
shown below.
#B30
#29
#31
#B3
#B2
#B1
#C1
#M1
#Y1
#C11
#M11
#Y11
1/180" (0.1411mm)
1/60" (0.4233mm)
1/180" (0.1411mm)
1/180" (0.1411mm)
1/180" (0.1411mm)
1/60" (0.4233mm)
16/360"
(1.1289mm) 104/360"
(7.3378mm) 104/360"
(7.3378mm) 16/360"
(1.1289mm)
16/360"
(1.1289mm)
Print direction (Paper feed)
Viewed from the back of the printhead
Figure 2-1. Printhead (Nozzle Configuration)
To compensate the electrical characteristics variation of the piezo-electric element used on
each printhead unit, the electrical characteristics is measured at the factory and the
measured characteristic level is designated as an ID of the printhead. The ID of printhead is
recorded on each printedhead by changing a signal line pattern connection on the head
drive circuit of the printhead. The main control circuit detect the status of this signal line and
determines the printhead ID and adjust the head drive voltage level according to the
printhead ID. Therefore, no head ID registration to EEPROM is required on this printer.