I have the error codes for the R800 which are probably the same as for
the R1800.
There are several similar error codes which have the power button off
and the cartridge and paper LEDs flashing.
The most likely is a fatal error. In that case, the paper and cartridge
LEDs flash very quickly, like once every .1 seconds.
This is the most likely case. It is a result of the carriage not
positioning correctly, or a sensor not recognizing it where it should
be. A common cause is the bushing oil having dried out and the head
carraige becoming irregular in movement. The most common cause is dried
lubricant and the fix is to clean the guide rail(s) the head is running
on. Clean the rails with some isopropyl alcohol and a clean link-free
rag. Then if the lubricant appears to be oil, just place a few drops on
the guide bar (well spread out on the complete bar. Also place a drop on
either side of the carriage where the bushing and bar meet.
If the guide(s) appears to have a thicker lubricant and it is white, it
is probably lightweight lithium grease, which y9u may have to buy at an
auto or hardware store. and again just a small quantity after removing
the old grease.
Another cause may be if the head position calibration stripe gets
damaged or stained, more about this if the other fix doesn't work.
Cutter position error has a slower blink of those two LEDs (.2 sec on,
..2 second off, .2 seconds on, and then .4 secs off, and repeated).
Check to make sure the cutter is positioned correctly when starting up
the printer. If not, you may need to gently give it a slight push.
Maintenance request (usually means the waste ink protection number has
been reached) The two LEDs blink alternately opposite one another, each
at .5 sec on, .5 sec off.
This is an indication that waste ink pads are filling up. You can either
get the appropriate setting software that runs on most PCs now, direct
from Epson's website for download (at least in the US) you have to
register and indicate printer type and S/N.
Another option is to download the Russian originated SSC utility at:
http://www.ssclg.com/epsone.shtml
It is free, but make sure it covers your printer, and only do so if you
have determined the cause is the maintenance request and not one of the
above mentioned possibilities. This reset can lead to waste ink leakage
out of the bottom of the printer, since it is a warning of saturation of
the waste ink pads. In reality, inmost cases the pads can tolerate at
least two cycles of waste ink protection numbers.
If you are still stuck contact me via email at:
e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org
(at) = @
(dot) = .
Art
If you are interested in issues surrounding e-waste,
I invite you to enter the discussion at my blog:
http://e-trashtalk.spaces.live.com/