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DTG HM1 print head carriage / encoder issue

[DTG HM1] 
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T

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
DTG HM1 ISSUE: Quick recap.... Unit would hang after completing a one pass print (I would then need to press the eject button to get it to complete and return home). Then for prints with white underbase, the printer would lay down the white ink then move a few more inches down the shirt and begin printing the color layer(?) I cleaned the encoder strip and drive belt - but the unit started acting up more severly even during normal one pass prints (like it was starting to get confused). Could I have scratched the encoder strip(?)

Because now it's totally lost and when I turn on the upper power button, the print head fly's from the right to left and slams against the side and then the drive belt spins and grinds until I hit emergency stop or the error lights start flashing.

I ordered a new encoder strip, and will try that but could this be something more?

Perhaps the sensor behind the print carriage that reads the encoder? If so, what are the steps to removing the carriage in order to get a good look at the sensor or to clean it properly?

The encoder wheel looks nice and clean so I haven't messed with that.

Anyone been down this path? Other idea's or things I should check / steps I should take?

(I'm located in Minnesota which means there are NO service reps in the area - they would have to FLY here!!!) That isn't happening ;-)

I've grown up around mechanical things - so I have no problem diving into things but wanted to check on here first. Thanks!
 
IYFGraphics

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#2 ·
:welcome:We're glad to have you aboard!

It does sound like an encoder strip problem, you can clean the sensor on the back of the carriage with a little compressed air (the cans of compressed air sold for computer service work great), hopefully the new encoder strip will get you back up and running.

Hope this helps.
 
JeridHill

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#3 ·
I don't know anything about the HM1, but what you are describing sounds like the small flat cable that goes into the back of the carriage head may have become loose. It was probably in just enough that it was getting some readings but worked itself out. I don't know how to take it apart, but my guess is, if you are able to get behind the carriage head, the small flat cable just needs pushed back in tightly.
 
F

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#7 ·
Hi, I am having problems with my printer also. It is going thru all the motions but not printing. also, the machine is acting crazy with the platten going all the way down on its own and the gap light staying on. what is going on with my baby?
 
spiderx1

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#8 ·
Usually if it actually acts like its printing but zero ink then it may be a blown fuse on the main board. If you have a sensor that prevents head strikes it maybe blocked or bad. I.e. It thinks something is in the way of the head.
 
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T

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
I have attached the link to the actual video of problem (new encoder strip did not correct the issue). Could it be the sensor, circuit board, or ribbon cable for the back of the print head carriage? Something more internal (mother board)?

If these units are sold in the Midwest... SHOULDN"T THERE BE SERVICE REPS AVAILABLE in the Tri-State area???? Come on guys, I know somebody has seen this issue before - (don't make me ship this thing to Texas). I'll be jumping ship to different brand.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4jev_UtdNM[/media]
 
F

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#11 ·
tmacjrgold said:
I have attached the link to the actual video of problem (new encoder strip did not correct the issue). Could it be the sensor, circuit board, or ribbon cable for the back of the print head carriage? Something more internal (mother board)?

If these units are sold in the Midwest... SHOULDN"T THERE BE SERVICE REPS AVAILABLE in the Tri-State area???? Come on guys, I know somebody has seen this issue before - (don't make me ship this thing to Texas). I'll be jumping ship to different brand.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4jev_UtdNM[/media]
Click to expand...
The ribbon cable is on wrong
 
T

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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
Hi thanks for the response. That would be weird because the ribbon cable has never been removed. The printer worked fine for four months prior to the issue too, but hopefully the new ribbon cable that I have ordered will fix the issue?

Thanks
 
F

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#14 ·
My machine (Koisk 2) is going through the start up seqence and at the end the carriage goes to the left and stays there and the error eject and ink lights flash. Any solutions?

It was working fine and started doing this. I cleaned the carriage rail and rod to make sure there was no obstruction. The carriage goes through the complete sequence before giving the error with the carriage at the left side wall.
 
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spiderx1
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