Question:
BCH Technologies offers a cable for the Epson ET-8550, but I’m unsure if it’s compatible with my ET-2803 printer. The wires look similar in photos, but I want to ensure before ordering, especially since I suspect I may have damaged a pin after repeatedly opening the printer hood. I tried trimming back the damaged part to restore the connection, but now the cable is too short to reach. Also, since I’m located in Cary, NC, and you’re in Greensboro, how long does shipping usually take?
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us at BCH Technologies! We appreciate your patience and are truly sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We know firsthand how critical it is to get your printer back up and running, and we want to give each inquiry the detailed attention it deserves.
Your engagement and support, particularly through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), mean a great deal to us. Feedback like yours helps us grow our technical resources and offer more accurate solutions for the community.
Cable Compatibility: ET-8550 vs. ET-2803
You're absolutely right to be cautious when it comes to cable compatibility—even if two cables look similar, that doesn't guarantee they are interchangeable. The ET-8550 and ET-2803 are entirely different models internally. While the ET-8550 is a six-color, wide-format photo printer with a more advanced internal architecture, the ET-2803 shares much of its design with more compact models like the ET-2750 or ST-2000.
So, when searching for a replacement cable for your ET-2803, it’s better to reference compatibility with the ET-2750 series or the ST-2000. If the cable listing you're viewing only mentions ET-8550, we do not recommend using it with your ET-2803—even if the connector width and pin count appear similar in photos.
Damaged Cable Tip and Shortened Length
You mentioned that you trimmed the cable back in an attempt to bypass the damaged pin section. This is a fairly common DIY approach, but as you’ve discovered, the cable can become too short to reach its destination, especially in tight spaces where there's minimal slack. Unfortunately, once a cable is trimmed, it typically can't be extended or reused safely in these types of printers.
We recommend purchasing a new replacement cable to restore reliable performance. If you're unsure about the part number, you can send us a message with a clear image of the cable ends and printer model, and we’ll do our best to help you find the correct one.
Shipping Time from Greensboro, NC to Cary, NC
Since you're located in Cary and we're in Greensboro, shipping should be fairly quick. Standard USPS or UPS Ground usually delivers within 1–2 business days in North Carolina. If you order early in the day and choose a standard shipping option, it’s very possible to receive the item the next day or the day after at the latest.
If timing is urgent, we offer expedited options as well. During checkout, just select the appropriate shipping method that suits your needs.
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For that reason, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or part installation support. However, we do offer an in-person printer evaluation and repair service at our Greensboro facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Demand is high, and appointments are first-come, first-served, so it may take a few weeks to schedule a drop-off. Our repair service includes both full printer evaluations and individual component assessments. That said, we understand our repair pricing may not be the lowest available. We often recommend exploring self-help resources through YouTube or browsing our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the right content quickly, use the search icon next to the “About” tab. We’ve produced a wide range of videos over the past nine years, and it’s likely you’ll find something relevant—or YouTube may suggest helpful alternatives from other creators as well.
Thank you again for reaching out to us! We appreciate your diligence in asking the right questions before purchasing and hope this helps you move forward with confidence. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to reach back out.