The ET 15000 printer has presented a unique issue known as the phantom paper jam. Interestingly, this isn’t your ordinary paper jam, as there's no actual paper causing the disruption. When this anomaly occurs, the printer consistently reports a paper jam, misleading many users.

Diving into the Root Cause Upon a detailed inspection, the encoder strip was found to be the main culprit behind the phantom jam. This crucial component had fallen out of its position, escaping from the confines of the sensor situated behind the carriage.

Setting the Stage for Repair Before diving into the repair process, there are a few preliminary steps to take:

1. Begin by unscrewing the three screws that secure the side cover.
2. Within that side cover, you'll find another screw anchoring the waste tank. Remove that as well.
3. Now, with caution, lift the scanner gently to detach the side cover completely.

Navigating the Encoder Strip With the printer opened, it's now possible to clearly see the displaced encoder strip. Here’s the repair strategy:

1. Slightly move the carriage to access the encoder strip.
2. Start by removing the spring that keeps the encoder strip in place on the left side. A crucial detail to remember during this step is to ensure the black triangle on the encoder strip faces upwards.
3. Once removed, shift the carriage back to its original position.
4. The primary goal now is to feed the encoder strip through the sensor located behind the carriage. A flashlight can be a handy tool at this stage, offering a clearer view of the intricate process.
5. Once the encoder strip has been successfully threaded, pull it gently from the opposite end to ensure it's positioned correctly.

Securing the Encoder Strip With the encoder strip now threaded properly, it's essential to secure it:

1. First, reattach the left side of the encoder strip to the spring.
2. The right side of the strip, on the other hand, should be firmly attached to the white plastic piece that's associated with the motor.

Final Checks Ensure everything is in place. A common issue to watch out for is the encoder strip on the right side coming off. If it does, reposition the carriage and reattach it to the white hook.

Ensuring Printer Health At BCH Technologies, we believe in ensuring your printer’s optimal health and functionality. For a step-by-step visual guide on addressing the phantom paper jam, check out our video below.

While paper jams are a common printer issue, it's the nuances like these that can often perplex even the most experienced tech enthusiasts. But with the right knowledge and a touch of patience, these challenges become surmountable. Remember, every printer hiccup has a solution, and BCH Technologies is always here to guide you through it. Whether online at BCH Technologies or in-person in Greensboro, North Carolina, we've got your printing needs covered. Happy printing!