Way to test if power is getting to print heads?

[ruadonaleonor]

After running cleaning cycles, my Epson outputs blank pages.
Is there a way to test if power is getting to the print heads?
This is an Epson Stylus Color 880.

 

[Jerry G.]

The print heads are pulse data driven. You will have to open the printer to
gain access to the feed line. You will need a high speed digital storage
scope to see the drives that are feeding the heads.

In the factory service, they will try new nozzle assemblies, and also the
drive board to see where the fault is. They would not consider component
level servicing.

Did you check to see if the nozzles are still clogged? Did you check to see
that all the connectors are properly in place?

If you have a DVM, you can check to see if the main supply is working
properly, as long as the test points are indicated with what to expect in
the way of measurable voltages with a DVM. When going in to the main supply
area, take care for the high pulse drive voltages used especially on the
supply input or drive side. This can pose a safety issue.

--

Jerry G.
=====


After running cleaning cycles, my Epson outputs blank pages.
Is there a way to test if power is getting to the print heads?
This is an Epson Stylus Color 880.

 

[ruadonaleonor]

Did you check to see if the nozzles are still clogged?

I can see fresh ink, three colors and black, on the cap assembly
inkpad after running a cleaning cycle. If the printheads are working
at all shouldn't I get at least something instead of completely blank
printed pages?

that all the connectors are properly in place?

Yes

Thanks!

 

[Cerridwen]

I can see fresh ink, three colors and black, on the cap assembly
inkpad after running a cleaning cycle. If the printheads are working
at all shouldn't I get at least something instead of completely blank
printed pages?

Yes

Thanks!

By 'cleaning' the printheads you are merely exacerbating the problem. All
the 'cleaning' cycle does is lay down more ink, on top of what's already
there, and makes the issue worse. You now have two choices: -

1) Take an empty cartridge, one of each colour, and fill with Windex.
Replace the carts you have in there with the Windex carts and alternate
running cleaning cycles/nozzle checks until the paper comes out clean. When
the paper is clean, remove the Windex carts and replace with BRAND NEW
ones - do NOT, under any circumstances, replace the ones you removed.

Print a nozzle check. If you don't see anything on the paper, run one
cleaning cycle, to get the ink flowing, and try a nozzle test again. That
should be all that's needed. You shouldn't need to run any more than two
cleaning cycles to get things going again.

2) If you don't wish to fill your own carts, there are a number of
outlets that offer cleaning carts. Just Google for 'inkjet cleaning
cartridges' - you're bound to find a myriad of companies selling them.
Simply replace your existing carts with the cleaning ones and proceed as
above.

Running a cleaning cycle can use as much as a fifth of a cartridge. It
should be used very sparingly - after all, ink is, obviously, money!