Move the slide bar above to increase the volume if there is no sound from the video
_____________________________________________________________
Special attention should be made regarding to the following items
On/Off switch
" - " is on, this activates the low ink alert and allow air vent into the external ink tank
" o " is off, this shuts of air flow the to the ink tank. The printer will stop printing eventually if the switch is turned off.
It is recommended to use high capacity rechargeable batteries or a 4.5 volts ( 1000 mA) AC/DC converter to power the unit. The tank will
work without batteries installed, but be sure the switch is on before turning the printer on to print. If the switch is not one when the printer runs
an automatic self cleaning, it will induce a vacuum, resulting in ink reverse flow after the cleaning stopped. When this reverse flow occurred, air
will be drawn into the print head causing banding in prints because the printer is printing with air in the print head. The AC/DC converter can
easily be added.
Best practice : Turn the switch on before turning on the printer, whether the batteries are installed or not. The batteries is used only to run the low ink alert.
June 2, 2007 revised
Go over the instructions at least 3 times before attempting the installation of the CIS.
Testing the chip/cartridge -
All the cartridges have been tested before shipping, but sometimes your printer may fail to recognize the chip due to poor chip to printer
contact. But in the unlike event the chip is faulty, if the cartridge is already filled with ink, it will be a mess trying to replace the cartridge.
It is better to test for chip recognition before filling the cartridge with ink. This will you don't waste time priming a faulty cartridge.
The latest R2880/R1900/1400/1410/ and the R1800/R2400 chip holder will slide off from the cartridge easily. When suspecting a faulty chip
is to make sure the cartridge is seated correctly. Hold the cartridge on the top corner above the chip while the cartridge is seated correctly
and move it side way back and forth a couple of times. This will help ensure good contacts are made.
Filling the ink bottles with ink - Remove the plugs on the back of the bottles. This is where you put ink in the tank.
Take your time to put the right color ink in the right bottle. Keep the plugs open until the print tests turns out perfect prints. The tank should be
on the desk at the testing stage. After at least 5 - 6 perfect prints and there is no ink dripping onto the paper, put the tank on the stand
provided and install the multi-color plugs on the back of the ink bottles. We will discuss more about how to get a good print pattern later.
Priming the cartridge - The spring loaded poppet valve at the bottom of the cartridge is sometimes px;">some pressure to push the valve open. &nbdifficult to open. You really have to use
Keep the cartridges together with a rubber band. Starting with one cartridge, after the syringe is
inserted into the cartridge, pull the plunger of the syringe to remove air from the cartridge while pressing the tip against the poppet valve. Turn
the syringe to give it a slight angle if you do not see ink flowing. Remove the syringe to empty the ink/air. Return the ink into the correct color
ink bottle.to prevent mixing the inks. If you cannot get ink to flow, stop and email me for a support call. Once you figure
out how to get the ink flowing, Do this onal" color="#000000" size="3">the rest of the installation is easy.
There is no need open the caps/color coded plugs for filling the ink bottles. If there is need to open the bottle caps, do not twist the color
coded plugs, twisting motion will almost certain the connector will break. Place a finger just below the 2 connectors and lift gently, the plugs
are easily removed.
Elevate the tank - Keep the tank on the stand that comes with the package. This will avoid ink back flow and will prevent air getting in the
print head from a reverse siphoning effect. This will be explained later.
Common issues during the installation:
Not getting the ink flowing from the external tank to the cartridge -
Be sure even pressure is applied to the ribbon connector by alternating the tightening of the two screws.
After the cartridge is installed for the chip test. When inserting the syringe, moisten the tip with a small amount of water. Apply firm pressure to
open the poppet valve. Experiment with one cartridge to learn how to get the ink flowing. Remove all the air bubbles from the cartridge and
from the ink ribbon. If in doubt, remove a little more to make sure. Once you have a good feel how this is done, repeat this procedure on the
other cartridges. This will get easier once you are done with the first cartridge.
Reminder : Keep the cartridges together with a rubber band, this will make the job easier.
Tip: The R2400 and the R1800 cartridges has removable plugs on top and on bottom of the cartridge. This is the easiest way to remove all
the air from the cartridge. If you look at the side of the cartridge, you will see air bubbles being removed when priming the cartridge. Get rid of
all the air bubbles from the cartridge to avoid printing issues later.
Not enough or too much ink in the tank - Fill the external tank to only 3/4rd level.
Never fill the tank to the top. Overflow could cause ink to drip onto the electronics causing false low ink alert.
Be care with the connector when opening the multi-color caps - Use the refill ports on the back side of the bottles, a set of refill holes with plugs
were added to the unit to allow ink refill without removing the multi-color caps on top of the tank.
On the models without the refill holes on the back, place a finger under the two connectors to spread the force and lift gently. The connector
could easily be damage by twisting motion placed on the ink bottle cap.
Print test - Keep the refill plugs open while doing the CIS installation and the print test. The external ink tank should be on the desk next to the
printer at this time to prevent ink dripping from the cartridge creating smudges on the paper. If you are using a PC and not a Mac, I suggest
using the SSC utility to perform the initial charge and the powerful cleaning.
Go to this link to earn how to use the SSC utility.
If you are using a Mac, use the Auto Nozzle Check and Cleaning.
Learn how to use the auto nozzle check and cleaning. It should only take a couple of auto nozzle check and clean to get a perfect pattern. If
the test pattern is almost perfect but missing a couple of checker blocks, leave the printer overnight, the air bubbles will rise and the printer
should be ready in the morning. This is the best way to clear the banding caused by air bubbles.
If the test pattern gets much worse after the nozzle clean, the cartridge might not have been primed properly. This will require priming the
system again, but do a few more print test to see if the print pattern improves. But be sure not to repeat the auto nozzle check and cleaning
more than twice to avoid ink wasted for setting up the CIS. Avoid removing and installing the cartridges because this will introduce air bubbles
into the print head.
Placing the tank on the stand - it is important to place the tank on the stand that comes with the package after the initial print test is all done.
Elevating the external ink tank will avoid ink back flow. The tank should never be placed higher than the cartridge. This will almost guarantee a
pool of ink under the printer.
Problem with banding?
If the printer is being turned on when the CIS tank is switched off, the auto self clean during the printer power on cycle will cause a low pressure
in the cartridge because there is no air feeding into the CIS. This low pressure will cause a reverse flow after the auto self cleaning is finished.
This low pressure in the CIS will cause air to reverse flow from the nozzle causing air to enter the nozzles. Banding on the prints similar to
clogged print heads will occur as a result. Always check to make sure the CIS switch is on before the printer is switch on.
2. If the CIS ink tank is place on the same desk next to the printer, the inks inside the tank are at a level much lower than the cartridges in the
printer. The force of gravity will cause a siphoning effect draining the inks from inside the cartridge. Fluid will flow from a high point to a low
point. (Therefore, if the tank is placed above the cartridge, the inks inside the tank will completely drain out from the cartridge. ) This is why the
tank should be on the custom stand provided.
Purging the print heads
It is recommended to use a set of cleaning cartridge to purge the print heads. Print with the cleaning cartridge to get rid of the old ink from the
printer. Learning how to use the cleaning cartridge will help you in the future when you need to clear a print head clog due to dry ink inside the
print nozzles. My ink manufacturer does not require the use of cleaning fluid to purge the nozzles. The pigment inks are fully compatible with
Epson inks.
How do you purge the print heads?
Fill the cartridge with the cleaning fluid ( 2 parts ) and ink ( 1 part ) mixture, install the cartridge and allow the printer to run the charge cycle.
Pfont face="Arial" color="#000000" size="3">least 4 at - 5 test page printing the solid color block patterns provided, once the test page comes out correctly you know the print heads
are clean. The color on the test page will be lighter in color.
If you should run the cleaning cycle, the cleaning fluid mixture could be purged from the cartridge pretty quickly from the cleaning cycle and you
will not be able to detect if the print heads are clean. The print to clean method let you see the test pattern on paper, a perfect pattern indicates
the print heads are working properly. This is how you know the print heads are good.
This method requires patience. If after running 3 ?4 test pages using the photo setting, if the pattern does not improve, it is a good idea to let
the printer idle for a few hours and allow the air bubbles inside the cartridge rise to the top. This also let the cleaning fluid soak into the printer
nozzles. Remember, the main purpose for the cleaning cartridge is to confirm the print heads are in good condition, if you have a new printer,
this cleaning is not needed.
Installation
1. Testing the cartridge
Always check the chip is firmly in place before installing the cartridge, sometimes a chip could come loose due to the rough handling by the
post office in transit. A cartridge without a chip will cause serious damage to the printer. Although the cartridges have been tested before the
package is shipped. This extra step will help avoid having to correct a problem after the system is already filled with inks. While the chip test is
performed, check the cartridge/tubing for proper mounting so the ribbon can move freely and not get caught by any extended object. Make
sure the ink ribbon does not touch the track or the pizza wheel, but give the ribbon enough slack to allow the cartridge carriage to move freely.
One advantage of doing the chip test is that the cartridge seal at the bottom will be broken and will make it easier for the syringe to be inserted
for the priming of the system.
2. Connecting the ink ribbon to the tank unit
The 2 connectors can only be installed one way, look for markings on the connectors and the tank unit to match the connector to the tank. Even
pressure must be applied to the connector, alternate the tightening of the screws to only finger tight level. Press the connector firmly while you
tighten the screws. If you have to use your wrist, the screws could be too tight.
3. Ink level in the tank ?Install the batteries to check the low ink alert before filling thize="3">
Fill the bottles with correct color inks correspond to the color code marked on the tank top. For the system that has not been marked, email for
assistance.
Keep inks in the tank at ?full before beginning to prime the cartridge, maintain all colors at the same level for even pressure. Keep the color
coded caps/plugs opened and run a few test pages of solid color pattern or auto nozzle check. Leave the tank at the same level as the printer
and not on the stand right after refilling the tank. Print at least 3 test pages. After confirming the test pattern is perfect and there is no ink
dripping, place the tank on the stand and continue to print several pages until the pressure in the cartridge achieve a good balance. The
caps/plug will be reinstalled afterwards.
http://www.efillink.com/files/Purge-R800.tif
http://www.efillink.com/files/8_Individual_color.zip
4. Priming the system ?purging air from the system
Tricky
Keeping the color coded plugs open will make sure air is properly supplied to the ink bottles. It is easier to prime the system with the caps
open. The cartridges should have been installed for chip recognition test, the bottom seal already opened. It is easier to insert the syringe to
open the poppet valve. Apply a firm force when inserting the syringe. The syringe needs to be turned slightly to allow air flow after the poppet
valve is opened. This is the most tricky part of the installation. If the syringe is not inserted far enough or it goes straight in, ink will not flow. It is
a good idea to test this procedure with one cartridge to learn how this is done before moving on to the next cartridge. While the cartridge is up
side down, insert the syringe pass the rubber seal firmly to open the poppet valve. Again, observe the video carefully to see how this is done.
The syringe will have to be turned at an angle to allow the air to flow. When the cartridge is filled with ink, draw a bit extra to ensure what air
bubbles left in the cartridge will be removed. The ink drawn out will return to the correct ink bottle. Take care to do one at a time to avoid mix up.
5. Making sure the ink ribbon is installed correctly
Check the markings on the ink ribbon. When installing the mounting bracket and the ink ribbon, make sure the ink ribbon has enough slack
and the ribbon does not touch the pizza wheel or the tracks.
Adjust the ribbon as required. Make sure the strap does not crimp on the ink ribbon and restrict flow. This is a potential reason for "banding". If
you have a problem with one or two colors, check the strap and the ink line on the outer edge, if yellow is on the outside and you have a
problem only with yellow, check to see if the line is crimped causing a flow restriction. An extra piece of wide tape on top of the strap provided
will give extra safety in case the strap gets loose.
6. Auto Nozzle Check
After purging the air from the system, the cartridge installed and seated properly, the ink ribbon mounted and after making sure it does not
touch the pizza wheel or the track, try a test page to observe the ribbon is moving freely. Keep the ribbon centered.
When everything is mounted correctly, run the auto nozzle check and clean to see if the air is completely purged from the cartridge. It should
not be difficult to get a perfect pattern after a couple of auto nozzle checks. If the pattern does not come out correctly, there could still be air in
the cartridge and/or in the printer nozzle. If only a couple of small blocks are missing, leave the printer overnight and allow the air bubbles to
rise to the top. The printer should produce a perfect pattern in the morning.
While doing the auto nozzle check, observe the following to allow the CIS to achieve the optimal ink pressure balance:
1. Keep the tank on the same level where the printer is positioned when doing the auto nozzle check.
2. Keep the color coded caps open to provide the maximum air flow
3. Run the auto nozzle check up to 2 complete cycle
4. If the pattern is good, place the tank on the stand while keeping the caps open.
5. Run the auto nozzle check again to confirm the pattern is perfect
6. Print a few photos before closing the color coded caps.
What else do I want to know about the CIS?
The drain line
There is a drain line right next to the battery. A plug is connected at the end of this line, sealing the system. Make sure this plug is there. If not,
halt the installation and email to request replacement from support. If this plug is not there, a back flow condition will occur. Although this drain
line is not being used, but it is kept there for support issues that might arise due to user's neglect. The details will not be discussed here.
Battery
Extended life, rechargeable batteries are recommended. Install the battery to see the alert system work. Once the bottle is filled with ink, the
LEDs will turn off. When all the ink bottles are filled, the alert will turn to showing only a green flashing light without beeping. This is a test cycle
testing the system抯 electronics. If the ink level is low, the sensor will detect an opened circuit to send the alert by flashing lights and beeping
sound.
Turn off the switch to confirm the system is off when the printer is not in use. Be sure to have the switch on before printing.
False alert
In the event of false alert, remove the battery to let you continue to print. The electrical/air switch should still be on when you print. With the
switch on, air will continue to flow into the tank. But the alert will be disabled until the problem is found.
The position of the tank unit
To enhance the performance of the Ink System Pro CIS, months of testing help us to determine the optimal height of the external tank. A stand
is now available to ensure the tank is placed at the proper level. Minor adjustment may be necessary to elevate the tank slightly when the ink in
the bottle is low.
Each time when refilling the tank, keep the color coded caps open until the test print is completed. Repeat step 7 揂uto Nozzle Check?
Print serveral photos to confirm the printer is working perfectly before closing the caps.
Cleaning cycle
Avoid cleaning cycle, cleaning more than twice in a row could flood the waste ink pads and may cause a siphoning effect when the cartridge is
at park position and the inks in the CIS may drain completely. Excessive cleaning cycle could cause a 揺nd of service life message ?with
flashing red lights requiring a service center visit. Do not run the auto nozzle check more than twice in a row as a general rule to avoid this
potential problem. In case you observe the 揺nd of service life message ?email me for the service program for the printer reset.
Incidentally, exchanging the cartridge also increase the service counter value and should be avoided if possible.
The cartridge
The package comes with an extra set of cartridges. Use them as cleaning cartridges or for spare. If the cartridge have been used as cleaning
cartridge, it could be inserted to the CIS for in case of a cartridge failure.
The PK/MK exchange ? For the R2400
The package comes installed with the standard photo black cartridge
For those who need to swap the PK and MK cartridge, the Ink System Pro CIS comes with the MK spare when you need them. If your primary
color is MK, remove PK cartridge and plug the line with the black cap. Make note of the MK line which is marked by a red tape at the end to
avoid mix up of the PK and MK color.
Although there is no problem with the extra cartridge sitting on top of the cartridge carrier, it is better to remove the cartridge that is not in use.
Fill all the ink bottles with the appropriate color inks.
New video for the PK/MK swap will be available on efillink soon.
Auto reset chip
Auto reset chip - reset at 20%, triggered by a power cycle or a press of the cartridge exchange button.
Some 2200/2100 may require removal of the power cord to reset the chip when the low ink alert is shown by Epson software. All other chips
reset at 20%. If the reset does not take place, stop the print job before the low level gets to 10%. Press the cartridge exchange button. After
the cartridge stopped, press the button again to let the printer go back to park position. This is a manual reset. If you shut off the printer on a
daily basis, the reset will take place at 20%, you may not even notice the reset. It is not necessary to shut off the printer on a daily basis.
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