How to Fix Communication Errors and Pause Mode Issues on Epson R1390 DTF Printers

Customer Question

I recently encountered a problem with my Epson R1390 DTF printer. Initially, the red ink light came on, but after reading an article on your site, I replaced the cartridge board, and the red light turned off. However, when I attempt to print, I get a communication error saying the printer is in "pause mode." I’ve tried looking for solutions but haven’t had any luck. What should I do?

Answer

Step 1: Check USB Connection and Cable Quality

A communication error typically involves the physical connection between your printer and your computer. Here’s what to check:

• Try a different USB cable, preferably one less than 6 feet long.

• Avoid USB hubs or extenders. Always plug the USB cable directly into your PC or laptop port.

• Switch USB ports, especially to the rear ports of a desktop computer, which are often more reliable.

• Restart both the printer and the computer after reconnecting.

• If your laptop only has USB-C ports, try using a different USB-C to USB-B adapter. Inexpensive dongles are often unreliable and can be the root cause of communication errors.

Step 2: Inspect Printer Driver and Print Queue Settings

Sometimes, the issue isn’t hardware, but software.

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, find your Epson R1390.

• Right-click the printer and select “See what’s printing.”

• Ensure the printer is not paused or set to offline.

• Clear any pending or stuck print jobs from the queue.

• Reinstall the printer driver, either from Epson’s official website or by using a generic/universal driver.

• If you can access another computer, try printing from that to determine if the issue is isolated to your current system.

Step 3: Check Mainboard and Encoder Cable Connections

Since you recently replaced the cartridge board, another internal ribbon cable may not be seated properly.

• Open your printer and locate the flat ribbon cables running from the carriage to the mainboard.

• Unplug and carefully replug each cable to ensure a snug, clean connection.

• Look for signs of corrosion, burning, or fraying on the ribbon contacts.

• If you're concerned the ribbon cable may have been damaged, BCH Technologies offers free diagnostic testing [https://bchtechnologies.com].

Step 4: Perform a Self-Test Without a Computer

You can determine if the problem is within the printer or your computer setup by using the printer’s self-test mode:

• Turn off the printer.

• Press and hold the paper feed button, then press the power button simultaneously.

• Observe whether the printer attempts to print or feed paper.

If it prints successfully, the printer’s internal systems are functional, and the issue likely lies in the software or connection to your computer. The problem is within the printer’s hardware if it fails to respond.

Step 5: Check for Firmware Lockout or Logic Board Damage

If the communication error appeared only after installing the new cartridge board, the cause may be deeper:

• Some third-party cartridge boards can trigger Epson’s firmware protection mechanisms, putting the printer into an unresponsive state.

• If the board was faulty, it may have caused power surges or shorts, damaging the logic board.

At this point, consider sending in the mainboard for inspection. BCH Technologies offers logic board repairs and full printer service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. If you're comfortable disassembling the printer, you can request a mainboard-only repair, but be aware this service does not include peripheral components such as motors or sensors.

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. So, it might take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we 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 relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Once again, thank you for contacting us and trusting BCH Technologies with your printing concerns. We hope this guidance brings you a step closer to restoring full functionality to your Epson R1390.