How to Fix the Procolored F8 Random Film Feed Clicking and Spitting Issue

Question: Why is my Procolored F8 printer randomly clicking and ejecting film when idle, even though it prints perfectly when in use?

Answer: 

Understanding the Problem

From your description, your Procolored F8 Roll-Fed DTF printer functions normally during printing sessions—film feeds smoothly, and everything works as expected. However, once the printer is left idle, the film feed motor starts clicking rapidly, and the encoder wheel engages sporadically, pushing out film one click at a time.

This issue originates not from the Epson printer mechanism itself, but from the third-party control board added by Procolored to adapt Epson printers for roll-fed film use. These third-party boards intercept commands from the Epson motherboard, allowing the printer to work with film rolls.

In a typical Epson setup, the printer sends a “paper eject” signal when the print job completes. Third-party boards like the one Procolored uses listen for this signal to engage the roll motor and feed out the printed film. But in your case, what’s likely happening is that:

• The 3rd-party board is malfunctioning, intermittently interpreting false “paper eject” signals.

• This causes the motor to engage erratically, even though there’s no print job or command to feed film.

• The clicking and film spitting during idle periods indicate the board is sending out phantom pulses to the feed motor.

Likely Cause and Fixes

Based on your description, this appears to be a defective third-party control board. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon with aftermarket add-ons like these. They can be inconsistently manufactured and occasionally misbehave.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Replace the 3rd-Party Board:

   • The most straightforward (albeit not necessarily easy) solution is to replace the Procolored feed controller board.

   • Many users have reported better consistency after replacing faulty boards with new ones—ideally from a different batch or vendor if possible.

2. Power Management Workaround:

   • If replacing the board isn’t immediately possible, consider shutting down the printer, but keep your white ink circulation system running independently.

   • This prevents the printer from staying powered on (and triggering the motor randomly) while still maintaining the health of your ink system.

3. Firmware/Signal Isolation (Advanced):

   • If you are technically inclined, isolating the signal line responsible for triggering the feed motor may temporarily stop the phantom clicks. However, this is an advanced modification and could void any remaining support or warranty.

Unfortunately, since the root cause is hardware-related and tied to non-OEM electronics, there is no software update or setting adjustment that can resolve this issue.

Additional Support Options

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're unable to 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. Therefore, it may take a few weeks before we can arrange for your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either the 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 the most efficient approach. Additionally, YouTube may suggest relevant videos from other channels that can assist you.

Thank you once again for reaching out. Your inquiry helps push us to dig deeper and provide better, more accurate guidance for DTF printer users across the board. Let us know if you proceed with the board replacement or find another workaround—we’d love to hear how it goes.