How to test the MD 1300 , also look on how to get error codes...

It might be the door sensor. Can you check to see if it's working?

Make sure you have the standard ALPS ink cartridges in the printer (dark gray). I've seen people getting a flashing error light when trying to use the photo cartridges (dark blue) to print.

Make sure you are using the cartridges with the dark grey cases.

The 1300 prints spot colors the same way as the other ALPS printers. To print spot colors, create a mask or layer using only black with your artwork. Select the spot color you want and the black areas on the mask will be printed in the spot color. Make sure that you check the overlay box so the printer retains the printer. You also need to make sure you are using the ALPS printer driver supplied with the printer and NOT the default Windows plug and play driver.

Join the Yahoo ALPS group. They have a driver for the 1300 in the file section.

Try changing the printer cable.

I had a similar problem with my MD-2010 printer. It turned out to be a loose wire on the power supply.

It sounds like the head has been damaged. Unfortunately, there is no fix for this, as Alps stopped production of these printers years ago, and now do not offer repairs for these printers.

If you still want a dye-sub capable Alps printer, the only model available is the MD-5500, which you can find here: http://www.alps-supplies.com

The printers are out of production, and out of support.

First of all, Alps MD inks do not "Dry up". They are dry to start with!

It sounds like you may be running XP, with the Microsoft driver for this printer installed. You need to load the Alps driver, which you can get by joining the alps or alpsdecal group at http://groups.yahoo.com. You can find the driver in the files section of one of the groups.