Procolored Panda DTF A13 Capping Station Reinstall: Gear Position, Wiper Timing, and Video Guides

Question: I have a Procolored Panda DTF A13. I removed the capping station properly, cleaned it, and it looks ready to reinstall. I want to make sure I reinstall it correctly because the wiper has to rise at the right time. Is there a YouTube video showing how to position the gears correctly when installing the capping station?

Answer:

Does gear position matter when reinstalling the Panda A13 capping station?

In most cases, it doesn't matter too much on the Procolored Panda DTF A13.

Here's the reason: on many Panda/1390-style DTF platforms, the maintenance assembly (cap/wiper/pump) is designed so that once it's installed correctly and the printer runs its normal movement cycle, the mechanism self-indexes. In other words, as long as:

• the capping station is seated flush and stable,

• the pump and tubing are routed correctly (no pinches/kinks),

• the cap top gasket seals well,

• the wiper blade is installed correctly and not bent,

• and nothing is binding mechanically,

...the unit typically finds its own timing during operation.

This is different from some other platforms (like APG-style mechanisms) where you truly must install gears in a precise synchronized position. With the Panda A13, the bigger determinants of success are seal quality, smooth movement, and correct tube routing, not perfect "clocking" of the gears at install.

When gear position does become important

Even though the system usually self-aligns, gear position can matter if any of the following are true:

• The gears were disassembled and reassembled incorrectly (missing tooth alignment, spring not seated, gear flipped).

• The wiper lift cam is binding or installed backward.

• A gear is cracked, worn, or slipping under load.

• The capping station does not fully raise to meet the head, causing poor seal and ink starvation.

• The printer makes abnormal sounds (clicking, grinding, screeching) after reinstallation.

In those cases, the printer may still try to "find its way," but it can't complete the cycle smoothly, and that's when you start seeing symptoms like poor suction, air leaks, head drying, or maintenance errors.

What to focus on first (practical reinstall checklist)

Since your goal is "reinstall it right the first time," these checks matter more than gear clocking:

• Cap top seal: The rubber lip should be clean, pliable, and able to seal against the head evenly.

• Station height and alignment: The assembly should sit flat with no rocking; screws fully tightened but not stripped.

• Wiper position: Blade not curled, torn, or installed off-angle.

• Tubing: Waste line and pump lines routed correctly, not kinked, not reversed, and firmly seated.

• Freedom of motion: The mechanism should move without binding; no wires rubbing the gear train.

"Error codes" note

On many Panda/DTF conversions, improper capping station timing doesn't always present as a clean on-screen numeric error code. Instead, it shows up as behavior problems:

• failure to clean properly,

• inability to pull ink (won't prime),

• head drying/clogging,

• grinding noises,

• or carriage/maintenance station conflicts.

If your software or panel displays a specific code/message, that should be noted exactly-but most of the time, the "code" is the symptom pattern rather than a labeled number.

Recommended videos (gear timing help + capping station fundamentals)

If you're hearing screeching or harsh noises

These two videos address screeching sounds that often come from friction, binding, or gear movement issues:

• Screeching sound video #1 (https://youtu.be/MjArYM-QnfU)

• Screeching sound video #2 (https://youtu.be/TNOG_1TtN6g)

Capping station removal, install, clog clearing, and maintenance

If you want confidence that your reinstall is correct and the station is functioning as it should, these are the most relevant guides:

• Removing and Installing the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/_cZEkmgIZYc)
  This walks through taking the capping station out and reinstalling it. (It doesn't cover full uncasing-if uncasing feels too complex, it may be safer to have a professional handle it.)

• Unclogging the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/WbY_6O1-w2c)
  Helpful if the station clogs internally or suction is weak after reinstall.

• Capping Station Maintenance Best Practices (https://youtu.be/5yjq3ZN0qv8)
  A good preventive guide so the station stays sealing and pumping correctly.

• Repairing the Capping Station (Troubleshooting) (https://youtu.be/5UC2IMu9V90)
  Useful when the mechanism moves but doesn't seal/prime, or behaves inconsistently.

• Rewiring / Re-routing Capping Station Tubes (https://youtu.be/J9im3s8UJfo)
  Great if tubes are clogged, swapped, disconnected, or routed in a way that prevents suction.

If you need a deep gear-by-gear teardown and reassembly guide

If none of the standard videos solve it, we also have an in-depth, paid guide that breaks the capping station down to individual gears and shows how to reassemble it properly:

• Capping Station Assemble/Disassemble Guide (Detailed Video) (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400)

Addressing printer issues can be complicated because the problems are hands-on-tiny differences in seal contact, tube routing, gear binding, and mechanical alignment can completely change the outcome. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (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 before we can get your printer in for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. For that reason, we strongly recommend self-help through online research first.

You can start by checking YouTube or visiting our channel homepage BCH Technologies on YouTube (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, and after creating videos over the past nine years, it's difficult to remember every single one-so using YouTube's search function is the most efficient approach. Plus, YouTube may suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you as well.

Thanks again for reaching out, and thank you for supporting BCH Technologies. I hope the reinstall goes smoothly-and in most Panda A13 cases, if the capping station is healthy, seated correctly, and the tubes are routed properly, the mechanism will synchronize itself during normal operation.