Essential Tips for Installing and Protecting Your New Epson L1800 Mainboard

Question:

I have just got a new mainboard for my Epson L1800 and would like to prevent any power surge problems especially after the damn electricity coming back on in our last storm. Obviously I passed the test on installation, but what extra precautions do you have to prevent future damage? Also, if you have some videos associated with one in your YouTube channel, let me know that too.

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us! We at BCH Technologies truly appreciate your engagement and support, especially regarding our YouTube channel. Your feedback plays a crucial role in further developing our technical expertise.

When installing a new mainboard in your Epson L1800, it's great to hear you've got power back after the storm! If you purchased our new mainboard, rest assured it’s an original component used by Epson for their repair facilities, ensuring it’s in excellent condition. If you opted for a tested B-grade mainboard, it has also undergone thorough repairs and was tested on a live device, proving its reliability in handling all printing tasks.

However, before proceeding with the installation, addressing any underlying issues that may have caused the previous damage to your mainboard is vital. Simply reinstalling the board without diagnosing and fixing the root cause can lead to repeated failures. Most mainboard damages are typically a result of faulty printheads and Flexible Flat Cables (FFC).

Here are some recommendations to ensure the longevity of your new mainboard:

1. Inspect the FFC Cables: Visually check the FFC cables for any signs of damage. Ensure that all silver connectors are clean and intact. Poor connections here can lead to problems.
2. Evaluate the Printhead Condition: Although it’s challenging to assess the printhead's condition visually, if there’s any doubt about its reliability, consider replacing it. If you can access a working printer, you can borrow its printhead to test the mainboard’s functionality. Avoid testing the new mainboard with unknown issues on a printer, as this could lead to further damage.
3. Environment Considerations: Consider using a surge protector for your printer setup to prevent future electrical damage. This can help protect your equipment from sudden voltage spikes, especially after storms.
4. Routine Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your printer to ensure all components function correctly. This includes keeping the printhead and FFC connectors clean.
5. Monitor Performance: After installation, monitor the printer's performance. Any irregular behavior could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed immediately.

For more visual guidance, check our YouTube channel for videos related to the L1800 and maintenance tips. You can find a lot of resources that may be able to help you with your installation and protection strategies.

Addressing printer issues can be pretty intricate due to the hands-on nature of the problems. As such, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility, BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning it might take a few weeks for us to evaluate your printer if you drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are structured to either repair the entire printer or specific components, with clear instructions on how to proceed with mail-in or local drop-off services. We understand that our rates may not be economical, so we highly encourage you to explore self-help options through online resources. You can start by visiting our YouTube channel's homepage at BCH Technologies YouTube Channel. Use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar to find specific videos related to your questions. I receive numerous queries daily regarding particular topics, and given the extensive range of videos created over the past nine years, utilizing YouTube's search function will be the most efficient method for locating relevant content. I have also included some helpful suggestions from other channels.

Thank you again for reaching out; we appreciate your continued support!