The R1800 installation video will cover most of the important aspect of installing a CIS. This part will be updated as the questions come in... May 15th,
2008
Move the slide bar above to increase the volume if there is no sound from the video
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June 2, 2007 revised
Common issues during the installation:
1. 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 a 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 has a good grip on how this is done, repeat this procedure on the other cartridges.
I promise this will get easier once you are done with the first cartridge. Keep the cartridges together with a rubber band, this will make the job easier.
2. Not enough or too much ink in the tank
Fill the external tank to only 3/4rd level. Filling to the top could cause ink to be trapped between the sensor and the grommet seal. This could potentially
cause false low ink alert months later.
3. Breaking the connector when opening the multi-color caps - 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.
4. Print test - Keep the refill plugs open when doing the initial print test. The external ink tank should be on the desk next to the printer at this time and not
on the stand provided. In addition, this will 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. Learn 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 clean. 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 may require priming the system again.
But be sure the cleaning and resting was repeated to see if the print test does improve before removing the cartridge for priming. It is best to avoid
removing and installing the cartridges if possible. Email to request life support by skype instant messaging if you have doubt how this is done.
5. Elevating the tank - it is important to place the tank on the stane that comes with the package. This ensure ink will not flow back to the tank. The tank
should never be above the cartridge. This will almost guarantee ink will drain into the printer leaving a pool of ink under the printer.
Ink System Pro CIS installation guide - for R1800, R2400, R800, 2200/2100
This guide can also be used as a reference for other Epson model.
How to will make the installation easier
1. Testing the chip/cartridge - Test the chip will do two things.
One, the cartridge seal needs to be opened so the syringe can be inserted for priming the system.
Second, although we test all the catridges before shiping, your printer has to recognize the chip before filling it with ink. In the unlike event the chip is
faluty, you don't waste time priming a faulty cartridge.
2. Priming the cartridge - The spring loaded poppet valve at the bottom of the cartridge is sometimes difficult to open. You really have to use some
pressure to push the valve open. Keep the cartridges together with a rubber band. Start 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 slightly if you do not see
ink flowing. Remove the syringe to and empty the ink/air into the correct color ink bottle. Do this one at a time to ensure not 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, the rest of the installation is easy.
3. The color coded plugs/caps open - To ensure air will flow into the ink bottles, keep the caps open until your print tests are perfect. Closing the ink bottle
caps is the last step after the printer is printing normally and after at least 5 - 6 perfect prints after the CIS is installed. We will discuss more about how to
get a good print pattern later.
To open the caps/color coded plugs for filling the bottles 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. See the bottom photo at:
4. Elevate the tank properly - Keep the tank on the foam block that comes with the package will avoid ink back flow that will cause printer not to perform
properly.
http://www.efillink.com/public/viewtopic.php?t=22
On/Off switch
" - " is on, " o " is off. High capacity rechargeable battery is recommended to power the unit. Check to see if the switch is at ???on position before installing
the CIS. This switch turn on or shut off the air flow to the ink bottles, it also control the low ink alert.
The on/off switch controls the electronic low ink alert system. Turn on the switch for normal printer operation. If the switch is off, air supply will also be cut
off. If the printer is showing missing lines ( banding ), make sure this switch is on.
Reducing the chance of ink drain or back flow ?very important
Something to watch, air to enter the print nozzles?
1. If the printer is being turned on when the CIS tank is switched off, the auto clean during the printer power on cycle will cause a low pressure in the
cartridge. This low pressure will cause a reverse flow after the auto self cleaning. 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 tank is place next to the printer, on the same desk, the inks inside the tank are at a level much lower than the cartridges. 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. Print at least 4
?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 the bottles.
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.
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