Why Does My XP600 DTF Printer Only Work with AcroRip and Not CADlink?

A customer recently reached out about a China-made XP600 DTF printer configured with a generic "4+4 B channel" controller board. The printer identifies itself as an Epson L1800 but behaves differently-causing issues when trying to run CADlink. The only workaround they've found so far is routing it through AcroRip as Stylus Photo R2000 → L1800, which isn't ideal. The question is: is there a reliable controller board or plug-and-play solution that allows this printer to function natively with CADlink without switching to BYHX or rewiring the entire printer?

Understanding Your Printer Setup

Your printer setup sounds like one of the well-known "3-in-1" XP600 DTF models that use a third-party mainboard designed to mimic the Epson L1800 environment. While Windows recognizes it as an L1800, it's not a true Epson controller-hence why it behaves differently. The firmware on these generic boards can be unstable and doesn't fully emulate the communication protocol required for CADlink.

This type of mainboard usually requires routing through AcroRip, which can read and send data via standard Windows USB communication. You'll likely notice your printer listed as something like USB005 (EPSON L1800 Series) under Windows devices. That "USBxxx" naming indicates it's mounted through the Windows USB port, which is how AcroRip communicates by default.

Why CADlink Fails to Connect Properly

Here's the technical reason behind the CADlink issue:
CADlink doesn't rely on Windows USB communication-it uses a direct USB connection to talk to the printer's firmware at a lower level. This works fine for genuine Epson boards, which have the necessary firmware for direct communication. However, your generic "L1800-style" XP600 board doesn't accept those direct signals.

So, when CADlink tries to communicate directly, the handshake between the software and the controller board fails. The result is what you're seeing-unstable or non-functional communication even though the printer is technically recognized by Windows.

Possible Workarounds

While CADlink compatibility isn't native to this board, you can try one workaround that sometimes helps bridge the communication gap:

1. In CADlink, go to:
   Configuration → Common

2. Enable the option "Allow Select Windows Connection Port."

3. Then, go to Printer Management → select your printer.

4. Under Port, manually choose your Windows-assigned USB port (e.g., USB005).

This essentially forces CADlink to communicate through the Windows USB layer-similar to how AcroRip does. It's not guaranteed to work for all third-party boards, but it's worth trying.

About Using a Genuine Controller Board

If you want a setup that runs CADlink natively and reliably, you would need a controller board designed for direct USB communication, such as a genuine Epson board or a compatible BYHX board. However, converting an R2000 board into a driver board that works with CADlink and your XP600 printhead is a highly technical process. It requires:

• Electrical engineering knowledge (to handle signal mapping and wiring)

• PC programming skills in C language and assembly

• The ability to modify firmware or interface logic

In short, it's possible-but only if you have extensive experience with embedded systems and firmware development. Otherwise, sticking with AcroRip remains the most stable and user-friendly solution for your printer's configuration.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated due to the hands-on nature of these systems. We're not able to offer remote troubleshooting or technical support for repair work. However, we do provide in-person evaluation and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) through our diagnostic facility. Please note that due to high demand, our service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept a drop-off.

Our services cover both full printer repairs and specific component work, with clear instructions once your unit is received. That said, our rates may not always be the most economical, so we encourage self-help when possible. You can find detailed tutorials and troubleshooting videos on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" to find videos on specific topics quickly.

Thank you again for your question and for supporting our community. We hope this information helps you better understand your XP600 printer's communication challenges and potential solutions.