Troubleshooting Power Supply and Main Board Issues in Epson 1390 UV Flatbed Printers
- By Kevin Day
- On Nov 04, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
I have a Procolored Epson 1390-based UV flatbed printer, and I've been dealing with ongoing issues since receiving it. The problems began with a high-pitched squeal from the main board, which seemed to worsen. Procolored support has directed me to repeatedly check the ribbon cable connections, leading to wear and connection issues. I’ve assembled spare parts, including power supplies, main boards, and ribbon cables, and even harvested printheads from Epson 260 printers. I've verified several connections, but my troubleshooting has stalled. I suspect the MOSFET transistors might be the issue, but I lack the tools to test them directly. Could you provide any guidance on this?
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us with such a comprehensive troubleshooting history. I apologize for not being able to respond sooner. Printer issues, especially with components like MOSFETs and mainboards, can be urgent, and we aim to address each question with the care it deserves. Here at BCH Technologies, we genuinely value your engagement and support on our YouTube channel, and feedback like yours is instrumental in refining our expertise and support.Starting with your description of the high-pitched squeal from the power supply, this symptom can indicate potential issues with the MOSFETs or even the overall power regulation on the board. Your approach of swapping out parts and verifying voltage on key connectors is excellent, and it shows a thorough understanding of power flow in the printer’s system. For further testing, your idea of checking the MOSFET transistors is a sound approach, as these transistors regulate power flow and can degrade or short out over time.
You mentioned that my repair video was helpful up to a certain point. However, due to YouTube's membership structure, I believe part 2 might be restricted to members. Memberships, priced at $2.99 per month, provide access to our entire catalogue of in-depth repair videos, which include MOSFET testing and more advanced troubleshooting for similar models. Here is the link for membership only videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOwjOyyJTec5a5ZznioRSJIw
I recommend sourcing an Epson Artisan 1430 printer on eBay or another platform for a practical solution. The 1430 shares a similar frame and internal structure with the 1390, making it an ideal candidate for part-swapping and diagnostic testing without risking further wear on your Procolored model. These printers typically range between $150 and $200, and you may even be able to find one with a functional printhead for additional parts.
Testing the MOSFETs on the main board can confirm if they are the culprits behind the squealing sound. I have a public video that covers MOSFET testing, which might assist in identifying faulty transistors. If the MOSFETs fail, they would need to be desoldered and replaced with compatible components, which could resolve the squeal and potentially restore stability to the power supply.
Given the lack of a troubleshooting guide for the Procolored model, documenting your process is wise, especially with these ribbon cable issues. Over time, repetitive disconnection and reconnection can weaken ribbon cable contacts and connectors, so having duplicates on hand is a reasonable precaution.
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. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks to get to your printer. Our services are structured to repair the 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 aren't the most economical. Therefore, 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. 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 relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.
Thank you again for reaching out; we’re here to assist as much as possible!