Epson 1280 primes all the time

[Meander Holefield]

My Epson 1280 recently began malfunctioning.

If it is off for more than about 15 seconds, then powered up, it goes
through a prime or clean and then at first print it says new non-OEM carts
are installed. It does this every time it's been turned back on after
being off for about 15 seconds or more.

If it's only off for about 10 seconds, a power up does not cause it to go
through a prime/clean.

I used to get that new cart message only at the first print after I changed
a cartridge. I wouldn't see that message again until the cart was changed
at empty. Now that it's malfunctioning, it's telling me both cartridges
are new and non-OEM.

I'm using the same 3rd party inks that I've used for a couple of years.
Never had trouble with them before. I've changed the carts twice from
different lot numbers and still the same problem. They're not auto-reset
chips because the ink counters aren't affected by this malfunction.

It's acting like it's forgetting that cartridges were installed during
prior sessions. Anyone have any ideas? Is there a secret button press
sequence that can get me out of this?

I guess I need a service manual. Where can I get a "real" Epson manual? I
see many sold for $30 to $50 on the web and that's an okay price but I'd
rather not buy some manual that was pieced together from other models. I'd
like to get a "real" Epson 1280 manual. Can such a thing be had?

Please, let me know what you think. No matter how technical. I can handle
it.

Without knowing anything, it sounds to me like a capacitor, NiCd coin, or
Dallas clock is not maintaining some chip's registration or something.

Thank you all.
//rus\\

 

[measekite]

My Epson 1280 recently began malfunctioning.

If it is off for more than about 15 seconds, then powered up, it goes
through a prime or clean and then at first print it says new non-OEM carts
are installed. It does this every time it's been turned back on after
being off for about 15 seconds or more.

If it's only off for about 10 seconds, a power up does not cause it to go
through a prime/clean.

I used to get that new cart message only at the first print after I changed
a cartridge. I wouldn't see that message again until the cart was changed
at empty. Now that it's malfunctioning, it's telling me both cartridges
are new and non-OEM.

I'm using the same 3rd party inks that I've used for a couple of years.
Never had trouble with them before.

It takes time but now you do. Just buy a complete set of Epson ink and
the problem will most likely go away.

 

[Meander Holefield]

Hmmm.

Just found some manuals on line for 870-1270. Don't know if this 1280 is
similar.

Anyway ... there's a CR2032 Lithium coin in that 870-1270 series. Guess it's
time to crack open my 1280 looking for a battery?

Anybody else think so?

//rus\\

 

[Jan Alter]

Hmmm.

Just found some manuals on line for 870-1270. Don't know if this 1280 is
similar.

Anyway ... there's a CR2032 Lithium coin in that 870-1270 series. Guess
it's
time to crack open my 1280 looking for a battery?

Anybody else think so?

//rus\\

Your speculation of the battery being exhausted is a plausible thought from
what you're saying about the different cartridges being found each time the
printer is turned on.. However, give your post at least a day before
cracking the case. Someone may come up with an alternative theory here.
How many years old is your printer?
There may be a trick to get to the battery without disassembling the
machine to the point of re-alignment or necessity to remove many parts if
this is in fact what must be done.

 

[Tony]

Hmmm.

Just found some manuals on line for 870-1270. Don't know if this 1280 is
similar.

Anyway ... there's a CR2032 Lithium coin in that 870-1270 series. Guess it's
time to crack open my 1280 looking for a battery?

Anybody else think so?

//rus\\

I'm not sure but I think the 1280 is the A3 version of the 880. If not it is
very similar to the other printers in the 1200 series.
Usually there are 4 screws to remove, lift the cover off (after moving the PG
lever to the + position) followed by a shield over the main board and the
battery should be visible.
The battery does indeed affect the timing of printhead cleaning cycles as you
have correctly determinded so it is well worth the effort to replace it.
Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Yianni]

It seems a battery problem to me too.
1280 is similar to 1270 (only different print carriage), so go on.

 

[Meander Holefield]

Hmmm.

Just found some manuals on line for 870-1270. Don't know if this 1280 is
similar.

Anyway ... there's a CR2032 Lithium coin in that 870-1270 series. Guess it's
time to crack open my 1280 looking for a battery?

Anybody else think so?

//rus\\

Cracked the case. Pulled the board. No battery there. A large block
capacitor is in its place. Battery must have been used some time ago.

The printer is just under a year old. It's still under warranty but I
don't feel light fighting with Epson over 3rd party carts. That's all I've
ever used in this 1280.

Now to search for a replacement capacitor. It will be easy to replace if I
can find a suitable sub. Or, I guess I'll see if I can get a decent price
on a new mainboard and a copy of the service software.

//rus\\

 

[Tony]

Cracked the case. Pulled the board. No battery there. A large block
capacitor is in its place. Battery must have been used some time ago.

The printer is just under a year old. It's still under warranty but I
don't feel light fighting with Epson over 3rd party carts. That's all I've
ever used in this 1280.

Now to search for a replacement capacitor. It will be easy to replace if I
can find a suitable sub. Or, I guess I'll see if I can get a decent price
on a new mainboard and a copy of the service software.

//rus\\

The information I have indicates there is a Lithium Battery in the 1280 (it is
a Stylus Photo 1280, is that right?).
E-mail me if you would like more help. I can also help with service adjustments.
Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Meander Holefield]

The information I have indicates there is a Lithium Battery in the 1280 (it is
a Stylus Photo 1280, is that right?).
E-mail me if you would like more help. I can also help with service adjustments.
Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

Nope. Battery idea must have been shelved some time ago. In place of the
battery there's what's known as a "super capacitor." Works like a
rechargeable battery except that it won't develop a memory effect. A
capacitor shouldn't require but a few seconds to charge although specs for
similar memory backup capacitors suggest a 24 hour charge time ... that's
wierd. I can't believe that's correct. Oh, well.

There's still about 45 days warranty left. I see there's an Epson service
facility about 15 miles from me. I'll call them Monday and see if they can
perform warranty service. If so, I'll haul it in.

If I have to ship to Epson for warranty, it's probably not worthwhile to
seek remedy under the warranty. It's about $38 U.S. to ship it to Epson by
UPS. Then, if Epson denies service because of the 3rd party cartridges,
they're going to charge me to ship it back to me unrepaired.

$38 shipping to Epson and $38 shipping back to my house = $76 blown and
printer still broken.

If they repair it at cost to me, I'll presume I'll still have to pay
shipping both ways and I know there will be some repair cost.

Looks like for about $99 I can get a new mainboard and be done with it.
It's easy to remove and replace. Only snag is that I need the Epson
service floppies to make those simple adjustments for the new board. I
haven't inquired yet about the board. Seems that the service adjustment
software should be part of the main board price but I'll bet it's not.
Actually, I'll bet the program isn't even available to the end victim like
myself.

Oh, well. Lesson learned. From now on, I'll just stick to the low-end
Epsons that can be considered disposable.

I should have known that the first time I embarked upon a considerable
investment in Epson equipment, it would fail me. If me and 20 people each
buy the same thing, I'll be the one who gets the bad one. Story of my
life. I had been dreaming about the R1800. Guess I'll forget that idea.
It will just turn out to be a nightmare like this 1280.

For the benefit of those who use 3rd party ink, I'll come back to report on
my warranty attempt. I'm not going to hide them even though I've got some
Epson OEM carts. I'm leaving the 3rd party carts in the slots when I take
it to the local facility. Maybe if I play fair, Epson will as well.

To be continued ...

//rus\\

 

[Jan Alter]

Nope. Battery idea must have been shelved some time ago. In place of the
battery there's what's known as a "super capacitor." Works like a
rechargeable battery except that it won't develop a memory effect. A
capacitor shouldn't require but a few seconds to charge although specs for
similar memory backup capacitors suggest a 24 hour charge time ... that's
wierd. I can't believe that's correct. Oh, well.

There's still about 45 days warranty left. I see there's an Epson service
facility about 15 miles from me. I'll call them Monday and see if they
can
perform warranty service. If so, I'll haul it in.

If I have to ship to Epson for warranty, it's probably not worthwhile to
seek remedy under the warranty. It's about $38 U.S. to ship it to Epson
by
UPS. Then, if Epson denies service because of the 3rd party cartridges,
they're going to charge me to ship it back to me unrepaired.

$38 shipping to Epson and $38 shipping back to my house = $76 blown and
printer still broken.

If they repair it at cost to me, I'll presume I'll still have to pay
shipping both ways and I know there will be some repair cost.

Looks like for about $99 I can get a new mainboard and be done with it.
It's easy to remove and replace. Only snag is that I need the Epson
service floppies to make those simple adjustments for the new board. I
haven't inquired yet about the board. Seems that the service adjustment
software should be part of the main board price but I'll bet it's not.
Actually, I'll bet the program isn't even available to the end victim like
myself.

Oh, well. Lesson learned. From now on, I'll just stick to the low-end
Epsons that can be considered disposable.

I should have known that the first time I embarked upon a considerable
investment in Epson equipment, it would fail me. If me and 20 people each
buy the same thing, I'll be the one who gets the bad one. Story of my
life. I had been dreaming about the R1800. Guess I'll forget that idea.
It will just turn out to be a nightmare like this 1280.

For the benefit of those who use 3rd party ink, I'll come back to report
on
my warranty attempt. I'm not going to hide them even though I've got some
Epson OEM carts. I'm leaving the 3rd party carts in the slots when I take
it to the local facility. Maybe if I play fair, Epson will as well.

To be continued ...

//rus\\

The problem you've explained seems to have nothing to do with 3rd part
cartridges and I would expect Epson to deal as such. and fix your machine.
They could use some good publicity for all the negatives they've been
getting in the past year. For what it's worth, since you've got this dream,
I've been using a R1800 for a year and a half (half a year with cartridges I
fill) and it's a delight to use.

 

[Frank]

(it is



Nope. Battery idea must have been shelved some time ago. In place of the
battery there's what's known as a "super capacitor." Works like a
rechargeable battery except that it won't develop a memory effect. A
capacitor shouldn't require but a few seconds to charge although specs for
similar memory backup capacitors suggest a 24 hour charge time ... that's
wierd. I can't believe that's correct. Oh, well.

There's still about 45 days warranty left. I see there's an Epson service
facility about 15 miles from me. I'll call them Monday and see if they can
perform warranty service. If so, I'll haul it in.

If I have to ship to Epson for warranty, it's probably not worthwhile to
seek remedy under the warranty. It's about $38 U.S. to ship it to Epson by
UPS. Then, if Epson denies service because of the 3rd party cartridges,
they're going to charge me to ship it back to me unrepaired.

$38 shipping to Epson and $38 shipping back to my house = $76 blown and
printer still broken.

If they repair it at cost to me, I'll presume I'll still have to pay
shipping both ways and I know there will be some repair cost.

Looks like for about $99 I can get a new mainboard and be done with it.
It's easy to remove and replace. Only snag is that I need the Epson
service floppies to make those simple adjustments for the new board. I
haven't inquired yet about the board. Seems that the service adjustment
software should be part of the main board price but I'll bet it's not.
Actually, I'll bet the program isn't even available to the end victim like
myself.

Oh, well. Lesson learned. From now on, I'll just stick to the low-end
Epsons that can be considered disposable.

I should have known that the first time I embarked upon a considerable
investment in Epson equipment, it would fail me. If me and 20 people each
buy the same thing, I'll be the one who gets the bad one. Story of my
life. I had been dreaming about the R1800. Guess I'll forget that idea.
It will just turn out to be a nightmare like this 1280.

For the benefit of those who use 3rd party ink, I'll come back to report on
my warranty attempt. I'm not going to hide them even though I've got some
Epson OEM carts. I'm leaving the 3rd party carts in the slots when I take
it to the local facility. Maybe if I play fair, Epson will as well.

To be continued ...

//rus\\

For what it's worth, I got into it with Epson over 3rd party carts and
their warranty concerning a paper feed problem on a 900 stylus that was
under warranty. They said the carts may have voided my warranty. I
challenged them to prove that carts, any carts, oem or not, had anything
to do with paper feed.
They shut up and had me take it to the local Epson authorized repair shop.
Don't let them scare you. If it's under warranty demand that they fix it.
They will.
Frank

 

[measekite]

Cracked the case. Pulled the board. No battery there. A large block
capacitor is in its place. Battery must have been used some time ago.

The printer is just under a year old. It's still under warranty

You voided the warranty by a number of actions. By not using
appropriate ink and carts and by opening the printer case. Epson
rightfully should not have to pay for others incompetence.

but I
don't feel light fighting with Epson over 3rd party carts. That's all I've
ever used in this 1280.

So what do you expect

 

[Yianni]

I don't remember well, I think that some epson printers include a such
"capacitor" like battery. A battery that is soldered onto the mainboard.
You don't loose the warranty because of the inks. On the other hand may they
claim you opened the printer. But, may it's better to go to the service even
if you have to pay for the battery replacement. If you talk to them, they
would understand the problem. You bought a refubrished printer (am I right?)
and the problem just happened now (about 7 years after the printer
manufacturing and in the warranty period). None is responsible for this,
neither you, not them.

 

[Meander Holefield]

You voided the warranty by a number of actions. By not using
appropriate ink and carts

Epson's warranty states 3rd party ink may be used. I am operating within
the guidelines of their policy by using 3rd party ink cartridges. I am
sure that 3rd party cartridges cannot be linked exclusively to the
particular failure I'm experiencing with this Stylus Photo 1280.

and by opening the printer case.

There is no particular stipulation in the warranty agreement disallowing my
actions. Misuse must be proven. That cannot be.

I have been using Epson printers for over 5 years. I'm not just a client,
I'm a loyal participant contributing to their livelyhood. I highly
recommend Epson devices to friends, family, and business associates.
Through my recommendations, several Epson devices have been purchased by
those other people based on my recommendations. I am considered by many to
be a computer and electronics expert. Epson does not want to lose me as a
customer, I assure you. Losing me will cause a cascade of losses because
I'll naturally be forced to recommend other hardware.

I can read a schematic and I can diagnose malfunctions. I repair my own
televisions, audio electronics, major/minor appliances, and I build my own
computers. I own an ocilliscope and myriad other electronic testing
devices and I know how to use them.

I am thoroughly competent and I am positively sure that my skill and
knowledge exceeds the capabilities of some factory authorized technicians
performing warranty work on Epson devices.

I value my respectability and integrity to such a degree that I absolutely
refuse to do anything other than be totally open and honest in all business
and social transactions. I look for long term relationships based on
mutual trust and respect. I expect the same of others.

So far, in my dealings with Epson, the company's values to be consistent
with my own. I expect this to continue for I have no reason to predict
otherwise.

Epson products have given me too many enjoyable moments. They are a part
of my life. I don't want to lose Epson. I hope they don't want to lose
me. I've got lots of years left and lots of photographs to print and I
want to do them with Epson products.

Epson
rightfully should not have to pay for others incompetence.

You don't have any right nor authority to make any decision or proclamation
of that nature. You are not financially nor socially involved in my
situation with Epson.

Epson has the right to refuse warranty if they can prove 3rd party
cartridges to be absolutely responsible for the failure of my Stylus Photo
1280. That remains to be discovered.

Epson has the right to refuse warranty if they can prove that I have
misused the product. Misuse is not applicable in this situation.

As a final thought, I must say that I realize you're just a troublemaker
with destructive intent and you really don't, in my estimation, deserve a
response. However, since these NG threads are perused and preserved
through many online databases, a response seems to be in order.

//rus\\

 

[Yianni]

about 7 years after the printer manufacturing

Sorry, may it's less years.

 

[measekite]

@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net:



Epson's warranty states 3rd party ink may be used. I am operating within
the guidelines of their policy by using 3rd party ink cartridges. I am
sure that 3rd party cartridges cannot be linked exclusively to the
particular failure I'm experiencing with this Stylus Photo 1280.



There is no particular stipulation in the warranty agreement disallowing my
actions. Misuse must be proven. That cannot be.

I have been using Epson printers for over 5 years. I'm not just a client,
I'm a loyal participant contributing to their livelyhood. I highly
recommend Epson devices to friends, family, and business associates.
Through my recommendations, several Epson devices have been purchased by
those other people based on my recommendations. I am considered by many to
be a computer and electronics expert.

Your use of incorrect poor quality ink does no bode well for one who
falsely claims to be an expert.

Epson does not want to lose me as a
customer,

You do not buy ink so they do not care. I can assure of that.

I assure you. Losing me will cause a cascade of losses because
I'll naturally be forced to recommend other hardware.

I can read a schematic and I can diagnose malfunctions. I repair my own
televisions, audio electronics, major/minor appliances, and I build my own
computers. I own an ocilliscope and myriad other electronic testing
devices and I know how to use them.

I am thoroughly competent

except for solving this problem

and I am positively sure that my skill and
knowledge exceeds the capabilities of some factory authorized technicians
performing warranty work on Epson devices.

then you do not need Epson

I value my respectability and integrity to such a degree that I absolutely
refuse to do anything other than be totally open and honest in all business
and social transactions. I look for long term relationships based on
mutual trust and respect. I expect the same of others.

So far, in my dealings with Epson, the company's values to be consistent
with my own. I expect this to continue for I have no reason to predict
otherwise.

Epson products have given me too many enjoyable moments.

except for their high quality ink

 

[Frank]

@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net:




Epson's warranty states 3rd party ink may be used. I am operating within
the guidelines of their policy by using 3rd party ink cartridges. I am
sure that 3rd party cartridges cannot be linked exclusively to the
particular failure I'm experiencing with this Stylus Photo 1280.




There is no particular stipulation in the warranty agreement disallowing my
actions. Misuse must be proven. That cannot be.

I have been using Epson printers for over 5 years. I'm not just a client,
I'm a loyal participant contributing to their livelyhood. I highly
recommend Epson devices to friends, family, and business associates.
Through my recommendations, several Epson devices have been purchased by
those other people based on my recommendations. I am considered by many to
be a computer and electronics expert. Epson does not want to lose me as a
customer, I assure you. Losing me will cause a cascade of losses because
I'll naturally be forced to recommend other hardware.

I can read a schematic and I can diagnose malfunctions. I repair my own
televisions, audio electronics, major/minor appliances, and I build my own
computers. I own an ocilliscope and myriad other electronic testing
devices and I know how to use them.

I am thoroughly competent and I am positively sure that my skill and
knowledge exceeds the capabilities of some factory authorized technicians
performing warranty work on Epson devices.

I value my respectability and integrity to such a degree that I absolutely
refuse to do anything other than be totally open and honest in all business
and social transactions. I look for long term relationships based on
mutual trust and respect. I expect the same of others.

So far, in my dealings with Epson, the company's values to be consistent
with my own. I expect this to continue for I have no reason to predict
otherwise.

Epson products have given me too many enjoyable moments. They are a part
of my life. I don't want to lose Epson. I hope they don't want to lose
me. I've got lots of years left and lots of photographs to print and I
want to do them with Epson products.




You don't have any right nor authority to make any decision or proclamation
of that nature. You are not financially nor socially involved in my
situation with Epson.

Epson has the right to refuse warranty if they can prove 3rd party
cartridges to be absolutely responsible for the failure of my Stylus Photo
1280. That remains to be discovered.

Epson has the right to refuse warranty if they can prove that I have
misused the product. Misuse is not applicable in this situation.

As a final thought, I must say that I realize you're just a troublemaker
with destructive intent and you really don't, in my estimation, deserve a
response. However, since these NG threads are perused and preserved
through many online databases, a response seems to be in order.

//rus\\

I see our resident idiot offered his lying response about your Epson
printer.
Don't believe a word of his response.
He's never, ever used after market inks so he knows nothing about them.
He does not own an Epson printer, so his opinion is worthless especially
his bullshit about you voiding your warranty.
You didn't.
Frank

 

[Arthur Entlich]

There are a few possibilities here. The cartridge chips do eventually
fail after being reset numerous times.

Yes, there is a lithium cell in the printer which holds a number of bits
of back up data through volatile memory.

Yes, there is a specific 890/1280/1290 service manual. You should not
have to pay more than ewe bucks on on of the ebay or website vendors, as
a pdf file.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The 870/1270 were considerably upgraded for the 890/1280/1290 printers.
Yes, you should consider replacing the LI-battery in yours. You will
need to end user calibrate the heads as explained in the utility or
manual afterward.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I hope Epson plays nice with you. It seems to me this issue has nothing
directly to do with ink supply, but rather with volatile memory back up.
I don't really see how 3rd party inks can be responsible for that.
However, as I mentioned, if you have been using and resetting the same
cartridge chips, they can and do break down after some time, and that
may be what happened. Do you have a relatively new set of cartridges or
at least cartridge chips to see if they will alter the performance?

Art