There are a number of problems to overcome when you own what they call a Legacy printer which is what you now have.
1. Roland considers these printers Legacy models because of their age. These were really great printers but Roland would rather sell you a brand new one instead of servicing these printers so you will not be able to get a tech who is Roland Cerfitifed and who works for Roland or one of their dealers to service your printer.
That is really not a big deal since their our a number of techs willing to service your printer for you all over the country.
Another problem will be finding parts but again they are available you just have to find them and using this site is an excellent way of doing it.
Right now just finding the right vinyl in a 30" length is getting harder each time I have to reorder and now I am on a waiting list to purchase the vinyl.
I really don't want to have to order a 60" roll and then cut it in half for a number of different reasons.
I would prefer to use OEM replacement parts but since Roland has told me they will not sell them to me or at least that is what the Roland Dealer is telling me.
For now, I can still find the parts I need through dealers like Solvent Ink Jet in Denver, and I have also purchased some parts from China where they are more than happy to pick up the business that Roland does not want.
These printers are real workhorses and the kiss of death for these printers is to sit for days or weeks without being used.
On
Signs 101 there are many people willing to help you and answer your questions which is a huge asset.
When I purchased my printer in 2010 I never used a Roland SP-300 before they or served one but for me, that has always been part of the fun in owning these printers.
Best of luck with your New Printer. Jim