Epson R1390 / Erasmart R1390: Power, Ink, and Paper Lights Flashing & Not Recognized by Computer

Question

I'm working with an Epson 1390 (Erasmart R1390). When I turn the machine on, the Power, Ink, and Paper LEDs all flash, and the printer's motherboard/printer is no longer recognized by the computer. Have you seen this issue before, and how can I diagnose what's wrong?

Answer

When an Epson 1390/R1390 powers on with Power + Ink + Paper LEDs flashing and the device is not detected by the computer, it usually means the printer is stuck in a fatal/protective error state or has a communication/power rail fault that prevents USB enumeration. In other words, the printer may be failing its internal startup checks before it can fully "boot" into a state where the PC can see it.

Below is the most reliable way to diagnose it-then the most common causes and practical fixes.

Step 1: Pull the Stored Error Code Using Epson's Adjustment Program

To check what's actually happening, use Epson's Adjustment Program (often called the Epson Adjustment Utility). This tool can read the printer's internal logs and reveal the last recorded failure.

1. Open the Adjustment Program on your computer.

2. Select the USB port that shows your printer's name from the dropdown list.

3. Go to Particular Adjustment.

4. Scroll down and select Printer Information Check.

5. Click Check.

6. You should see the most recent error listed at the top-often shown as Error #1 (the latest/most relevant stored code).

How to interpret the error code

Once you see the code, search "BCH Epson Error" online and use our resource explaining Epson's Triple Secret Error Codes (these are the internal service-level codes, not the simple consumer "blink codes"). This is important because the same blinking-light behavior can come from multiple root causes, and the stored code narrows it down quickly.

Example: You might see an error related to the APG sensor (Automatic Platen Gap sensor). If the printer believes the carriage/head clearance system is failing, it may protect itself and refuse to initialize properly.

Important note about the software: The Adjustment Program is typically intended for Epson service use, but DTF printer sellers sometimes provide it with converted machines. If you don't have it, you may need to search online for a compatible version.

For a quick walkthrough of the "Printer Information Check" process, see our short video: YouTube walkthrough (https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE)

Step 2: If the PC Does Not Detect the Printer at All

If the printer never shows up in Device Manager (Windows) or System Information > USB (Mac), even briefly, then the issue can be more "electrical" than "software." Here are the most common causes on R1390/1390-based boards:

A) USB/Communication Failure (Simple but Common)

Before assuming the motherboard is dead, check the basics:

• Try a different USB cable (short, good quality, no hubs).

• Plug directly into a rear USB port on a desktop (or a different port on a laptop).

• Try a different computer.

• If you're using a DTF conversion setup, disconnect any inline devices temporarily (certain add-ons can interfere with detection).

If the printer still doesn't enumerate, continue below.

B) Printer Stuck in "Fatal Error" Before USB Initialization

On some units, the printer can fail so early during startup that it never reaches the stage where it properly identifies itself over USB. In this scenario, the Adjustment Program may still work only if the printer can communicate at a basic level-but sometimes it cannot.

This is where the stored error code (if retrievable) matters most.

C) Printhead or Carriage Electrical Short (Very Common on 1390 Platforms)

One of the most frequent "all-lights-blinking + no connect" causes is a shorted printhead or a short in the carriage/head cable path. Epson boards have protective circuits; if the head power rail is overloaded, the board can shut down logic functions.

What to try (diagnostic approach):

• With the printer unplugged, reseat the head cables and carriage FFC cables carefully (make sure they're straight and fully seated).

• Inspect for ink contamination, corrosion, or burn marks on connectors.

• If you have the technical ability, a common test is temporarily disconnecting the printhead cable(s) to see if the printer behavior changes (for example, it may power differently or the PC may detect something).

  • If behavior changes significantly with the head disconnected, that's a strong clue the head/cable path is causing the board to protect itself.

(Only do this if you're experienced-FFC cables are easy to damage.)

D) Power Rail / Fuse / Regulator Issue on the Mainboard

If the board is not recognized at all, you can also be dealing with:

• A blown mainboard fuse

• A failing 5V/3.3V regulator (logic supply)

• A shorted component caused by static discharge, liquid/ink intrusion, or a downstream short (head, motor, sensor)

Signs that point to power rail issues:

• LEDs flash immediately with no normal movement

• No carriage motion or only a tiny "twitch"

• No USB detection on any computer

Because many R1390 conversion environments are messy (ink lines, dampers, wiping stations, overspray), ink contamination on the board is a real-world cause. Even a thin film can create leakage paths that confuse sensors or pull rails down.

E) Sensor-Related Failures (Including APG Sensor)

If your stored code indicates a sensor (like APG, CR encoder, paper feed, etc.), the fix is usually not the motherboard itself-it's often:

• A dirty or misaligned sensor

• A damaged encoder strip/disc

• A pinched cable / loose connector

• A mechanical jam (carriage cannot home, paper feed cannot rotate, etc.)

This is why the Adjustment Program code is so valuable: it tells you whether you should focus on electronics, mechanics, or sensors.

Practical Next Steps (In Order)

1. Try the Adjustment Program → Printer Information Check and write down the top error code (Error #1).

2. Use the code to look up the meaning via "BCH Epson Error" and our Triple Secret Error Codes reference.

3. If the printer is not detected at all, test with:

   • another USB cable

   • another computer

   • direct USB (no hub)

4. Inspect and reseat internal cables (especially carriage/head FFC cables), and look for ink contamination or burnt contacts.

5. If you can share the exact error code you found (or confirm whether the PC detects the printer at all), the diagnosis becomes much more precise.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated because so many failures are hands-on and require physical inspection, testing, and sometimes part-swapping to confirm the root cause. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step repair coaching, or remote repair support. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept a drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts with clear procedures on how to proceed. That said, we recognize our rates aren't the most economical option-so we strongly recommend self-help through online research first. A great place to start is YouTube, especially our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the "About" section on the right side of the menu bar to find the most relevant videos quickly. I receive dozens of messages daily asking for the "right video," and after years of uploads it's difficult to recall every one from memory-YouTube search is the fastest method, and it may also suggest helpful videos from other creators.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. If you can retrieve the stored error code from the Adjustment Program (or tell me whether any computer detects the printer at all), that single detail will point you to the most likely fix much faster.