Its time to expect a lot more from your Dot Matrix infrastructure.
Lexmark Forms Printer 2500 Series
Fast, reliable forms printing now with built-in networking on some models.
Rapid printing up to 510 cps (9-pin) and 465 cps (24-pin) Robust MTBF: 12,500 power-on hours (POH) at 25 percent duty cycle Versatile 4-part (24-pin) and 6-part (9-pin) forms printing Durable design, built for extreme environments Expanded support for fonts and bar codes Long-lasting 8-million-character ribbons available
2580/n 2581/n 2590/n 2591/n
Flexible paper-handling options available Network-ready models with remote management Simple to set up, operate and maintain

Expect results.

Reliability and performance, the Lexmark way
Built on Lexmarks proven heritage for superior performance and reliability, the Lexmark Forms Printer 2500 Series gives you what you need to be productive. In addition to rapid print speeds as fast as 510 cps, these printers boast a rugged design that can handle extreme environments and workloads. This includes powerful printheads that print up to 300 million characters and a robust MTBF of 12,500 POH*. Whats more, with 2MB of built-in flash memory, youll benefit from great functionality like expanded bar code support, non-volatile fonts and remote management.
*Power-on hours rated at 25 percent duty cycle
Enter a world of versatility
Whatever youre printing from invoices to packing slips to shelf labels you can count on the Forms Printer 2500 Series. Each printer comes with a handy push/pull tractor, allowing you to effortlessly switch between push and pull feeds for a smooth, versatile paper feed. You can also benefit from an array of flexible paper-handling options like the Automatic Sheet Feeder to load a stack of cut-sheet media, envelopes or multi-part forms, or the Tractor 2 so two types of continuous forms can be loaded simultaneously. Want to run longer without stopping? Then opt for the highyield ribbons which include automatic re-inking to reduce user intervention.
Life at the printer just got simpler!
These forms printers are easy to use right out of the box. First, there is no Web connection needed for driver setup - everything is on the CD. Loading ribbons and installing media options takes just seconds. There are many user-friendly operational features. The new operator panel gives easy access to all printer functions, and includes intuitive font indicators that display how the fonts look. Each model offers character and page counts via the operator panel (or via the Web page on network models), allowing you to effectively monitor supplies and page usage.
Connect on your own terms
Connectivity features include standard parallel and USB ports, as well as an optional internal serial port*. Benefit from our network models that include built-in Ethernet and security features such as IPSec, HTTPS, SNMPv3 and 802.1x authentication. Additionally, they support multiple protocols including IPX/SPX and TCP/IP (IPv4 & IPv6). Best of all, each network model comes with MarkVision Professional software, which gives you a simple and new way to manage your printers remotely. You can configure and query your devices, update firmware and troubleshoot, all via a flexible, user-friendly interface - a major plus for your helpdesk.
*Serial port not available with network model
Which model is perfect for your needs?
Lexmark Forms Printer 2580

l l l l l

Lexmark Forms Printer 2581
Lexmark Forms Printer 2590
Lexmark Forms Printer 2591
9-pin dot matrix, narrow format Print speeds up to 510 cps 6-part forms: 1 original + 5 copies 240 x 144 dpi quality Network-ready model available (2580n)
9-pin dot matrix, wide format Print speeds up to 510 cps 6-part forms: 1 original + 5 copies 240 x 144 dpi quality Network-ready model available (2581n)
24-pin dot matrix, narrow format Print speeds up to 465 cps 4-part forms: 1 original + 3 copies 360 x 360 dpi quality Network-ready model available (2590n)
24-pin dot matrix, wide format Print speeds up to 465 cps 4-part forms: 1 original + 3 copies 360 x 360 dpi quality Network-ready model available (2591n)
Lexmarks guarantee to you : At Lexmark, we work to ensure you achieve maximum productivity with minimum downtime. Our Forms Printer 2500 Series includes a Two-year Exchange service warranty, with a next business day response time (in serviceable areas). For even greater peace of mind, you can opt for one of our extended warranty service offerings. For more information on any of these offerings, visit us today at www. lexmark.com.
Fast, reliable 9-pin printing for narrow forms

Compact, affordable and easy to set up, the Lexmark Forms Printer 2580 offers performance as fast as 510 cps when printing up to 6-part forms (1 original + 5 copies). The Lexmark Forms Printer 2580n is available as a network-ready model.
Print Technology 9-Pin Dot Matrix Print Speeds Up to 304 cps Draft @12 cpi, Up to 510 cps Fast Draft @ 12cpi, Up to 76 cps Near Letter Quality @ 12 cpi Resolution 240 x 144 dots per inch Memory 512 KB Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) 12,500 POH @ 25% duty cycle Linux Operating Systems Supported Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, Debian GNU/Linux 3.1, 4.0, Linspire Linux 5.0, SUSE Linux 10.0, 10.1, 10.2 Microsoft Windows Operating Systems Supported 2000, NT (4.00/4.00 Server), Me, XP, Server 2003, 98 2nd Edition, XP x64, Server 2003 x64 Edition, Vista, Vista x64
Optional Local Ports Internal RS-232C serial Optional Network Ports Lexmark N4000e Fast Ethernet (Print Only), Lexmark N4050e 802.11g Wireless Print Server (Print Only), External MarkNet N7020e Gigabit Ethernet, External MarkNet N7000e Fast Ethernet (USB), External MarkNet N7002e Fast Ethernet (parallel) Printer Languages (Standard) Epson Emulation, Personal Printer Data Stream (PPDS), Okidata MICROLINE Emulation Text Fonts Fast Draft, Draft, Courier, Gothic, 10, 12, 15, 17.1, 20 cpi, Proportional Spaced (PS)
Paper Handling Optional Automatic Sheet Feeder (narrow), Tractor 2 (narrow) Paper Handling Standard Front Tractor Feeder Media Sizes Supported Single-part or multi-part Continuous Forms, Narrow Sheet Fed Paper, Singlepart or multi-part Cut Forms Media Types Supported Multi-part forms - Up to 1+5 Parts (up to 0.020 or 0.51 mm paper thickness), Single-part forms - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11 mm paper thickness), Forms or Paper - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11mm maximum paper thickness) Supplies Yield Optional 8 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi)- Re-Inking Ribbon, Standard 4 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi) - Re-Inking Ribbon
Packaged Size ( - H x W x D) 12.8 x 24.0 x 16.1 in. Size ( - H x W x D) 7.7 x 19.4 x 11.4 in. Weight (lbs) 17.6 lb. Noise Level, Idle 0 dBA Print Noise Level, Operating 56 dBA Maximum Print Line () 8.0 inches Product Warranty 2 Year Exchange, Next Business Day Response Product Certifications Energy Star, UL 60950-1, CSA, FCC Class B, VCCI, CB IEC 60950-1, SEMKO, GS (TV), CE Class B, SMA C-Tick Specified Operating Environment Humidity: 8 to 90% Relative Humidity, Temperature: 10 to 40C (50 to 104F)
Part Numbers 11C2550 Lexmark Forms Printer 2580 11C2551 Lexmark Forms Printer 2580n

Copywriter: Bill Fahber - October 2007. Cover image: Getty Images
Standard Ports Centronics IEEE 1284 Bidirectional Parallel, USB
Fast, reliable 9-pin printing for wide forms
Ideal for wide-format documents, like daily reports and packing slips, the Lexmark Forms Printer 2581 offers reliable 6-part forms (1 original + 5 copies) printing. Enjoy user-friendly functions and print speeds up to 510 cps. The Lexmark Forms Printer 2581n is available as a network-ready model.
Paper Handling Optional Automatic Sheet Feeder (wide), Tractor 2 (wide) Paper Handling Standard Front Tractor Feeder Media Sizes Supported Single-part or multi-part Continuous Forms, Wide Sheet Fed Paper, Single-part or multi-part Cut Forms Media Types Supported Multi-part forms - Up to 1+5 Parts (up to 0.020 or 0.51 mm paper thickness), Single-part forms - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11 mm paper thickness), Forms or Paper - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11mm maximum paper thickness) Supplies Yield Optional 8 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi)- Re-Inking Ribbon, Standard 4 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi) - Re-Inking Ribbon
Packaged Size ( - H x W x D) 12.8 x 29.6 x 16.1 in. Size ( - H x W x D) 7.7 x 24.9 x 11.4 in. Weight (lbs) 21.6 lb. Noise Level, Idle 0 dBA Print Noise Level, Operating 56 dBA Maximum Print Line () 13.6 inches Product Warranty 2 Year Exchange, Next Business Day Response Product Certifications Energy Star, UL 60950-1, CSA, FCC Class B, VCCI, CB IEC 60950-1, SEMKO, GS (TV), CE Class B, SMA C-Tick Specified Operating Environment Humidity: 8 to 90% Relative Humidity, Temperature: 10 to 40C (50 to 104F)
Part Numbers 11C2552 Lexmark Forms Printer 2581 11C2553 Lexmark Forms Printer 2581n
Letter-quality 24-pin printing for narrow forms
The Lexmark Forms Printer 2590 combines speed and quality for your forms and documents, from invoices to office memos. Print up to 4-part forms (1 original + 3 copies) with up to 360 x 360 dpi print resolution. The Lexmark Forms Printer 2590n is available as a network-ready model.
Print Technology 24-Pin Dot Matrix Print Speeds Up to 465 cps Fast Draft @ 12 cpi, Up to 109 cps Near Letter Quality @ 12 cpi, Up to 328 cps Draft @12 cpi Resolution 360 x 360 dots per inch Memory 512 KB Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) 12,500 POH @ 25% duty cycle Linux Operating Systems Supported Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, Debian GNU/Linux 3.1, 4.0, Linspire Linux 5.0, SUSE Linux 10.0, 10.1, 10.2 Microsoft Windows Operating Systems Supported 2000, NT (4.00/4.00 Server), Me, XP, Server 2003, 98 2nd Edition, XP x64, Server 2003 x64 Edition, Vista, Vista x64
Optional Local Ports Internal RS-232C serial Optional Network Ports Lexmark N4000e Fast Ethernet (Print Only), Lexmark N4050e 802.11g Wireless Print Server (Print Only), External MarkNet N7020e Gigabit Ethernet, External MarkNet N7000e Fast Ethernet (USB), External MarkNet N7002e Fast Ethernet (parallel) Printer Languages (Standard) Epson Emulation, Personal Printer Data Stream (PPDS) Text Fonts Fast Draft, Draft, Courier, Gothic, Orator, Presentor, Prestige, Script, 10, 12, 15, 17.1, 20, 24 cpi, Proportional Spaced (PS)

Paper Handling Optional Automatic Sheet Feeder (narrow), Tractor 2 (narrow) Paper Handling Standard Front Tractor Feeder Media Sizes Supported Single-part or multi-part Continuous Forms, Narrow Sheet Fed Paper, Singlepart or multi-part Cut Forms Media Types Supported Multi-part forms - Up to 1+3 Parts (up to 0.014 or 0.36 mm paper thickness), Single-part forms - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11 mm paper thickness), Forms or Paper - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11mm maximum paper thickness) Supplies Yield Optional 8 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi)- Re-Inking Ribbon, Standard 4 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi) - Re-Inking Ribbon
Packaged Size ( - H x W x D) 12.8 x 24.0 x 16.1 in. Size ( - H x W x D) 7.7 x 19.4 x 11.4 in. Weight (lbs) 17.6 lb. Noise Level, Idle 0 dBA Print Noise Level, Operating 55 dBA Maximum Print Line () 8 inches Product Warranty 2 Year Exchange, Next Business Day Response Product Certifications Energy Star, UL 60950-1, CSA, FCC Class B, CB IEC 60950-1, SEMKO, GS (TV), CE Class B, SMA C-Tick Specified Operating Environment Humidity: 8 to 90% Relative Humidity, Temperature: 10 to 40C (50 to 104F)
Part Numbers 11C2554 Lexmark Forms Printer 2590 11C2555 Lexmark Forms Printer 2590n
Letter-quality 24-pin printing for wide forms
Print up to 4-part forms (1 original + 3 copies) quickly and easily with the reliable Lexmark Forms Printer 2591. Provides print quality up to 360 x 360 dpi and print speeds as fast as 465 cps. The Lexmark Forms Printer 2591n is available as a network-ready model.
Parallel, USB Optional Local Ports Internal RS-232C serial Optional Network Ports Lexmark N4000e Fast Ethernet (Print Only), Lexmark N4050e 802.11g Wireless Print Server (Print Only), External MarkNet N7020e Gigabit Ethernet, External MarkNet N7000e Fast Ethernet (USB), External MarkNet N7002e Fast Ethernet (parallel) Printer Languages (Standard) Epson Emulation, Personal Printer Data Stream (PPDS) Text Fonts Fast Draft, Draft, Courier, Gothic, Orator, Presentor, Prestige, Script, 10, 12, 15, 17.1, 20, 24 cpi, Proportional Spaced (PS)
Paper Handling Optional Automatic Sheet Feeder (wide), Tractor 2 (wide) Paper Handling Standard Front Tractor Feeder Media Sizes Supported Single-part or multi-part Continuous Forms, Wide Sheet Fed Paper, Single-part or multi-part Cut Forms Media Types Supported Multi-part forms - Up to 1+3 Parts (up to 0.014 or 0.36 mm paper thickness), Single-part forms - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11 mm paper thickness), Forms or Paper - 16 to 24 lbs, 60 to 90 gsm (0.0045 or 0.11mm maximum paper thickness) Supplies Yield Optional 8 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi)- Re-Inking Ribbon, Standard 4 million characters (draft mode at 10 cpi) - Re-Inking Ribbon

Packaged Size ( - H x W x D) 12.8 x 29.6 x 16.1 in. Size ( - H x W x D) 7.7 x 24.9 x 11.4 in. Weight (lbs) 21.6 lb. Noise Level, Idle 0 dBA Print Noise Level, Operating 55 dBA Maximum Print Line () 13.6 inches Product Warranty 2 Year Exchange, Next Business Day Response Product Certifications Energy Star, UL 60950-1, CSA, FCC Class B, CB IEC 60950-1, SEMKO, GS (TV), CE Class B, SMA C-Tick Specified Operating Environment Humidity: 8 to 90% Relative Humidity, Temperature: 10 to 40C (50 to 104F)
Standard Ports Centronics IEEE 1284 Bidirectional
Lexmark believes that the environment is a critical component of responsible business management and clearly demonstrates it by implementing the 4R strategy: Reduce, Recover, Reuse and Recycle. To learn more about these programmes please visit www.lexmark.com/recycle
Lexmark, Lexmark with diamond design, MarkNet and MarkVision are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries. These products contain software developed by the OpenSSL Project for use in the OpenSSL Toolkit (http://www.openssl.org/). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Part Numbers 11C2556 Lexmark Forms Printer 2591 11C2557 Lexmark Forms Printer 2591n

Forms Printer 2500 Series

User's Guide

July 2007

www.lexmark.com

Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2007 Lexmark International, Inc. All rights reserved. 740 West New Circle Road Lexington, Kentucky 40550

Contents

Safety information....7 Learning about the printer...8
Printer overview.....8 Applying control panel overlays....9 Understanding the printer features and functions....10 Printing a demonstration page....12 Printing a network setup page.....14 Printing from Windows or DOS....14 Using IBM emulation mode.....15 Using Epson emulation mode.....15 Using Okidata MICROLINE emulation mode....16
Using the control panel..17
Understanding the control panel buttons.....17 Understanding the control panel lights.....19 Setting the printer online or offline....20 Advancing paper......20 Using the Load/Unload function.....20 Locking and unlocking the control panel....20 Selecting a Tractor mode.....21 Selecting and locking a font.....21 Disabling Font Lock.....21 Selecting and locking a pitch.....22 Disabling Pitch Lock.....22

Loading paper...23

Setting the forms thickness lever.....23 Paper paths......25 Using the Tear Off function.....25 Loading continuous paper.....26
Loading continuous forms using the push tractor.... 26 Front loading continuous forms using the pull tractor.... 29 Bottom loading continuous forms using the pull tractor... 32
Loading cut forms......37
Loading a cut form or envelope manually.... 37 Aligning the left margin...... 39
Setting Top-of-Form.....40
Setting Top-Of-Form for continuous forms in push mode.... 40 Setting Top-Of-Form for continuous forms in pull mode... 41 Setting Top-Of-Form for a cut form or an envelope.... 41 Setting Top-Of-Form in a macro..... 42
Paper and specialty media guide..43
Paper types and sizes supported by the printer....43
Changing tractor positions..44
Push tractor position......44 Pull tractor position.....44 Converting the push tractor to pull tractor position....45 Converting the pull tractor to push tractor position....46
Understanding Setup mode and menu options.48
Using Setup mode......48 Changing menu settings (an example)....49 Setup Mode - Main menu.....50
Main menu options..... 50 Forms Macro options..... 51 Data options...... 52 Control options...... 54 Emulation options..... 55 Interface options...... 56
Maintaining the printer..57
Ordering supplies.....57 Removing the ribbon cartridge....57 Cleaning the printer.....57 Recycling Lexmark products....58
Administrative support..59
Restoring the factory default settings....59 Supporting IPSec......60 Supporting SNMPv3.....60 Using 802.1x authentication....61

Troubleshooting...62

Checking an unresponsive printer.....62 Testing the printer......62 Checking the printer status.....63 Adjusting character (bidirectional) alignment....65 Solving printing problems.....66
Printer test works, but the printer does not print when attached to the computer... 66 Printer is noisy...... 67 Printer sounds like it is printing, but does not print.... 67 Printer alarm sounds...... 67 Printer goes to the Tear Off position before the print job finishes... 67 Buttons do not work, except for Start/Stop, FormFeed, Tear Off and Load/Unload... 68 Printer power switch is on, but the power light is off.... 68 Left margin moves to the right during printing.... 68 Incorrect line length; lines do not start at the left margin.... 68 Printer speed slows..... 68 Incorrect characters print, left margin changes, or printing stops... 69 Printing continues beyond the edges of the continuous forms... 69 Selected font or pitch is not printing or is changing.... 69

Front loading continuous forms using the pull tractor
Make sure the tractor is in the pull position. Note: If you have installed the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or Tractor 2, see the documentation that came with your option for paper loading instructions.
1 Turn the printer on. 2 Make sure the paper path is clear.
4 Remove the ribbon access cover. 5 Move the paper select lever down to the
7 Open the left and right tractor doors.
8 Open the front cover. 9 Insert paper into the front of the printer between the metal and plastic plates.
Push or pull the paper through the paper path until it passes the printhead.
10 Close the front cover.
11 Place the paper holes over the tractor pins.
If necessary, move the left or right tractor to adjust the tractors to the paper width. Note: If you have trouble moving the right tractor to the paper width, roll the rubber tractor stop out of the seated position. Move the tractor to the paper width, load the paper, and then lock the right tractor.
12 Close the left and right tractor doors. 13 Replace the ribbon access cover. 14 Move the tractor to align the left margin on the paper with the [A symbol printed on the rear plate.
15 Push the left tractor locking lever down to lock the tractor in place.
16 Remove slack from the paper, and then lock the right locking lever.
17 Open the control panel cover to access layer 2. 18 Press Micro , Micro , or LineFeed to move the paper to the Top-Of-Form you want to use.

Notes:

Use the second form to set Top-Of-Form alignment. To do this, align the horizontal lines (located on the platen) with the Top-Of-Form you want. 19 Press Set TOF to set the Top-Of-Form.
Note: Top-Of-Form is not saved if the printer is turned off or runs out of paper when using the pull tractor.
20 Make sure the printer is online, and the Ready light is on solid.
Note: If not, press Start/Stop until the Ready light is on solid.
Bottom loading continuous forms using the pull tractor
Make sure the tractor is in the pull position. Use a furniture type with a paper-feed opening in the middle of it. Because the printer uses a pull function for bottom loading, it is especially useful for paper that has a tendency
to curl, is very heavy, or is very light weight. Note: If you have installed the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or Tractor 2 Feeder, see the documentation that came with the option for paper loading instructions.
3 Set the forms thickness lever to 7.
4 Move the paper select lever down to the
5 Remove the ribbon access cover.
8 Insert the paper through the bottom slot of the printer.
9 Place the paper holes over the tractor pins.
10 Close the left and right tractor doors. 11 Replace the ribbon access cover. 12 Move the tractor to align the left margin on the paper with the [A symbol printed on the rear plate.

Aligning the left margin

You can manually change the first print position at the left margin. The first print position is indicated by the [A symbol. You can also set the left margin in your program. Notes:
Setting the left margin in your program adds that amount to the left margin setting on the printer. For example,
if you set the left margin at one inch on the printer, and also have the left margin set at one inch in your program, the printer begins printing two inches from the left edge of the page.
The location of the [A symbol depends on the position of the tractor unit. For the purposes of these instructions, the tractor is shown in the push position with continuous paper. 1 Locate the left margin for continuous forms by locating the [A symbol on the printer.
Tractor (in push position) Right locking lever
2 Continue to load paper utilizing different paper paths, depending on whether you have the push tractor installed
or the pull tractor installed. For help, see one of the following sections in this chapter:
Loading continuous forms using the push tractor on page 26 Front loading continuous forms using the pull tractor on page 29 Bottom loading continuous forms using the pull tractor on page 32 Loading a cut form or envelope manually on page 37

Setting Top-of-Form

Top-of-Form sets the first line of print. Use the control panel to save your Top-of-Form settings for continuous forms, cut forms, and for each macro enabled.
Setting Top-Of-Form for continuous forms in push mode

1 Clear the paper path.

The Paper Out light blinks if no paper is loaded. If the Paper Out light is off, tear off excess forms, and then press Load/Unload. If a cut form is loaded, press FormFeed to clear the paper path.
2 Make sure the paper select lever is in the

Tractor 2 Feeder).

3 Load continuous form paper on the push tractor feed pins (or the Tractor 2 feed pins if you are using the optional 4 Press FormFeed.
The paper moves to the current Top-Of-Form, and the Paper Out light goes off.
5 Open the control panel cover to access layer 2.
6 Press any paper movement button (LineFeed, Micro , Micro ) to align the horizontal lines located on the platen
with the Top-Of-Form you want. Note: If you press and hold a paper movement button, the paper advances in micro movements and then goes into continuous feed.
7 Press Set TOF to set and save your Top-Of-Form. 8 Close the control panel cover. 9 To verify the new Top-Of-Form, press Load/Unload to unload the continuous forms paper, and then press
FormFeed to reload the continuous forms paper. The continuous forms paper loads to the current Top-Of-Form setting.

Note: The procedure for setting Top-Of-Form depends on the paper and print mode you are using. For help, see one of the following sections in this chapter:
Setting Top-Of-Form for continuous forms in push mode on page 40 Setting Top-Of-Form for continuous forms in pull mode on page 41 Setting Top-Of-Form for a cut form or an envelope on page 41
Paper and specialty media guide
Paper types and sizes supported by the printer
The printer supports paper weights of 5690 g/m2 (15-24 lb) and envelope weights of 7590 g/m2 (20-24 lb).
Paper types Cut Forms Continuous Forms Hole-to-hole widths Single 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 297 mm (11.7 in.)* 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 254 mm (10.0 in.) 63 mm (2.5 in.) to 241 mm (9.5 in.) Multiple part 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 297 mm (11.7 in.)* 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 254 mm (10.0 in.) 63 mm (2.5 in.) to 241 mm (9.5 in.) Envelopes 152 mm (6.0 in.) to 241 mm (9.5 in.) Not applicable Not applicable
* When the optional Auto Sheet Feeder or the Tractor 2 Feeder is installed, the cut form maximum width is 215 mm (8.5 in.) for manual loading.

Length

Paper types Cut Forms Single 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 559 mm (22.0 in.) Multiple part 76 mm (3.0 in.) to 559 mm (22.0 in.) 76 mm (3.0 in.) (no maximum) Envelopes 110 mm (4.1 in.) to 152 mm (6.0 in.) Not applicable
Continuous Forms 76 mm (3.0 in.) (no maximum)

Thickness

Paper types Cut Forms Continuous Forms Single 0.058 mm (0.0023 in.) to 0.114 mm (0.0045 in.) 0.058 mm (0.0023 in.) to 0.114 mm (0.0045 in.) Multiple part See the following note. See the following note. Envelopes 0.42 mm (0.017 in.) 0.42 mm (0.017 in.)
Note: For 2580/2581 printers, the maximum thickness of multiple part forms is 0.512 mm (0.0202 in.). For 2590/2591 printers, the maximum thickness is 0.36 mm (0.015 in.).
Changing tractor positions
The tractor unit can be installed in the push tractor position or the pull tractor position. This section describes how to change the tractor unit position.

Push tractor position

The printer comes with the tractor unit installed in the push tractor position, at the front of the printer. Using the front push tractor is the most convenient way to load continuous forms, and allows you to use the Tear Off feature of the printer.

Pull tractor position

The front tractor unit can be removed and installed at the top of the printer. It then functions as a pull tractor and supports front and bottom paper loading.
Converting the push tractor to pull tractor position
1 Make sure the printer is off. 2 Make sure paper is not loaded in the printer. 3 Pull the front cover up and out of the way.
4 Hold down the latching levers while you lift and pull the tractor unit out of the printer.
Tractor unit Latching levers
5 Remove the ribbon access cover. 6 Turn the tractor unit around so that the latching levers are upright, facing you. 7 Place the tractor against the back slant of the printer along the tractor guides.
8 To slide the tractor feeder into the printer: a Hold down the latching levers and gently push the tractor feeder into the printer until it stops. b Continue holding down the latching levers, and tilt the tractor feeder toward the front of the printer until the
hooks at the end of the latching levers fit around the posts on the printer frame.
c Release the latching levers.
Note: The tractor unit fits into place at a 40 angle.
Converting the pull tractor to push tractor position
1 Make sure the printer is off. 2 Make sure paper is not loaded in the printer. 3 Hold down the latching levers while you lift and pull the tractor unit out of the printer.
4 Pull the front cover up and out of the way.
5 Make sure the paper select lever is set to the
6 While holding down the latching levers, fit the left and right locks onto the posts in the printer.
7 Release the latching levers. 8 Close the front cover.
Understanding Setup mode and menu options
The printer is preset at the factory for font, pitch, form length, and other settings. These are called factory default settings. This chapter describes how to change the factory default settings, how to set up macros, and how to set form length.

Using Setup mode

Paper Handling Options

Use the following options to select paper handling option changes, as detailed: Auto Tear Off
OnContinuous forms automatically advance to the Tear Off bar position. OffYou can manually advance the perforation of a continuous form to the Tear Off bar position.
Note: On is the factory default setting.
Auto Cut Sheet Load OnCut sheet paper automatically loads to the current Top-Of-Form position. OffYou must press FormFeed to load paper.

Auto Sheet Feeder

OnAutomatically loads paper if the optional Auto Sheet Feeder is installed. Note: Off is the factory default setting.

Form Length

This option lets you set the form length (in lines per page) from one line to a maximum of 22 inches.

Left Margin

This option lets you set the left margin to any inch increment from 0 to 3.

Right Margin

This option lets you set the right margin to any inch increment from 4 to 8. If you have a wide carriage model, the maximum right margin is 13.6.

Lines Per Inch

Lets you specify the number of text lines in an inch from 3 to 6. Note: 6 is the factory default setting.
Eject by FF OnLets you eject loaded cut sheet paper by pressing FormFeed.

Data options

Note: Use Setup mode to configure the printer according to your needs. To print a list of all default settings, press LineFeed from the Main menu. The following list items outline and explain the Data options and settings you can use with the printer: Understanding Setup mode and menu options

Buffer

MinimumSets the receive buffer size to zero MaximumFor 2580/2581 models, sets the receive buffer size to 64KB or 480KB, depending on whether NLQ II
(Near Letter Quality) Download is enabled MaximumFor 2590/2591 models, sets the receive buffer size to 47.5KB or 480KB, depending on whether Download is enabled Note: Maximum is the factory default setting.

Auto LF

Requires a line feed to occur.
OnA line feed is performed for each Carrier Return (CR) code received. OffA line feed does not occur when a CR code is received.
Note: Off is the factory default setting.

Auto CR

Requires a CR to occur.

Note: The control panel lights blink on and off several times. The factory default settings have been restored once the carrier moves.
Restoring the EU factory default settings
The factory default settings for Europe are:
Code pages: 858 Character Set: 2 Form length: 12 inches
1 Make sure the ribbon cartridge is installed and paper is loaded. 2 Turn the printer off. 3 Open the ribbon access cover. 4 Move the printhead over toward the control panel side of the printer until it stops. 5 Close the ribbon access cover. 6 Press and hold Tear Off and Tractor while turning the printer on. 7 Continue holding the buttons until the carrier moves.
Note: The control panel lights blink on and off several times. Administrative support
The factory default settings have been restored once the carrier moves.

Supporting IPSec

Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) provides authentication and encryption at the network layer allowing all application and network connections over the IP protocol to be secure. IPSec can be set up between the printer and up to five hosts, using both IPv4 and IPv6. To configure IPSec using the Embedded Web Server:
1 Open a Web browser. In the address bar, type the IP address of the printer or print server to be protected using
the format: http://ip_address.
2 Click Configuration. 3 Under Other Settings, click Network/Ports. 4 Click IPSec.
IPSec supports two types of authentication: Shared Key AuthenticationAuthenticates any ASCII phrase shared among all participating host computers. This is the easiest way to configure when only a few host computers on the network use IPSec.
Certificate AuthenticationAuthenticates any host computer or subnet of hosts for IPSec. Each host computer
must have a public/private key pair. Validate Peer Certificate is enabled by default, requiring each host to have a signed authority certificate that is installed. Each host must have its identifier in the Subject Alternate Name field of the signed certificate. Note: After a printer is configured for IPSec with a host, IPSec is required for any IP communications to take place.

Supporting SNMPv3

Simple Network Management Protocol version 3 (SNMPv3) allows for encrypted and authenticated network connections. It also lets a system support person select the desired level of security. Prior to use, at least one user name and password must be assigned from the settings page. To configure SNMPv3 through the Embedded Web Server:

the format: http://ip_address/.
2 Click Configuration. 3 Under Other Settings, click Network/Ports. 4 Click SNMP.
SNMPv3 authentication and encryption has three levels of support: No authentication and no encryption
Authentication with no encryption Authentication and encryption
Using 802.1x authentication
802.1x authentication allows the printer to join networks that require authentication before allowing access. Support for 802.1x requires the establishment of credentials for the printer, such as certificates. Certificates provide a way for the printer to be known to the Authentication Server (AS). The AS allows network access to print servers presenting a valid set of credentials. You can manage the credentials by using the Embedded Web Server. To install and use certificates as part of the credentials:
2 Click Configuration. 3 Under Other Settings, click Network/Ports. 4 Click Certificate Management.
To enable and configure 802.1x after installing the required certificates:
2 Click Configuration. 3 Under Other Settings, click Network/Ports. 4 Click 802.1x Authentication.

Troubleshooting

Checking an unresponsive printer
If your printer is not responding, make sure:
The power cord is plugged into the printer and a properly grounded electrical outlet. The electrical outlet is not turned off by any switch or breaker. The printer is not plugged into any surge protectors, uninterrupted power supplies, or extension cords. Other electrical equipment plugged into the outlet is working. The printer is turned on. The printer cable is securely attached to the printer and the host computer, print server, option, or other network device.
Once you have checked each of these possibilities, turn the printer off and then back on. This often fixes the problem.

Testing the printer

Each time you turn the printer on, an internal check, or power-on self test, is performed. Running a printer test page produces a printout that shows any problem the printer may be experiencing. Note: You can run a printer test page with or without a computer connected to the printer.
Running a printer test page
1 Make sure the paper is loaded, and the ribbon cartridge is installed. 2 Turn the printer off. 3 Press and hold LineFeed while turning the printer on. 4 Release LineFeed when printing starts.

Printing continues until you stop the printer.
Interrupting or stopping a printer test page
To interrupt a printer test page:

1 Press Start/Stop.

The printer test page stops printing after a complete line of characters has printed.
2 Press Start/Stop again to continue printing a printer test page.
To stop a printer test page, turn the printer off.

Using Hex Trace mode

Hex Trace mode prints the control codes that are sent to the printer. Use this mode to help diagnose software/driver problems.
1 Make sure the paper is loaded, and the ribbon cartridge is installed. 2 Turn the printer off. 3 Press and hold Tractor while turning the printer on. 4 Release Tractor when the lights go out. 5 Turn the printer off and back on again to exit Hex Trace mode.
Checking the printer status
Check the control panel lights and compare their status with the table information. Different patterns and combinations of lights provide you with information about the condition of the printer and actions needed to correct the condition. Note: Many error codes can be corrected by turning the printer off and back on again.

Printer status

Control panel lights Power Ready Paper Out Power Ready Paper Out Power Ready Paper Out Status On On Off On Off Off On Off Blinking Normal offline condition Action required Normal operating conditions. No action required.
1 Load paper. 2 Press Start/Stop.
The Paper Out light goes off and the Ready light comes on. Note: If you installed the optional Tractor 2 Feeder and you are printing continuous forms, make sure the paper select lever is in the continuous forms position.

Blinking

The printer has data in the buffer that needs to be printed.
Control panel lights Power Ready Paper Out Panel Lock Font Lock
Status On Blinking Blinking Blinking Blinking

Action required

1 Check for a paper or ribbon jam. 2 Turn the printer off. 3 Remove the ribbon cartridge, and then check for
paper dust or bits of paper.
4 Make sure the carrier packing tape has been

If you encounter this problem, your software is overriding your control panel font and/or pitch selection, or using graphic fonts. If possible, use resident fonts and/or pitches. Otherwise, try the following solution:
Select another font from the Character Options selection of the Main menu. Select another pitch from the Character Options selection of the Main menu.
Solving paper feed problems
Paper is jammed in the printer
To clear a continuous forms paper jam:
1 Turn the printer off. 2 Detach any continuous forms that have already printed. 3 Set the forms thickness lever to position 7. 4 Tear the continuous forms off at the perforation line just below the bottom of the printer. 5 Open the front cover. 6 Open the left and right tractor doors, and then remove the paper. 7 Remove the ribbon access cover to clear any torn paper. 8 Remove torn perforation strips or bits of paper from the paper path.
To clear a cut form paper jam:
1 Turn the printer off. 2 Set the forms thickness lever to position 7. 3 Push the paper select lever down to the
4 Gently pull the sheet of paper from the front of the printer. 5 Remove the ribbon access cover to clear any torn pieces of paper. 6 Push the paper select lever up to the
7 Set the forms thickness lever to the proper setting for the type of paper you are using.
Paper is jammed in the Auto Sheet Feeder
Remove the paper. Align the edges of the paper, and then reload the paper. Remove foreign objects from the Auto Sheet Feeder: 1 Remove the Auto Sheet Feeder. 2 Remove any foreign objects. 3 Reinstall the Auto Sheet Feeder.
Paper fed in the Auto Sheet Feeder jams at the printer entrance
These are possible solutions. Try one or more of the following: Remove the Auto Sheet Feeder, remove any bits of paper or foreign objects, and then reinstall the Auto Sheet Feeder.
Move the paper guide to the left. Remove the Auto Sheet Feeder, move the continuous forms to the park position using the Load/Unload button,
and then reinstall the Auto Sheet Feeder.
Adjust the forms thickness lever to correspond with the paper thickness being used.
Paper jam in the Tractor 2 Feeder
The continuous form on one tractor feeder was not properly parked before switching to the other tractor feeder. Make sure you tear off the leading edge of the continuous form on the currently selected tractor feeder before switching tractor feeders. For help, see the documentation that came with the optional Tractor 2 Feeder.
Printer does not feed paper
Remove all forms and pieces of paper.
Look for loose pinfeed hole strips that can sometimes tear from the continuous forms and remain in the printer. Readjust the right tractor position.
Make sure the forms thickness lever is set correctly for the paper type being used. Press Load/Unload to release the continuous form paper from a parked status.

Industry Canada compliance statement
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003.
Avis de conformit aux normes de lindustrie du Canada
Cet appareil numrique de classe B est conforme aux exigences de la norme canadienne relative aux quipements pouvant causer des interfrences NMB-003.
European Community (EC) directives conformity
This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EC Council directives 89/336/EEC and 2006/95/EC on the approximation and harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility and safety of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits. A declaration of conformity with the requirements of the directives has been signed by the Director of Manufacturing and Technical Support, Lexmark International, Inc., S.A., Boigny, France. This product satisfies the Class B limits of EN 55022 and safety requirements of EN 60950.

Noise emission levels

The following measurements were made in accordance with ISO 7779 and reported in conformance with ISO 9296. Note: Some modes may not apply to your product.
1-meter average sound pressure, dBA Printing Ready 56 dBA NA
Values are subject to change. See www.lexmark.com for current values.
Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive
The WEEE logo signifies specific recycling programs and procedures for electronic products in countries of the European Union. We encourage the recycling of our products. If you have further questions about recycling options, visit the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com for your local sales office phone number.

ENERGY STAR

Power consumption
Product power consumption
The following table documents the power consumption characteristics of the product. Note: Some modes may not apply to your product.
Mode Printing Copying Description Power consumption (Watts)
The product is generating hard-copy output from electronic inputs. 47 W The product is generating hard-copy output from hard-copy original NA documents.
Mode Scanning Ready Power Saver High Off
Description The product is scanning hard-copy documents. The product is waiting for a print job. The product is in energy-saving mode. The product is plugged into a wall outlet, but the power switch is turned off.
Power consumption (Watts) NA 8W NA NA
Low Off (<1 W Off) The product is plugged into a wall outlet, the power switch is turned NA off, and the product is in the lowest possible power consumption mode. Off The product is plugged into a wall outlet, but the power switch is turned off. 0.055 W
The power consumption levels listed in the previous table represent time-averaged measurements. Instantaneous power draws may be substantially higher than the average. Values are subject to change. See www.lexmark.com for current values.

Power Saver

This product is designed with an energy-saving mode called Power Saver. The Power Saver Mode is equivalent to the EPA Sleep Mode. The Power Saver Mode saves energy by lowering power consumption during extended periods of inactivity. The Power Saver Mode is automatically engaged after this product is not used for a specified period of time, called the Power Saver Timeout.

Off mode

If this product has an off mode which still consumes a small amount of power, then to completely stop product power consumption, disconnect the power supply cord from the wall outlet.

Total energy usage

It is sometimes helpful to calculate the total product energy usage. Since power consumption claims are provided in power units of Watts, the power consumption should be multiplied by the time the product spends in each mode in order to calculate energy usage. The total product energy usage is the sum of each mode's energy usage.
Statement of Limited Warranty
Lexmark 2580 Lexmark 2580n Lexmark 2581 Lexmark 2581n Lexmark 2590 Lexmark 2590n Lexmark 2591 Lexmark 2591n
Lexmark International, Inc., Lexington, KY
This limited warranty applies to the United States and Canada. For customers outside the U.S., refer to the countryspecific warranty information that came with your product.
This limited warranty applies to this product only if it was originally purchased for your use, and not for resale, from Lexmark or a Lexmark Remarketer, referred to in this statement as Remarketer.

Limited warranty

Lexmark warrants that this product: Is manufactured from new parts, or new and serviceable used parts, which perform like new parts Is, during normal use, free from defects in material and workmanship If this product does not function as warranted during the warranty period, contact a Remarketer or Lexmark for repair or replacement (at Lexmark's option). If this product is a feature or option, this statement applies only when that feature or option is used with the product for which it was intended. To obtain warranty service, you may be required to present the feature or option with the product. If you transfer this product to another user, warranty service under the terms of this statement is available to that user for the remainder of the warranty period. You should transfer proof of original purchase and this statement to that user.

Limited warranty service

The warranty period starts on the date of original purchase as shown on the purchase receipt and ends 24 months later provided that the warranty period for any supplies and for any maintenance items included with the printer shall end earlier if it, or its original contents, are substantially used up, depleted, or consumed. To obtain warranty service you may be required to present proof of original purchase. You may be required to deliver your product to the Remarketer or Lexmark, or ship it prepaid and suitably packaged to a Lexmark designated location. You are responsible for loss of, or damage to, a product in transit to the Remarketer or the Lexmark designated location. When warranty service involves the exchange of a product or part, the item replaced becomes the property of the Remarketer or Lexmark. The replacement may be a new or repaired item. The replacement item assumes the remaining warranty period of the original product. Replacement is not available to you if the product you present for exchange is defaced, altered, in need of a repair not included in warranty service, damaged beyond repair, or if the product is not free of all legal obligations, restrictions, liens, and encumbrances. Before you present this product for warranty service, remove all print cartridges, programs, data, and removable storage media (unless directed otherwise by Lexmark). For further explanation of your warranty alternatives and the nearest Lexmark authorized servicer in your area contact Lexmark on the World Wide Web at www.lexmark.com/support. Remote technical support is provided for this product throughout its warranty period. For products no longer covered by a Lexmark warranty, technical support may not be available or only be available for a fee.

Additional rights

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the limitations or exclusions contained above may not apply to you. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

Numerics

802.1x authentication 61 DOS printing from 14
left margin aligning 39 lights control panel 19 Load/Unload function using 20 loading continuous forms 26 cut form or envelope 37 locking control panel 20

aligning left margin 39

Embedded Web Server supporting IPSec 60 supporting SNMPvusing 802.1x authentication 61 emission notices 77, 78, 79 Emulation options 55 Epson emulation mode using 15 European character support Code page substitution 52
bidirectional alignment adjusting 65 buttons, control panel printer status 17
calling Customer Support 75 character alignment adjusting 65 checking an unresponsive printer 62 cleaning printer 57 contacting Customer Support 75 continuous forms bottom loading 32 front loading 29 loading 26 Control options 54 control panel button functions 17 lights 19 locking 20 unlocking 20 control panel overlays applying 9 converting pull tractor 46 push tractor 45 cut form loading 37
Main menu options 50 menu settings changing 49
factory default settings restoring 59 FCC notices 77 features and functions printer 10 font locking 21 selecting 21 font lock disabling 21 Forms Macro options Setup mode 51 forms thickness lever setting 23
network setup page 14 noise emission levels 79 notices 77, 78, 79, 80
offline setting printer 20 Okidata MICROLINE emulation mode using 16 online setting printer 20 ordering supplies 57

Hex Trace mode using 62

paper advancing 20 paper feed troubleshooting Auto Sheet Feeder feeds multiple sheets 72 Auto Sheet Feeder positions paper incorrectly 72 incorrect Top-Of-Form position 71, 72 jam in Tractor 2 Feeder 70 optional Tractor 2 Feeder does not feed 71
IBM emulation mode using 15 Interface options 56 IPSec 60
Data options 52 demonstration page, printing 12 disabling font lock 21 pitch lock 22
jams and misfeeds troubleshooting paper is jammed in the printer 69
optional Tractor 2 Feeder positions paper incorrectly 71 paper fed from Auto Sheet Feeder is skewed 72 paper fed in Auto Sheet Feeder jams at printer entrance 70 paper jammed in Auto Sheet Feeder 70 printer does not feed from Auto Sheet Feeder 71 printer does not feed paper 70 paper feed, troubleshooting Auto Sheet Feeder feeds at incorrect rate 71 paper paths pull tractor 25 push tractor 25 paper sizes supported by the printer 43 paper types supported by the printer 43 pitch locking 22 selecting 22 pitch lock disabling 22 print quality troubleshooting characters are wrong or missing 74 dots are missing or print quality is poor 73 graphics do not print 74 incorrect line length 68 incorrect line spacing or overprinting occurs 75 incorrect number of lines on a page 74 lines do not start at left margin 68 print is too light 73 printer goes to Tear Off position before job finishes 67 smudged forms or print too dark 74 specified font or pitch is not printing or is changing 69 print troubleshooting buttons do not work 68 incorrect characters print, left margin changes, or printing stops 69