How to Fix Honson Board DTF Printer Red LED Error and Missing Ink Colors

Question:
My Honson board DTF printer is showing a red LED light, and I'm wondering what that means. I noticed that when I loaded the ink, all the colors appeared except for red. I also saw that yellow ink was mixing in the tube for the white ink. On the motherboard, there's a red light at the back, and on the board where the data cables connect to the printhead, only one green light is showing. Should there be two green lights? Do I need to replace any parts to get the printer running again?

Answer:

When your Honson DTF printer displays a red LED light on the motherboard, it typically indicates a hardware fault or communication error between the mainboard and the printhead. The issue can stem from a few key areas:

1. Printhead malfunction:
   Based on your description, it's very likely that the printhead itself is the culprit-especially since one color (red) isn't showing up and you're observing ink cross-contamination between the yellow and white lines. A clogged or shorted printhead can cause the system to trip an error and trigger the red LED warning.
   To verify this, try replacing the printhead with a known working one. If the red light disappears after swapping, then you've confirmed the original printhead was faulty.

2. Ink contamination issue:
   The yellow ink mixing into the white channel indicates an air leak or backflow problem in the ink delivery system. This could be due to damaged dampers, worn tubing, or improper pressure balance between channels. After resolving the LED issue, it's wise to flush and refill the affected lines to prevent pigment contamination that could damage the new printhead.

3. Board communication problem:
   The single green light you're seeing on the printhead board suggests that only one side of the data communication is functioning properly. Ideally, both LEDs should be green, showing full communication between the printhead board and the mainboard. If the red LED on the mainboard persists even after swapping the printhead, inspect the data cables and connectors for bent pins, loose seating, or corrosion. You may also want to reseat or replace the FFC cables connecting the boards.

4. Mainboard or sub-board issue:
   In rare cases, the Honson mainboard or sub-board itself could be damaged. A faulty transistor or short circuit on the board can trigger the red light and block communication with the printhead. If replacing the printhead and cables doesn't resolve the issue, consider testing with a spare board if available, or consult a repair technician familiar with DTF control boards.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (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 your printer can be checked in. Our services cover both full printer repairs and specific part replacements with clear guidance on next steps. That said, we recognize that our rates might not be the most economical option, so we highly recommend exploring DIY repair solutions via online research.
You can start by visiting our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to look up videos on DTF printer repair, Honson boards, or printhead troubleshooting. We've created hundreds of videos over the past nine years, and YouTube's search suggestions may also point you to helpful tutorials from other creators.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your continued support. We truly appreciate your patience and your trust in BCH Technologies to help guide your printer maintenance and repair journey.