Troubleshooting Persistent Slow Printing on DTF L1800 Printer
- By Kevin Day
- On Nov 15, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
I'm experiencing issues with my DTF L1800 printer. After almost a year of smooth operation, it started whistling and displaying flashing red lights with a general error code. I’ve replaced several components, including the capping station, printhead, and CR motor. The error went away briefly but then returned, leading to slow printing. I initialized the CR motor and tried a new mainboard, but the problem persisted. Could this be related to a sensor, or can the printer be reset back to factory settings? Servicing isn’t possible where I live. Any suggestions on what to try next?
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us, and we apologize for not being able to respond sooner. We understand that printer issues can be frustrating and time-sensitive, so we’ve taken the time to address your question with the care it deserves. Here at BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), we value your engagement and support on our YouTube channel, and feedback like yours helps us improve our troubleshooting insights.
Your DTF L1800 printer’s combination of whistling sounds, error codes, and sudden slow-downs sounds complex. We’ll go over a few potential causes and fixes for each symptom you’ve described:
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on proceeding if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services. However, we acknowledge that our rates could be more economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest any videos from other channels that could help you.
Thank you again for reaching out, and we appreciate your patience. We hope these suggestions help you resolve your printer issues.
I'm experiencing issues with my DTF L1800 printer. After almost a year of smooth operation, it started whistling and displaying flashing red lights with a general error code. I’ve replaced several components, including the capping station, printhead, and CR motor. The error went away briefly but then returned, leading to slow printing. I initialized the CR motor and tried a new mainboard, but the problem persisted. Could this be related to a sensor, or can the printer be reset back to factory settings? Servicing isn’t possible where I live. Any suggestions on what to try next?
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us, and we apologize for not being able to respond sooner. We understand that printer issues can be frustrating and time-sensitive, so we’ve taken the time to address your question with the care it deserves. Here at BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), we value your engagement and support on our YouTube channel, and feedback like yours helps us improve our troubleshooting insights.
Your DTF L1800 printer’s combination of whistling sounds, error codes, and sudden slow-downs sounds complex. We’ll go over a few potential causes and fixes for each symptom you’ve described:
-
Whistling Noise and Motor Stalls:
The whistling noise is often associated with motor stall issues. First, checking the driver chip and the Q601 component on the mainboard would be best, but since you've already replaced the mainboard, we can look at other possibilities. Sometimes, CR motors in these printers can overheat significantly during printing. Installing a heatsink with a fan can help manage the motor's temperature, potentially alleviating the whistling and stalling. -
Mainboard and Motor Compatibility:
Since you’re unsure if your printer is an authentic L1800 or a rebranded model (like 1390), this could be a factor in the motor behavior. Rebadged 1390 printers, while visually similar to the L1800, may require a specific motor model. L1800 motors are not always interchangeable with 1390 motors, even if suppliers may claim they are. I suggest consulting with experienced vendors on platforms like AliExpress or testing a few options until you find one that matches your model precisely. Misalignment in motor specifications could explain the recurring issues you're seeing. -
CR Motor Initialization:
You mentioned initializing the CR motor, which was an excellent step to attempt. However, if the slow printing persists, inspecting the printer’s PF (paper feed) overwrite board might be beneficial, if available. Occasionally, this component can affect print speeds if it has any faults. -
Mainframe Rod Lubrication:
Another potential culprit is the mainframe rod. Over time, this rod can lose lubrication, causing friction that could lead to slower printing speeds. Lightly greasing the mainframe rod may resolve this part of the problem. -
Sensor and Factory Reset:
As for your question about sensors or factory reset options, some L1800 printers feature sensors that monitor print speed and quality. If these sensors are dirty or misaligned, they may trigger errors. Additionally, while DTF printers generally do not have a straightforward factory reset function, you might try removing the mainboard battery if accessible, which can reset the memory temporarily. Another approach would be to consult the printer’s manual or contact the manufacturer for advanced reset instructions.
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on proceeding if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services. However, we acknowledge that our rates could be more economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest any videos from other channels that could help you.
Thank you again for reaching out, and we appreciate your patience. We hope these suggestions help you resolve your printer issues.