Where is Epson Control Panel?

[deliberate1]

Friends, I recently replaced a 7 year old computer with a new box with Windows 10. I downloaded the drivers from Epson and they all unzipped perfectly. Made a nice print with my venerable 7800 and got a better match with the canned profile than I did with my old box.
But what did not appear was an Epson Control Panel that was on my old desk top from the original cd installation. It was very good to have this utility, especially to do abbreviated nozzle and maintenance checks. The old Control Panel was migrated to the new desktop but does not function.
So is there a way to get that function back onto the new desktop?
Finally, kudos to Epson for continuing to support this old machine, at least with drivers. I have thought about replacing it, but I, for once, cannot convince myself to sideline it given the trouble-free service and excellent prints it has given me for well over a decade.
Thanks.

[Garnick]

Friends, I recently replaced a 7 year old computer with a new box with Windows 10. I downloaded the drivers from Epson and they all unzipped perfectly. Made a nice print with my venerable 7800 and got a better match with the canned profile than I did with my old box.
But what did not appear was an Epson Control Panel that was on my old desk top from the original cd installation. It was very good to have this utility, especially to do abbreviated nozzle and maintenance checks. The old Control Panel was migrated to the new desktop but does not function.
So is there a way to get that function back onto the new desktop?
Finally, kudos to Epson for continuing to support this old machine, at least with drivers. I have thought about replacing it, but I, for once, cannot convince myself to sideline it given the trouble-free service and excellent prints it has given me for well over a decade.
Thanks.

I'm a Mac man, but I believe what you are referring to is the "LFP Remote Panel 2 Utility", which you will find in the same location on the Epson site from which you downloaded the driver for your 7800.  Simply open the "Utility" folder and it should probably be the top utility.  Download and install that app and then you can drag it or an alias to your desktop.  That should give you what you are missing.

Gary

[howardm]

Also a Mac user but I have seen where Epson put that (and some other utilities) in a separate download.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

On my Windows 10 PC the Epson utilities are well-hidden, but they are accessible wherever "Printing preferences" appears.

I keep an icon for my P800 on my desktop for convenience. To put it there, the easiest way is to go to Start, Control Panel, Devices and Printers. Locate your Epson P800 on the list of printers, right-click, and click on "Create Shortcut," and answer "Yes" to place the shortcut on the desktop.

Then, whenever you want to use one of the utilities (such as nozzle check or head cleaning,) right-click the P800 desktop icon, choose "Printing preferences," and click on the "Utility" tab.

I hope this helps.

[Garnick]

Also a Mac user but I have seen where Epson put that (and some other utilities) in a separate download.

Before I replied to the OP I actually checked the Epson site for Printer Drivers for both Mac and Windows.  In the location for downloading the Drivers there is also a folder named "Utilities", in which one can easily download the utility the OP referred to, the "LFP Remote Panel 2 Utility".  Indeed it is a separate folder, but it does reside within the root Driver folder and very easy to find.  In all the years I have downloaded Drivers for various Pro Graphic Printers I have never had any issue with also downloading this utility.  One might argue that it should perhaps be included in the Driver download, but I believe Epson separated that utility for a good reason, which is to keep things simple and the point is to.

Gary
 

[deliberate1]

Before I replied to the OP I actually checked the Epson site for Printer Drivers for both Mac and Windows.  In the location for downloading the Drivers there is also a folder named "Utilities", in which one can easily download the utility the OP referred to, the "LFP Remote Panel 2 Utility". 

Gary
 

Gents, thank you all for the assistance.
Gary, when I go to the Epson Download page, I see the drivers and then two other options, both of which identify EpsonNet config utility v.4.9.5.
https://epson.com/Support/Printers/Single-Function-Inkjet-Printers/Epson-Stylus-Series/Epson-Stylus-Pro-7800-Professional-Edition/s/SPT_C594001PRO
The description: EpsonNet Config is a configuration utility for administrators to configure the network interface.
Gary, is this the one you are referencing. It does not specifically indicate that it does what I am looking for (the LFP Remote Panel Utility), but perhaps it is embedded in it. I will give it a go.
Thanks, again, all.
David

[Garnick]

Gents, thank you all for the assistance.
Gary, when I go to the Epson Download page, I see the drivers and then two other options, both of which identify EpsonNet config utility v.4.9.5.
https://epson.com/Support/Printers/Single-Function-Inkjet-Printers/Epson-Stylus-Series/Epson-Stylus-Pro-7800-Professional-Edition/s/SPT_C594001PRO
The description: EpsonNet Config is a configuration utility for administrators to configure the network interface.
Gary, is this the one you are referencing. It does not specifically indicate that it does what I am looking for (the LFP Remote Panel Utility), but perhaps it is embedded in it. I will give it a go.
Thanks, again, all.
David

WOOOOOPS    My Bad!¡!  It would seem that I hadn't taken into account the vintage of your printer.  My first Pro Graphic printer was the SP7600, for which I had no problem downloading the Remote Panel Utility and the same for the SP9900.  I now see that the ancient SP7600 Driver site no longer includes that utility and neither does the 7800 Driver site.  However, the 7900/9900 Driver site still offers the utility.  I would suggest that you download the SP7900/9900 Remote Panel Utility from here - https://epson.com/Support/Printers/Professional-Imaging-Printers/Epson-Stylus-Pro-Series/Epson-Stylus-Pro-7900/s/SPT_SP7900HDR?review-filter=Windows+10+64-bit and give it a try .  I think there's at least a good possibility that it might still identify your SP7800, since that utility is usually capable of accessing older printers as well as current versions.  No guarantee of course, but it can't hurt to try, since the 7800 is only one model older.  However, with my track record in this thread, I guess you'll be playing the odds    I hope you win the big one!

And an EDIT already. - Since the panel is for the 7900/9900 Printers, which you don't have, open the "Printer List" at the bottom left corner of the window, which hopefully will show your 7800.

Gary       

[deliberate1]

Gary,
Thanks, mate, for all your efforts, and the work-around suggestion. I will give it a go and report back.
Cheers,
David

[Doug Gray]

This is interesting. What does this control panel do? I've been using a 9800 for over 10 years on Windows and only ever installed the drivers and the Ethernet network tool. What extra functions does it provide?

[deliberate1]

Doug, OP here.
The Remote Utility Panel appeared with the original install of my 7800. There was an desktop shortcut that allowed remote access to the printer. I suppose the functions mirror those that we can access from the menu panel, but in a more sophisticated package. You could check ink levels, monitor printing progress, check cutter status, etc. One thing I used it for, in particular, was an abbreviated nozzle check. It would print just one line for each color, showing if there are any clogs. It took just a few seconds and burned virtually no ink. Today, I did the same function through the printer, and it went through this whole process which felt like a nozzle clean.
I am going  to try installing the the version for the 7900, as Gary suggested, and will see what happens. Unfortunately, Doug, there is no Utility Panel download for your 9800 either.
Cheers.
David

[Doug Gray]

Doug, OP here.
The Remote Utility Panel appeared with the original install of my 7800. There was an desktop shortcut that allowed remote access to the printer. I suppose the functions mirror those that we can access from the menu panel, but in a more sophisticated package. You could check ink levels, monitor printing progress, check cutter status, etc. One thing I used it for, in particular, was an abbreviated nozzle check. It would print just one line for each color, showing if there are any clogs. It took just a few seconds and burned virtually no ink. Today, I did the same function through the printer, and it went through this whole process which felt like a nozzle clean.
I am going  to try installing the the version for the 7900, as Gary suggested, and will see what happens. Unfortunately, Doug, there is no Utility Panel download for your 9800 either.
Cheers.
David

I use the nozzle check in the Windows 10, Settings->PrinterPreferences->Utility->NozzleCheck  It only prints a thin line for each of the inks and nozzles. Very little wasted ink. I use a selectable color LED lamp to check them as some, especially the yellow, is really hard to see in white light.

[Garnick]

Doug, OP here.
The Remote Utility Panel appeared with the original install of my 7800. There was an desktop shortcut that allowed remote access to the printer. I suppose the functions mirror those that we can access from the menu panel, but in a more sophisticated package. You could check ink levels, monitor printing progress, check cutter status, etc. One thing I used it for, in particular, was an abbreviated nozzle check. It would print just one line for each color, showing if there are any clogs. It took just a few seconds and burned virtually no ink. Today, I did the same function through the printer, and it went through this whole process which felt like a nozzle clean.
I am going  to try installing the the version for the 7900, as Gary suggested, and will see what happens. Unfortunately, Doug, there is no Utility Panel download for your 9800 either.
Cheers.
David

Hi again David,

Just as an aside, and probably moot as well, even though I always have the LFP Remote Utility Panel nestled in the Dock on my Mac, I must admit that I haven't used it probably since the years of the Epson SP7600 printers I had.  Nozzle checks, head cleanings and most other maintenance routines can be run directly from the printer control panel.  If necessary I might run an alignment from the remote panel, but otherwise the Printer Control panel does it all.  Now of course I'm referring to the last two printers I've had, the SP9900 and now the SC-P7000.  My recollection of the 7600's is not as fresh, but I do recall always running the nozzle checks from the printer control panel on those as well. Not sure about your 7800, but I do know the nozzle checks and cleaning cycles can be run from the printer panel.  And of course the printer panel also displays the ink levels.  Most if not all apps that claim to exhibit ink percentages are not very accurate. 

Also, I don't know what you mean by an abbreviated nozzle check.  Your explanation of the single line nozzle check is all I've ever encountered with the Pro Graphic printers such as the 7600, 9900 and SC-P7000 for example.  I know some consumer desktop printers often run full colour block nozzle checks, but I've never seen that option on the Pro Graphic Printers.  Perhaps I simply haven't been looking in the right place, but even it were an option it's not one I would ever want to use, for obvious reasons. 

Gary

[Doug Gray]

Hi again David,

Just as an aside, and probably moot as well, even though I always have the LFP Remote Utility Panel nestled in the Dock on my Mac, I must admit that I haven't used it probably since the years of the Epson SP7600 printers I had.  Nozzle checks, head cleanings and most other maintenance routines can be run directly from the printer control panel.  If necessary I might run an alignment from the remote panel, but otherwise the Printer Control panel does it all.  Now of course I'm referring to the last two printers I've had, the SP9900 and now the SC-P7000.  My recollection of the 7600's is not as fresh, but I do recall always running the nozzle checks from the printer control panel on those as well. Not sure about your 7800, but I do know the nozzle checks and cleaning cycles can be run from the printer panel.  And of course the printer panel also displays the ink levels.  Most if not all apps that claim to exhibit ink percentages are not very accurate. 

Also, I don't know what you mean by an abbreviated nozzle check.  Your explanation of the single line nozzle check is all I've ever encountered with the Pro Graphic printers such as the 7600, 9900 and SC-P7000 for example.  I know some consumer desktop printers often run full colour block nozzle checks, but I've never seen that option on the Pro Graphic Printers.  Perhaps I simply haven't been looking in the right place, but even it were an option it's not one I would ever want to use, for obvious reasons. 

Gary

Gary, the printer also has a nozzle check that is engaged by the printer's hardware panel. The nozzle check from the control panel prints a single dpi line for each nozzle, while the one built into the printer prints a wide group for each nozzle. It's easier to see without color lights which bring out each of the colors except the light grays. The printer's control also has an automatic cleaning mode which will print the wider nozzle checks, detect plugged nozzzles, clean, and repeat printing nozzle checks until things are clear. It can use a couple sheets of paper.  My preferred approach when nozzles are clogged is to just print a set of 400 RGB patches on half the paper then flip it around an print the thin nozzle check on the other half. I also do this whenever the printer has been idle for more than a week or two and it's always produce a good check. At least in the last 5 years or so.

[deliberate1]

Gents, I installed the 7890 LFP remote panel utility onto my computer to see if it would adopt my 7800. No luck. There is a menu of supported devices, and the 7800 is not among them. And there appears to be no generic access. Basically, the utility says that it cannot find a supported printer. Gary, I appreciate the suggestion. Next stop is note to Epson for assistance. I will report back with any success.
Gary, I believe that Doug did a nice job explaining how the LFP nozzle check command works. Rather than large checker box patterns two pages long from the printer utility, you get a 8", or so, line of 1" +/- boxes comprised of pencil thin horizontal lines from each color. If there are any breaks in the lines, the nozzle is not functioning optimally. Occasionally, I will find a break or two that is cleared by a couple test prints.
Ever the wandering eye, I have read reviews of the latest and greatest printers from all the usual suspects. In the 13 years since buying the 7800 I have read no reviews or seen any results that have persuaded me to put down my money. Granted, I would love to be able to switch between PK an MK inks without the ransom payment flush. But that is about it. The printer has never had an unresolvable clog, despite the fact that I can go months without printing. I have 1100 count print history in 13 years. In fact, I have only run the full cleaning cycle once or twice. I do not know if that is recommended just as a regular maintenance thing. But as long as the nozzle check is good, and the prints impress, I see no reason for the ink dump.
I have a buddy who bought a 7880 and the thing ran for a matter of weeks and died. Not even the Epson tech they sent to his house could resurrect it.
I suppose in time it will die, or, more likely, the inks will no longer be available, which could mean going  to a third party system.
To those of you who had the x800 printer, what did you move to and was it satisfying.
Cheers.
David

[Garnick]

Gents, I installed the 7890 LFP remote panel utility onto my computer to see if it would adopt my 7800. No luck. There is a menu of supported devices, and the 7800 is not among them. And there appears to be no generic access. Basically, the utility says that it cannot find a supported printer. Gary, I appreciate the suggestion. Next stop is note to Epson for assistance. I will report back with any success.
Gary, I believe that Doug did a nice job explaining how the LFP nozzle check command works. Rather than large checker box patterns two pages long from the printer utility, you get a 8", or so, line of 1" +/- boxes comprised of pencil thin horizontal lines from each color. If there are any breaks in the lines, the nozzle is not functioning optimally. Occasionally, I will find a break or two that is cleared by a couple test prints.
Ever the wandering eye, I have read reviews of the latest and greatest printers from all the usual suspects. In the 13 years since buying the 7800 I have read no reviews or seen any results that have persuaded me to put down my money. Granted, I would love to be able to switch between PK an MK inks without the ransom payment flush. But that is about it. The printer has never had an unresolvable clog, despite the fact that I can go months without printing. I have 1100 count print history in 13 years. In fact, I have only run the full cleaning cycle once or twice. I do not know if that is recommended just as a regular maintenance thing. But as long as the nozzle check is good, and the prints impress, I see no reason for the ink dump.
I have a buddy who bought a 7880 and the thing ran for a matter of weeks and died. Not even the Epson tech they sent to his house could resurrect it.
I suppose in time it will die, or, more likely, the inks will no longer be available, which could mean going  to a third party system.
To those of you who had the x800 printer, what did you move to and was it satisfying.
Cheers.
David

Perhaps the humongous nozzle check you described is a Windows thing, since I've never seen such a NC on the Mac.  I have always printed the nozzle checks on standard 24lb letter size sheets.  I print one on each end and on both side.  I then trim off the one on one end and print another two, one on each side.  A total of 6 Nozzle checks on one sheet of letter size paper.  Have never had any issue with this method and have been printing the NC's this way since 2004 on my first 7600. 

Gary   

 

[Doug Gray]

Perhaps the humongous nozzle check you described is a Windows thing, since I've never seen such a NC on the Mac.  I have always printed the nozzle checks on standard 24lb letter size sheets.  I print one on each end and on both side.  I then trim off the one on one end and print another two, one on each side.  A total of 6 Nozzle checks on one sheet of letter size paper.  Have never had any issue with this method and have been printing the NC's this way since 2004 on my first 7600. 

Gary

The "humongous" nozzle check is what the printer, itself, does from the printer panel. It's able to scan these in the printer and do a clean if needed on the channels that are clogged. The one in Windows prints the thin lines which I presume is the same as Mac OS. These are too thin for the printer to automate cleaning so requires human look see.

[deliberate1]

The "humongous" nozzle check is what the printer, itself, does from the printer panel. It's able to scan these in the printer and do a clean if needed on the channels that are clogged. The one in Windows prints the thin lines which I presume is the same as Mac OS. These are too thin for the printer to automate cleaning so requires human look see.

This.

[Garnick]

The "humongous" nozzle check is what the printer, itself, does from the printer panel. It's able to scan these in the printer and do a clean if needed on the channels that are clogged. The one in Windows prints the thin lines which I presume is the same as Mac OS. These are too thin for the printer to automate cleaning so requires human look see.

Ah, interesting.  In all the years I've been using Pro Graphic Printers 5 to 6 days a week, I don't recall ever seeing such a Nozzle Check Pattern.  Now I know why.  When I'm setting up a new printer the first thing I do is turn off ALL Automatic Settings in the Printer Control Panel.  When I turn on the printer my first action is to run a nozzle check and then determine whether any further steps are required, such as head cleaning(s).  Therefore, with the auto cleaning shut off I would never encounter the aforementioned HUMONGOUS Nozzle Check Pattern.  However, with the SC-P series printers such as the P7000 that I now use, even with the Auto Clean Setting OFF it will still occasionally do an auto cleaning cycle on startup or after a "K" ink switch.

Even though I would never use the Auto Clean Setting, it's always good to learn something new.  Well, not exactly new, just new to me.

Thanks Doug,

Gary



         

[deliberate1]

Straight from the horses's mouth:

"Thank you for contacting Epson regarding your Epson Stylus Pro 7800. It is my pleasure to respond to your inquiry.  However, we have no LFP utility for the Stylus-Pro-7800."

Doug, thanks for posting your work around through Windows for the nozzle check. I will give that a go. But I will certainly miss the LFP.
Obliged for all the input on this.
Best,
David

[Garnick]

Straight from the horses's mouth:

"Thank you for contacting Epson regarding your Epson Stylus Pro 7800. It is my pleasure to respond to your inquiry.  However, we have no LFP utility for the Stylus-Pro-7800."

Doug, thanks for posting your work around through Windows for the nozzle check. I will give that a go. But I will certainly miss the LFP.
Obliged for all the input on this.
Best,
David

I'm at a loss with this thread David.  Where was the "Windows work around" for the nozzle check that you mentioned?  Not that I need it, just curious.  And yet another question.  Can you not run a simple Nozzle Check directly from the Printer Control Panel?  Buy "simple", I'm referring to the pattern with just the lines instead of a two page pattern with apparently blocks of solid colour.  Again, just curious.  In my opinion the lines provide all the information one requires to determine any sort of issue which might call for a cleaning cycle.  It has certainly always worked for me, and I would assume that it uses a lot less ink than the alternative.  And another reason for not running Auto Clean Cycles.  I very much doubt that the Auto Cleaning Cycles clean only the affected nozzles, more than likely all nozzles are dumping ink, mostly for no logical reason.

Gary