VP-540 Magenta "text print" blocks all over the place

[solantis]

I get these random magenta marks on most of my prints and they seem to be getting worst. They look like a long line of a test print (i.e. fine magenta lines).

Its happening from two different computers so i'm sure its not software related. Anyone else experience this or know what could be causing the issue?

 

[SignMeUpGraphics]

I'd check the ribbon cables to the head.

 

[player]

I have a VP540i and it needed a new mainboard. I don't think the VPs are very well made, judging by my experience. I changed out all the cables first.

 

[flyplainsdrifta]

on my xf640, we had an issue like that and it ended up being encoder issues. something to look at.

 

[autoexebat]

A lot of people seem to mention this Encoder Cable , I actually just cleaned mine 2 days ago but I never found that to actually FIX a problem .

 

[solantis]

I'll try the encoder and then the ribbon cable to the head. We have had encoder issues previously

 

[solantis]

So i cleaned the encoder and also took out the ribbon cables to the magenta heads, blew the slots for dust and re-inserted them and now its printing 100%. Lets hope it stays that way will keep everyone posted should anything change.

 

[solantis]

The issue returned two days later so i bought a new encoder strip (i think that was overdue, had this one for 5 years) and a new encoder sensor and the problem is still there

 

[Solventinkjet]

This is an electrical short. Either a cable is not plugged in properly, is damaged, is dirty, and/or the head is damaged electronically or dirty. I've seen it so many times in my career I have no doubt that is what is going on. Usually I start by changing the head cables and clean the terminals they plug into. I usually air dust the terminal, then clean with 90% alcohol and air dust again. Let dry and then plug in the new cables. If that doesn't fix it, it's either another cable deeper in the machine, the head is bad or another circuit board is bad. Make sure you work with the machine unplugged and wait 15 minutes after unplugging so you don't pop a fuse.

 

[solantis]

Thanks Solventinkjet I'll try these suggestions

 

[John.]

Head Cable - I had this issue, replacement of the head cable sorted it.

 

[player]

I thought it solved it too when I changed out all the cables. But it came back. After replacing the 8 short head cables and the 3 or 4 long carriage cables and the keypad cable I changed the mainboard and it fixed it. So far. Fingers are crossed.