Why Plugging in a Scammed Printhead Can Kill Your Printer (L1800 DTF Printhead Warning)

Question:
In your video Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Dry Printheads: Step-by-Step Restoration Process for L1800 DTF (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKmx-zBeO0A&lc=UgwfsaNSZATwqfhtCSt4AaABAg), you mentioned that "plugging in the scam printhead will kill your printer." What exactly does that mean? How can a printhead kill the printer, and if it happens, what can you do to fix it?

Answer:

When we say that plugging in a "scammed" or fake printhead can kill your printer, we mean that installing a counterfeit, cloned, or poorly manufactured replacement printhead can cause irreversible electrical damage to the printer's mainboard (also called the logic board).

How It Happens

Each Epson printhead, including those for the Epson L1800 DTF, has specific electronic resistance values and power requirements. Genuine printheads are calibrated to match the printer's voltage control and firing sequence. Counterfeit or "scammed" printheads, however, often have incorrect pin layouts or faulty resistors. When installed, they can cause:

• Short circuits in the printhead's data or power pins.

• Voltage spikes that burn out the printhead driver IC (integrated circuit) on the mainboard.

• Overcurrent damage, which can permanently destroy the mainboard, even if you remove the fake printhead immediately.

In most cases, users report hearing a small pop or seeing the printer suddenly lose power after installing a counterfeit printhead-this is the mainboard's protective fuse or driver chip blowing out. Once that happens, the printer will no longer recognize printhead communication, and startup tests will fail.

What Happens Next

Once the mainboard is burned, the printer may display one or more of the following error codes or indicators:

• General Error (blinking red lights or "E" code on the display).

• Printhead Communication Error - printer fails to initialize or freezes.

• Fatal Error Codes like 0xEA or 0x9A, depending on model firmware.

Unfortunately, once the damage is done, replacing the printhead alone will not solve the issue-the mainboard must be replaced as well.

How to Fix It

If you suspect this happened, here are your possible solutions:

1. Replace the mainboard - Look for an original or refurbished board for your exact printer model (e.g., Epson L1800). Installing a new or verified functional board can restore the printer.

2. Verify future parts - Only purchase printheads from trusted suppliers or directly from verified Epson distributors. Avoid listings that advertise "compatible" or "universal" L1800 printheads-these are often clones.

3. Use an ohmmeter test before installation - If you have technical experience, measure the resistance across key pins to check if it aligns with OEM specifications (usually between 150-200 ohms per nozzle bank).

For DTF printers in particular, counterfeit printheads are rampant online, so we always recommend verifying serial numbers and batch authenticity before use.

Addressing printer issues can be complex because of the hands-on and diagnostic nature of these problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting or repair support. However, BCH Technologies offers in-person evaluation and repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, which may result in wait times of several weeks.

Our services include both complete printer repairs and part-specific fixes, with detailed guidance for each process. While our rates may not be the cheapest option, we encourage self-help and continued learning through online resources. Visit our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search icon near the "About" tab to find videos tailored to your exact printer model. We've produced hundreds of videos over nine years, and YouTube's search function is the quickest way to locate relevant tutorials.

Thank you again for reaching out and supporting BCH Technologies. Your engagement helps us grow and continue sharing practical knowledge with the printer community.