Is the 9-Pin Ribbon Cable Universal Across Epson 1390-Based Printers? Understanding Cable Compatibility in A3 Format Printers

Question:

I'm using a 1390-based ACHI A3 printer, and like many printers, it has two ribbon cables running to the printhead. One of them—the smaller 9-pin cable—is beginning to separate. If I order a new printhead, can I also get the cable with it? Are these 9-pin cables universal or OEM-specific?

Answer:

Understanding the 9-Pin Cable on Epson 1390-Based Printers

The 9-pin ribbon cable in your Epson 1390-based ACHI A3 printer is commonly called the CSIC (Cartridge Status Information Circuit) cable. This cable traditionally transmits information between the ink cartridge chips and the printer’s mainboard to verify cartridge identity and ink levels.

However, there's an essential distinction in your case: Your printer is modified with an overwrite (or bypass) board, which is a common feature in many aftermarket or converted printers used for applications like DTF (Direct to Film) or DTG (Direct to Garment) printing. These overwrite boards are designed to override ink cartridge checks entirely.

Because of this modification, the CSIC cable often becomes functionally obsolete. Even though it's physically present, it's not electrically connected to anything—it’s what we call an "orphan cable." If you trace it back to the mainboard, you’ll likely find it disconnected or terminating into an unused port.

Manufacturers or third-party assemblers may leave the cable in place either for aesthetic completeness or simply out of convenience, but it serves no real purpose in this modified setup.

Do You Need to Replace the Cable?

Since the cable is not serving an actual function due to the overbake board, you generally do not need to replace it, even if it's starting to separate. Only if you plan on reverting the printer back to its original ink-checking functionality (which is rare) would a working CSIC cable be necessary.

As for availability, these cables are typically OEM-specific—designed for the Epson 1390—but can vary slightly depending on third-party printer configurations. Most suppliers do not include the cable by default when purchasing a new printhead, so you must order it separately, assuming it's even required.

Conclusion and Further Help

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. It may 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 highly 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. Thanks again for your question and for being part of the BCH Technologies community!