Roland XC-540 – Cyan Overfire → Multiple Board/Head Issues – Need Help Isolating Before Installing Another DX4

[Jim Hancock]

OK, so it's an upstream issue. I also see issues with the light cyan in the last pic, which is very odd, looking like the light cyan head is wonky. Please put the ribbons back in the correct position and see if the light magenta is still ok. Since you have replaced everything except the main board, that would appear to be next. unfortunately, they are difficult to find. FYI, Roland does have 2 of the XR-640 mainboards in stock, which can be used in the XC-540 by changing DIP switches and uploading the correct firmware. This is official from Roland, not a hack. But, it's $2700 and change. There is a guy advertising on eBay for Roland boards that I've heard good things about. Then there is eBay and Chinese boards, if you like taking chances... If anyone else has thoughts, please chime in...

 

[Coreyt]

Before I move to the main board — quick check.

I did swap in a spare carriage board earlier, and it may have been exposed during the initial overfire.

Is there any way to test the carriage board, or is the only real option a known-good swap?

If this points to the main board, are the ~$500 repair services reliable for a stuck firing channel, or better to replace?

 

[Coreyt]

The carriage board I used early was a spare and may have been exposed during the initial overfire. However, short cables and the DX4 head always seemed fine after initial issue presented itself. The only confirmed failure was the original head board (blown transistor, fuse, and driver components), which has since been replaced with a known good board.

 

[damonCA21]

I would definitely say a mainboard problem with everything else you have tried. It is unlikely to be something repairable though, it looks more like the main chip is failing and sending the wrong signals to the head ( possibly shorted internally ). I do mainboard repairs, but its not possible to get a replacement main chip. It could possibly still be a component problem on the mainboard, but I doubt it.

 

[Coreyt]

appreciate the feedback. With the reliability issues and rising repair costs since I acquired this printer just over a year ago — including this being the second time I’ve had the head board short out — I’m inclined to part it out and move to a newer unit.

Looking at a Roland VG2 vs a Mimaki CJV300 Series.

Also considering a JV300 with expired inks — is that a concern?

Trying to keep costs down as this is a new business. Can either platform run aftermarket inks reliably, and any recommendations there?