Epson 3880 broke again.

[JonathanRimmel]

My Epson 3880 purchased back in February 2011 (out of warranty obviously) has broke again. It had a service error 150C when it was still under warranty and I tried to resolve it with Epson. I had to use email to contact them because of the time. I was in a bit of a rush. The error cleared on its own. Epson never really bothered to help. Now the error is back. This time the situation more desperate. I needed to print some things to get a new job. I need them by tomorrow! Well the error did clear again, but I can't let this keep happening. I love the printer (when it works!). But since it is out of warranty, and I have no repair centers anywhere near by, I can't easily get it fixed. Any suggestions? I would hate to throw out this printer!

[blpanther]

Hi,
have a read here http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1003&message=34357481
seems like issue with platen gap.
As it is ourt of warranty maybe you can follow the field repair guide and go into maintenance mode and try to reset the platen gap? maybe it will help.
Sorry I don't give very detailed help, it is just what I would do

[blpanther]

Apparently even changing platen gap may help...

[JonathanRimmel]

I have adjusted the platen gap and set it to wider. Time will tell if it works. It still bothers me though. Anyone have any ideas where I can find a service repair manual?

[blpanther]

I will look here http://www.americaninkjetsystems.com/epson_mimaki_roland_printer_rep/StylusPro3800_service_manual.pdf
I know it is not 3880, but maybe close

[JonathanRimmel]

Ok, I downloaded the 3800 service manual. It says this about the 150C error: "The APG sensor cannot detect the origin point when the APG motor has driven for a predetermined time period." I then says: "Replace the APG motor (MOTOR, ASSY, APG). See 4.3.5.1 MOTOR ASSY., APG on page 118. Replace the APG sensor. See 4.3.6.5 APG SENSOR on page 129."

[blpanther]

maybe see if it can be re-adjusted first

[AFairley]

I believe there is an Epson service software that can be purchased on the web.  I know it is available for the 3800 not sure about the 3880.  It lets you reset and adjust various things not ordinarily accessible to the end user.  I don't know if it would help your problem and using it wrong could potentially brick your printer.  Plus Epson does not authorize sale of the software to end users, so arguably you would be purchasing stolen IP.

[Farmer]

Plus Epson does not authorize sale of the software to end users, so arguably you would be purchasing stolen IP.

There's really no debate about it :-)