Postbase Mini Printing Support

What causes printing problems on the FP Mailing Postbase Mini?

Postbase Mini printing problems are almost always caused by one of four things: a dry or blocked print head, a depleted ink cartridge, dirty cartridge contacts, or a cartridge that is not seated correctly. The Postbase Mini uses a single ink cartridge with a built-in print head – so cleaning or replacing the cartridge resolves the vast majority of printing faults.

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How to Replace the Ink Cartridge on the Postbase Mini

When to do this: When the Postbase Mini displays a low ink warning, prints blank or very faint impressions, or prompts you to replace the cartridge.

1. On the Postbase Mini touchscreen, select Menu.
2. Select Print System.
3. Select Change Cartridge. The machine prepares for cartridge removal.
4. Lift the lid to access the ink cartridge compartment.
5. Press the green release button to unlock the cartridge.
6. Remove the old cartridge slowly and carefully – hold it upright to avoid ink spills.
7. Remove the protective strip from the print head of your new cartridge.
8. Insert the new cartridge into the slot and press down firmly until you hear a click.
9. Close the lid. The machine will run a maintenance cycle automatically.
10. When prompted, place an envelope or test label in the machine and it will print a test pattern.
11. If the test pattern shows two solid parallel lines (tram lines), press the green tick to confirm. Your machine is ready to frank.

Expected result: Two solid, unbroken parallel horizontal lines on the test print. If lines are faint or incomplete, proceed to the cleaning steps below.

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How to Clean the Postbase Mini Ink Cartridge (Quick Clean)

When to do this: If your Postbase Mini is printing faint impressions, missing lines, or smeared print – and the cartridge still has ink remaining.

1. Remove the ink cartridge from the Postbase Mini.
2. Fold a sheet of tissue paper and press the print head face-down onto it firmly. You should see ink transfer to the tissue. If no ink appears, the cartridge is empty – replace it.
3. Dampen a cloth with warm water and wipe the face of the print head gently.
4. Dry the print head with a clean section of tissue.
5. Reinsert the cartridge into the machine and run a test pattern.
6. If the test pattern is clean, the machine is ready. If still faint, proceed to the Deep Clean below.

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How to Deep Clean the Postbase Mini Print Head (Hot Water Method)

When to do this: If the quick clean did not resolve the issue, or if the cartridge has not been used for an extended period and the print head nozzles are blocked.

You will need: The ink cartridge, a mug of freshly boiled water, a folded damp cloth, and tissue paper or kitchen roll.

1. Remove the ink cartridge from the machine.
2. Press the cartridge down onto folded tissue. Check whether ink flows – you should see ink marks on the tissue.
3. Hold the tip of the print head (nozzle side only) in freshly boiled water for approximately 30 seconds. The heat dissolves dried ink blocking the nozzles.
4. Remove and press the cartridge firmly onto a warm damp cloth for 10 seconds.
5. Press onto fresh tissue again. You are aiming to see two clear parallel lines – this confirms the nozzles are clear.
6. Once tram lines appear, dry the print head and reinsert the cartridge.
7. Run a test pattern on the machine. If clean, the machine is ready.
8. If still blocked, repeat once more. If the problem persists after two attempts, the cartridge needs replacing.

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How to Fix “Not Registering”, “Calibration Error”, or “Contact Failure” on the Postbase Mini

These error messages are caused by dirty or oxidised contacts on the ink cartridge – the small gold metal pads that allow the machine to communicate with the cartridge. Cleaning them takes under 2 minutes.

You will need: A rubber eraser, or an alcohol wipe.

1. Remove the ink cartridge from the Postbase Mini.
2. Locate the gold contacts on the side of the cartridge (small rectangular metal pads).
3. Gently rub the contacts using a clean rubber eraser with a back-and-forth motion. Alternatively, use an alcohol wipe.
4. Wipe away any residue with a dry cloth or tissue.
5. Reinsert the cartridge, then power cycle the machine (turn off, wait 10 seconds, turn back on).
6. The error message should clear. Run a test print to confirm the machine is franking correctly.

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Postbase Mini Printing – Frequently Asked Questions