Epson R1800 printer communication error

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Level 1

16 points

Epson R1800 printer communication error

I have a tried and tested Epson Stylus Photo R1800 that has worked for years now. Since Yosemite it fails due to Communication Error returns. It prints a couple of sheets, then fails halfway in a printout. I have reset the printer system, reinstalled the drivers, restarted my computer, canned ports, changed cables. have not used a USB hub - and so on infinitum. Time after time it stops printing in the missile of a print at times with a communication error. I use it to print large canvas prints that are extremely expensive not to mention wasted ink!

It has been a real workhorse for me - any ideas on what can be done.

Posted on Aug 4, 2015 8:18 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Aug 4, 2015 9:04 AM in response to RichardFosse

Try the following sequence:

Reset the Printing System
Physically disconnect the printer from the computer.
Shut down the computer
Reset the SMC by disconnecting the power cable from the back of the computer for about 1 minute.
Restart the computer in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift Key on startup until the computer restarts.
Restart computer normally and re-connect the printer cable to the iMac and turn on the printer.
Open System Preference - Printers & Scanners and see if the device appears. If not then add the printer and test it.

I don't know for sure it will work, if it does not it is possible there are problems with the device itself.

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Answer 2

RichardFosse Author

Level 1

16 points

Aug 4, 2015 9:21 AM in response to rkaufmann87

ThX. I have a very bad feeling that this all due to the age of the printer and compatibility. Even though Epson say there is a compatible driver, the printer fails for hardware reasons. I will try your suggestion but I may be in for a new printer, Real pity if that is the case. It is a real workhorse and does amazing prints. I do large canvas A3+ and clearly I am not served with failures. Each sheet costs close to €3.00 a pop.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Aug 4, 2015 9:22 AM in response to RichardFosse

I understand, products do sometimes simply wear out.

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Answer 4

RichardFosse Author

Level 1

16 points

Aug 4, 2015 9:27 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Well "wear out" is a definition question. The R1800 was released in 2005 i.e. is 10 years old. Mine has soldiered on and has done a great job until Yosemite. I will go to a friend who has Snow Leopard and see if his can drive it for me. It may be cheaper for me to look for an old Mini running 10.6.x and run from that. Will at any rate try out solution before I give up.

Thx for your reply.

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Aug 4, 2015 10:38 AM in response to RichardFosse

Okay,

Let us know if the Epson works on the other Mac, that is a good way to troubleshoot where the problem lies.

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Answer 6

RichardFosse Author

Level 1

16 points

Aug 12, 2015 7:22 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Tried your suggestion. I have one more test - create a clean account with no baggage. I also have a friend who still runs Snow Leopard and can take the printer to his place but all things being equal - Looks like I am dealing with planned obsolescence on Epson's part. Tried everything in the book and the comms error persists. It is really odd, the other day I managed after a couple of back and forth to print some small format prints. Also every second or so test print succeeds. I will also wait until El Capitan arrives and see if there is joy to be had,

Thx for your feedback

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Answer 7

Aug 12, 2015 7:45 AM in response to RichardFosse

I know a number of professional photographers who use the R1800 with Yosemite. This is Epson's information when updating to Yosemite:

Printer Driver09/16/14

Description:The latest printer driver for this product is available from Apple's Software Update. Here's how to get them:

Do one of the following:

USB	Connect your product to your Mac using a USB cable and make sure the product is turned on.
Wireless	Connect your product to your router wirelessly and make sure the product is turned on. Note: You'll need to use the product's control panel to establish the connection to your router.
Ethernet	Connect your product to your Mac using an Ethernet cable and make sure the product is turned on.

Select the menu on your Mac, select App Store... then click Updates.
Do one of the following:
- If you see an update from Epson, select UPDATE to install it.

Note: Apple Software Update may find multiple updates for your system. You may choose to install all or some of the updates.

If an update is not available, you're done. You already have the latest drivers from Apple.

Compatible Systems: Mac OS X (v10.10.x)

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Answer 8

RichardFosse Author

Level 1

16 points

Aug 12, 2015 8:44 AM in response to Gary Scotland

Hi Gary Thx for inputting. I have done what you suggest and have the latest driver. I am also wondering whether the printer per se is failing - something in its hardware?? It has travelled a lot and for all I know it may have had a knock en route. The fault is intermittent

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Answer 9

Aug 12, 2015 8:54 AM in response to RichardFosse

Print a test page and test communications using the maintenance utility in the print driver.

You shouldn't have much trouble in getting access to a computer (from a local store next door neighbour) whether windows or Mac to test if the printer still works.

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Answer 10

RichardFosse Author

Level 1

16 points

Aug 12, 2015 9:20 AM in response to Gary Scotland

I have already been down that route. Sometimes it prints a test sometimes it fails always with a return of Communication Error. I have also tried head cleaning and halfway through cleaning it sometimes loses communication and fails. I have an awful feeling It has come to the end of its career. Real pity since it is a really good printer and makes spectacular canvas prints - my main use for it. Right now people like CanvasPop do the same for much less than what a new printer of the same spec as my R1800 would cost per print. It is also a real ink hog

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