Epson Stylus Photo 1390 DTF Constant Ink Out Error: Checking the CSIC Overwrite Board and CN15 Connection

Question

My MZK DTF printer, which is built from an Epson Stylus Photo 1390, continuously displays an "ink out" error. I have tested the voltages and checked several possible causes, but the error remains. What else should I inspect?

Answer

The constant "ink out" error on an Epson Stylus Photo 1390-based DTF printer is usually not an ink-flow problem. Instead, it generally means the printer's mainboard is not receiving the cartridge-recognition information it expects. No numerical error code was provided in this case, so the relevant error message is the continuous "ink out" status.

Check for a CSIC Overwrite Board

The first component to inspect is the cartridge chip overwrite board, commonly called a CSIC overwrite board, ink-level reset board, cartridge decoder, or chip emulator.

Many Epson 1390 DTF conversions replace the original cartridges with dampers or a continuous ink system. Because these components normally do not communicate with the printer like standard chipped cartridges, an overwrite board is installed to tell the mainboard that the cartridges are present and have sufficient ink.

Please check whether your printer has a board similar to the Epson R1390 Cartridge Chip CSIC Overwrite Board [https://bchtechnologies.com/products/epson-r1390-cartridge-chip-csic-overwrite-board-for-dtf-uv-and-dtg-printers-auto-reset-ink-level?variant=52473186058547].

The physical shape, color, and manufacturer of the board may differ from the example shown on our website. However, its purpose should be the same: it automatically resets or overrides the ink-level information so the Epson 1390 mainboard recognizes the ink channels as available.

Inspect the CN15 Connection

On this printer platform, the overwrite board should normally communicate with the mainboard through the CN15 connection. Carefully inspect the board and confirm that its cable is securely and correctly inserted into CN15. A loose, partially inserted, crooked, contaminated, or reversed cable may allow the printer to power on while still preventing cartridge-recognition data from reaching the mainboard. CN15-related failures can cause ink-detection problems even when other electrical measurements appear normal.

Before touching the board or cable:

1. Turn the printer off.

2. Disconnect the printer from electrical power.

3. Allow the printer to remain unplugged briefly before handling the electronics.

4. Use appropriate electrostatic-discharge precautions when working around the mainboard.

Remove and inspect the cable at both ends. Look for folded conductors, damaged traces, oxidized contacts, ink contamination, cleaning-solution residue, burned areas, or a cable that is not fully aligned with the connector. If the connector uses a locking tab, make sure the tab is not broken and is holding the cable evenly.

Do not force the cable into the connector. A cable inserted one position off-center, backward, or at an angle can prevent communication and may also damage the overwrite board or mainboard.

Voltage Tests Do Not Confirm Data Communication

You mentioned that you tested the voltages and other possibilities. That is useful, but correct voltage readings do not necessarily prove that the CSIC system is working.

The circuit must have:

• The correct power supply

• A good ground connection

• An intact communication cable

• Working data lines

• A functional overwrite board

• A functional CN15 circuit on the mainboard

• Correct board compatibility and configuration

A defective overwrite board may still receive power while failing to send valid cartridge information. Similarly, a cable can pass basic voltage but have an open, damaged, or shorted data conductor. Therefore, the remaining diagnosis should concentrate on the communication path rather than only the power supply.

Examine the Overwrite Board for Damage

Inspect the overwrite board closely under good lighting. Look for:

• Burned or discolored components

• Corrosion around the connector

• Ink or cleaning fluid on the circuit board

• Broken solder joints

• Missing surface-mounted components

• Damaged cable sockets

• Evidence that the cable was previously installed incorrectly

DTF printers frequently operate around airborne ink mist, humidity, powder, and cleaning fluids. Contamination can create corrosion or electrical leakage on low-voltage communication circuits. If contamination is present, do not reconnect or power the board until it has been properly cleaned and completely dried.

Avoid testing the board by repeatedly connecting and disconnecting it while the printer is powered. Hot-plugging the CSIC board or CN15 cable may damage the board or the cartridge-recognition section of the mainboard.

Confirm That the Board Matches the Epson 1390

A board that physically fits the connector may not necessarily be electrically or logically compatible with the Epson Stylus Photo 1390. Confirm that the installed overwrite board was designed specifically for the Epson 1390/R1390 platform or for the exact MZK DTF configuration being used.

Boards intended for other Epson models may use a similar-looking connector but communicate differently. A mismatched board can leave the printer permanently displaying an ink-out or cartridge-recognition condition.

Also confirm whether the printer was originally configured to use:

• An overwrite board with chipless dampers

• A standard CSIC contact board with individually chipped cartridges

• A modified mainboard with a separate cartridge emulator

These systems are not always interchangeable. If the printer previously worked correctly and then suddenly developed the error, the existing overwrite board, its cable, or the CN15 connector becomes a stronger suspect. If the error started after replacing the mainboard, rewiring the printer, or changing the cartridge system, compatibility or incorrect connection should be investigated first.

Check the Cable for Continuity and Shorts

With the printer unplugged and the cable removed from both boards, check each conductor for continuity. The conductors should connect end-to-end without crossing into adjacent conductors.

Also inspect for:

• An open conductor

• Intermittent continuity when the cable is moved

• A short between neighboring conductors

• Damaged contact plating

• Cracks near the cable's bends

• Excessive creasing or folding

A cable can appear visually acceptable while having an internal break. Testing with a known-good cable is often faster and more conclusive than relying only on appearance.

Test with a Known-Good Overwrite Board

If the CN15 connection and cable are secure, the next practical step is to test the printer with a known-good, compatible Epson 1390 CSIC overwrite board.

If the replacement board clears the ink-out condition, the original overwrite board is likely defective. If the same error remains with a known-good board and cable, inspect the CN15 connector and the cartridge-recognition circuitry on the mainboard.

Check the CN15 socket for bent contacts, cracked solder joints, contamination, lifted pads, or signs of overheating. If the printer experienced a short circuit, incorrect cable installation, or liquid contamination, the mainboard's CSIC communication circuit may have been damaged even though the rest of the printer still powers on.

Recommended Diagnostic Order

The most efficient order for diagnosing this problem is:

1. Confirm that a compatible CSIC overwrite board is installed.

2. Verify that it is connected to CN15.

3. Power off and reseat the cable at both ends.

4. Inspect the cable orientation and connector locks.

5. Check the cable for continuity and shorts.

6. Inspect the overwrite board for contamination or burned components.

7. Test with a known-good compatible cable.

8. Test with a known-good Epson 1390 overwrite board.

9. Inspect the CN15 connector and surrounding mainboard circuit.

Because the printer is continuously reporting an ink-out condition, I would focus first on the overwrite board and its CN15 cable. Even when the voltages test correctly, a failed board, damaged data line, or poor connection can prevent the mainboard from receiving valid ink-status information.

Addressing printer problems can be complicated because many diagnoses and repairs require direct, hands-on inspection. For that reason, we cannot provide individualized remote troubleshooting, repair support, or guaranteed diagnoses based only on messages, pictures, or voltage readings. We do offer in-person evaluation and repair through our local printer diagnostic and repair facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to high demand, printers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take several weeks before a drop-off appointment becomes available. Our services can cover either a complete printer or certain removable components, with instructions provided for the applicable service. We also recognize that professional repair may not be the most economical choice for every printer. Therefore, we strongly encourage researching the issue and considering self-repair when appropriate. You can begin with YouTube or visit the homepage of our BCH Technologies YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. On the channel page, use the search icon located near the "About" section to search for terms such as "Epson 1390 ink out," "1390 CSIC," "CN15," or "1390 overwrite board." We receive dozens of questions each day asking whether we have a video about a particular problem. After producing videos for more than nine years, it is difficult to remember every video by title, so using YouTube's channel-search function is usually the fastest approach. YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other repair channels.

Thank you again for contacting BCH Technologies and for supporting our work. We sincerely appreciate your engagement and hope this information helps you identify whether the problem is coming from the CN15 connection, the communication cable, the CSIC overwrite board, or the mainboard's cartridge-recognition circuit.