Seiko Epson
MX-80
Provisional entry — research in progress
This page was generated automatically from cited public sources and hasn't completed the full research pass yet. Every specification shown carries its source; more detail is added as research completes.
Plate 01Epson MX-80 printer test
Devin2277Watch on YouTubePlate 02Hammer Week: Epson MX-80 with WYSIWYG AirPrint
FozzTexxWatch on YouTubePlate 03Testing / Set up of an EPSON MX-80 III Dot Matrix Printer!!!!
offensive_jerkWatch on YouTubePlate 04Why the MX-80 Won
Footnote VaultWatch on YouTubePlate 05Testing a Dot Matrix Printer for EBAY | Epson MX80 Type III #Shorts
Commonwealth FlipperWatch on YouTube
Produced
1980–
Node / era
epson_mx_80__Seiko_Epson
Power
115 V AC, 60 Hz[2]
Optics
eighty-column dot matrix printer[1]
What is it?
Applications
Dot matrix printers were widely used in offices, homes, and hobbyist settings for alphanumeric printing, forms, labels, and simple graphics. The MX-80 model was additionally used as a system printer for computers like the Commodore PET. Upgrades such as Graftrax-80 and Graftrax-Plus added bitmap graphics, italic fonts, superscript, subscript, underlining, and faster graphics, expanding the range of printable material.[3]
- dot matrix printing
What do the numbers mean?
Power & electrical1
Optics & imaging1
Control & software1
Dimensions & facilities6
Configuration & options11
Vintage & configurations
- 1980-10Production start[1]
The MX-80 was launched in October 1980.
Documented models & variants
| Designation | Generation | Vintage | Changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-80 Type I | — | — | The source states that the earliest version of the MX-80 (the Type I) contained the TRS-80 graphics characters, which could be enabled or disabled using a DIP switch. | trs-80.org[3] |
| MX-80 Type II | — | — | Adjustable sprocket pin feed | manualslib.com[2] |
| MX-80 F/T Type II | — | — | Friction and adjustable sprocket feed | manualslib.com[2] |
What does it need to run?
Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.
- Power115 V AC, 60 Hz[2]
Where are the manuals?
Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.
Not publicly documented
Field notes
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Epson MX-80 introduced?
The MX-80 was introduced in October 1980.[3]
What type of print head did the MX-80 use?
The MX-80 used a 9-pin disposable print head rated for 5,000,000 lines.[3]
What was the printing speed of the MX-80?
The MX-80 printed bidirectionally at 80 characters per second (CPS) with a logical seeking function.[3]
What control language did the MX-80 use?
The printer used a control language later known as ESC/P, which became a standard.[3]
What upgrades were available for the MX-80?
Epson introduced Graftrax-80 in 1981 and Graftrax-Plus in 1982. Graftrax-80 added bitmapped graphics and italic font; Graftrax-Plus added superscript, subscript, underlining, and faster bitmapped graphics but removed some features.[3]
Which computers was the MX-80 commonly used with?
The MX-80 was commonly used as a system printer for the Commodore PET computer and was popular with TRS-80 Model I and Model III computers.[3]
Not publicly documented
The following facts about the MX-80 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
The control-system platform and OS era of the MX-80 are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the MX-80 are on record.
Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the MX-80 are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No publicly hosted manuals, SOPs, or datasheets for the MX-80 are on record.
Answerable by: university cleanroom staff or an OEM application specialist
The operating principle of the MX-80 is not documented in this record.
Answerable by: an equipment physicist or OEM application engineer
No research found yet — worked with this tool? Share what you know.
Sources & citations
Sources (5)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
- [1]en.wikipedia.org — en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org
- [2]manualslib.com — manualslib.commanualslib.com
- [3]trs-80.org — trs-80.orgtrs-80.org
- [4]EPSON MX-80 TECHNICAL MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib — manualslib.commanualslib.com
- [5]MX-80 | About | Epson — corporate-origin.epson.bizcorporate-origin.epson.biz
Last updated Sep 30, 2026.
