Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

Typist · Mar 19, 2001, 10:39 AM

Hi!
I have an Epson Stylus 740 inkjet USB.
Runs great!
Until Yesterday.
After completing a print job, all the lights (paper feed and both inks) started blinking and the printer has completley stopped. The printer will not respond to anything I do. I cannot even run a self test - the printer seems frozen in it's blinking state.
I have plenty of ink. I ran an ink alignment and head cleaning prior to the print job -- a routine AW5 document.
I have gone to Epson website, troubleshooting, and support. Have not found anything there. Called the support line but, if warrenty has expired, they want $9.00+ per call. I'm holding off on that.
Hoping someone can help me here.
I am desperate!
Thank you!
Typsit

iMac G3 PowerPC

PeteWK · Mar 19, 2001, 12:10 PM

I've got a 740 and it seems to me that happened one time. I think what I did was just unplug everything (power, usb) and let it sit for a few seconds. Then plug in only the power cord and then see what happens. I think mine went through some kind of reset. After that, I reinstalled the drivers just for good measure (by that time I couldn't find the disk so I had to download the file from the Epson website.) And then I was good to go. Good luck.

PeteWK

Typist · Mar 19, 2001, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by PeteWK:
Good luck.

PeteWK

Hi Pete
Thanks for replying! I did as you suggested, and just about everything else I could think of. I'm still having the same problem. When I power up the printer, whether it's connected the computer or not, everyuthing seems normal for a minute. It spins the rollers and sends the ink cartridge left then right then parks the ink in the corner and freezes with all the lights flashing.

I'm stumped!

Typist

PeteWK · Mar 19, 2001, 03:41 PM

OK, then. It's time to consider a more radical approach and what the consequences of those actions might be. We certainly have to consider that your internal board could be fried, in which case all is lost given the relative value (or the lack thereof) of you printer (I bought mine for 85 bucks new at Costco 12 months ago)

You could have one or two misaligned print cartridges in your machine. In that case, you'd need to remove them and install them. You could probably tell just by trying to move them around to see if they have any play in them. If the printer won't caugh them up for you, just turn it on so they move across the center and pull the plug out when they're in the middle. The problem with this is that two print cartridged cost about 50 bucks, which again, is as much as the printer is worth.

Your last option is to purchase a new printer. In this, you should remember that the 740 started out life as a 300 dollar printer and then went through price cuts as new things hit the market. The current replacement of the 740 is the 777, which I also own (along with a 900 and a HP 970cse). The 777 was designed as a 100 printer and looks every bit as cheap. If you can still find a 740, go for it (I've seen some very recently on apple.com). If not, look for the 900, which is an outstanding printer.

I'm not as big a fan of the HPs (I own two of them and I bought my secretary one) because they're not as good for desktop publishing because of their paper feed system.

Again, good luck.

PeteWK

Typist · Mar 19, 2001, 05:16 PM

Again, good luck.

PeteWK[/B][/QUOTE]

I'm not having good luck PeteWK!
I think you're right - I fried the motherboard.
I've tried absolutely everything! Even took it apart and removed the battery. Checked the fuse. Everything should be working, but it's not.
I've run this printer into the ground for over 2 years - I guess it's time for a new one.
I called school and got an extension for the kindergartners project.
I'm liking the Epson 980! I can't believe it has this RIP Driver which allows it print PostScript fonts!!!
I'm going to check into it a bit more to find the best deal.
Thank you so much for all your help!!!!!!!!!
Typist

ddiokno · Mar 19, 2001, 07:35 PM

If you wanted another 740, i believe Epson's website had them for $69 (refurbished) with a one year warranty....
dave

PeteWK · Mar 20, 2001, 01:16 AM

Yeah, the 980 is a good choice. Look for the 980N if you need to network with another computer but beware that it costs quite a bit more. As for speed, I print bulletins on all of my printers (I'm a church pastor) and the 777 & 740 print one in about 45-50 seconds including a moderate picture. But my 900 does it in about 11 seconds. Same quality but much faster.

PeteWK

Typist · Mar 20, 2001, 05:08 PM

Hi Dave

Thank you for the information -- I didn't know you could still get a 740!
If I hadn't gone and purchased a new 980 I would have gotten the 740 -- at least that way I could have used up these dozen ink cartridges I have for it.

Typist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Pete
I did it - I went with the 980--
*primarily because of your recommendation!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am thrilled!

You know, I still can't believe my printer arrived already! I just ordered it at 7:00pm last night from Outpost.com. It was here by 10:00 this morning. Unbelievable!
Well, I'm off to print.......

You helped me so much!
Take care
Typist

ddiokno · Mar 20, 2001, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by Typist:
Hi Dave

Thank you for the information -- I didn't know you could still get a 740!
If I hadn't gone and purchased a new 980 I would have gotten the 740 -- at least that way I could have used up these dozen ink cartridges I have for it.
Typist

Hi Typist,
Great choice in printers! The 980 is great... I'm sure you'll be pleased. I'm not sure where you get your current cartridges from, but ink4art has great prices... i believe you can get a six pack for your new printer for $49... http://www.ink4art.com
Congratulations!
dave

PeteWK · Mar 21, 2001, 02:03 AM

Hi Typist. Great to hear you got the 980. Let us know what your experience is.

PeteWK

Typist · Mar 24, 2001, 11:13 AM

Hi Dave!

Yes, -- I have ordered from them. They're prices are great! Now I also order from Laser Sharp Imaging as well:
www.lasersharp-imaging.com

The prices of these cartridges is the main reason I stuck with Epson - I go through alot of cartridges and cannot afford $30.00 bucks a shot.

On Dealmac you'll sometimes run across phenomenal ink specials as well!
dealmac.com

Thank you Dave!
Typist

[Edit: fixed UBB]

[This message has been edited by elzinat (edited 03-25-2001).]