CR Motor Failure Troubleshooting for DTF Pro Inspire A3+ Printer Re: Error Code & Ink/Paper Light Blinking

Question:
I have been having problems with my DTF Pro Inspire A3+ printer for around a year. This printer often blinks the ink and paper lights and indicates with code through the Wix program that it has CR motor failure. I have replaced the motor four times; the main board, ink control board, and dampers are the newer models. The last two motors I received were with the updated design, one with a bit of board attached to the back of the motor and the wire plugging into the motor instead of being hard-wired. But after around two hours of printing, I got the same error and lights. Can I bring you in to help fix this ongoing problem?
 
Answer:
Thanks for your inquiry. I'm sorry that this problem has continued with your DTF Pro Inspire A3+ printer. I know how maddening it is to cope with persistent problems with a printer, particularly one that has been around since it was brand new. Thanks for being patient and sharing those details with us.
We at BCH Technologies sincerely appreciate your support and engagement, especially regarding our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Thanks to your feedback, we will optimize our troubleshooting process and strengthen our technical skills.
Diagnosing the Issue
The issue you are facing with CR motor failure error and the ink and paper lights blinking is usually related to some mechanical or electrical malfunction that prevents the printer's CR (carriage) movement function from operating as intended. Yet even after all these part swaps, the problem remains, which tells me it's likely originating in a smaller number of places:

• CR motor is responsible for moving the printhead assembly along the carriage. When the motor fails or is underpowered, the printer cannot move correctly, resulting in the error code you see. This suggests that the replacement motors you've used have not completely fixed the problem and may not necessarily do so if the new motors are the least bit different in design or specification. It could also be an issue with the motor interacting with other components, e.g., the encoder strip or the carriage rails.
• Mainboard or Ink Control Board Issues: You have already changed the mainboard and the ink control board. However, these two components control the signals that drive the motor and the other critical parts of the printer. Please ensure all the wires connected between the boards and the motor are secure, and that communication between the two is not an issue.
• Power Supply Problems: Another possibility is that there are problems with the power supply to the motor itself, which will not help the motor work better. This results in blinking the lights and, at some point, only after some usage, the error code. If the motor is run under an unstable power source or incorrect voltage, it will be prone to failure over time.
• Mechanical Blockages or Resistance: If there is any obstruction or resistance in the path of the carriage movement, the motor is overrun, leading to premature failure. Other causes can include miscalibration of the carriage rails, dirt or debris in the carriage's path, or an issue with the encoder strip that assists the motor in tracking its movements.

Proposed Solution to Fix the Issue
Rail alignment and connection check:

• Please ensure the right motor and carriage alignments and all connections (especially the new plug-in wire design) are fully seated. A poor or loose connection can cause intermittent motor failure.

Inspect Encoder Strip:

• The encoder strip is a significant component of the motor's function. When its alignment is dirty or shifted, it can cause the motor to malfunction. You can carefully clean the encoder strip and look for signs of physical wear and tear or misalignment.

Test Power Supply:

• Please test the power source and ensure it is continuously being supplied. (If you have a multimeter, you can measure the voltage to ensure it meets the motor specifications.) Any deviation can lead to malfunctioning.

Motor Testing:

• If it's still problematic, you can test the new motor outside of the printer if you can bypass it and power it up manually (if the design and wiring allow this). That can at least help you eliminate whether the motor is bad and whether your issue is more with the printer's internal wiring or control boards.

Referencing the Revised Motor Design:

• Since the latest replacements have an updated design, please confirm that the new motors are fully compatible with your printer. Though the motors have been revised, minor design changes may necessitate reconfiguration or some adjustment.

Run Diagnostics:

• Use the printer's diagnostic tools to see if any other error codes might provide additional information about what is happening. If your printing device is connected with specific software, ensure the firmware and software are the latest versions.

General Advice
Printer problems like the one you describe can be complicated because they involve multiple elements working together. Given that your DTF Pro Inspire A3+ printer has had numerous part changes, ensuring all parts are fully compatible and/or calibrated correctly may be a question. Persistent errors may even lead to an underlying problem with the printer's overall design or a defect in any of the replacement parts that were printed away.
While we cannot troubleshoot specific issues remotely, we'd gladly help with an on-site evaluation if needed. Our services also include printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).
If you need more help, we suggest you visit our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where we share solutions to printer issues for different models. You can use the search function to find troubleshooting advice or any other topic in our video library.
Thanks once more for contacting us yesterday. I hope these steps lead you closer to a solution. Please let me know how it goes, or let us know if you have more questions.