The Dilemma: A DTF Printer in Distress

The user starts their message with a detailed account of their printer setup. They converted their Epson P600 into a CMYKWWWW configuration for DTF printing, a process that involved some significant changes to the ink delivery system. Initially using 90ml refillable cartridges with the stock dampeners, lines, and pump, they ran into trouble when the OEM ink lines began leaking and proved unrepairable. Armed with a set of DX7 dampeners with ink lines and a CISS system for CMYKWWWW, they embarked on a journey to overcome the challenges.

Encountering Banding Issues and Paper Jams

After making the necessary adjustments, the user noticed that their prints were marred by banding issues. Determined to resolve this, they ran some cleaning cycles. However, their printer threw them another curveball—a paper jam with the DTF roll paper. They had to manually intervene by turning the paper feed wheel in reverse to free the jammed paper. The user's dedication to maintaining their printer's performance is evident in their willingness to uncase the entire printer's bottom shell for easy access.

The Elusive Error Code: 0X71

Despite their efforts, the Epson P600 continued to defy them. Upon startup, the print head moved slowly to the left along the encoder strip and belt before swiftly returning to the capping station on the right. It seemed like the printer was trying to initialize and pump ink, but it never completed the paper wheel spinning process. Instead, it emitted an ear-piercing beep and displayed the dreaded error code: 0X71. The user's attempts to access service mode and run diagnostics yielded a discouraging result—FATAL ERROR: 71h.

Kevin's Reply:

According to Epson, this error code can be attributed to a range of issues, including APG  home position seeking errors, APG sensor failures, and APG motor malfunctions. The APG unit, responsible for controlling the platen height, typically resides on the left side of the printer.

It's not uncommon for individuals to inadvertently connect the wrong cables to the APG or install the APG unit in the incorrect slot. Such seemingly minor oversights can have a significant impact on the printer's functionality. Also, sometimes the APG sensor got knocked out of position while removing paper jams.

In the quest for a solution, the user was directed to a vast well of knowledge readily available on YouTube. A simple search for "epson apg p600" yields a multitude of results, providing a wealth of visual resources and tutorials to aid in understanding and troubleshooting APG-related issues.

Furthermore, a video tutorial about the correct installation of the APG for an L-1800 printer was shared (https://youtube.com/live/tFFwA9DA1Vo). While this particular video may not be tailored to the Epson P600 model, it offers valuable insights into the inner workings of APG mechanisms. Armed with this knowledge, the user could embark on a more informed troubleshooting journey.