Epson Stylus Photo color ink usage question
Russell Cottrell
wanted to save money on ink, and I would not have to switch between "color"
and "photo" cartridges with this printer. I mainly use black ink for text,
and print only occasional color images. However, this printer has a
continuous color ink drain even when using "black ink only"; per the manual,
"In addition to the ink used during document printing, ink is consumed
during the print head cleaning operation, during the self-cleaning cycle
which is performed when the printer is turned on, and during ink charging
when the ink cartridge is installed in the printer."
In other words, it wastes a little color ink every time the printer is
turned on.
I have only printed a few images since I have owned this printer, and the
color cartridge just ran out. And it will not print anything at all, even
black text, with an empty color cartridge. I feel like I am being robbed.
Is there a way around this? How can I print with black ink only and not use
up color ink in the process? Preferably without leaving the printer on all
the time? Or did I make a mistake buying this printer? I had believed that
Epson was a reputable company.
Thank you,
--Russell
xNokia_3390x
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> I have only printed a few images since I have owned this printer, and the
> color cartridge just ran out. And it will not print anything at all, even
> black text, with an empty color cartridge. I feel like I am being robbed.
> Is there a way around this? How can I print with black ink only and not
use
> up color ink in the process?
The very reason why you chose this printer (because it had a standard
5-color cartridge) is the reason why your ink has run out so fast. Because
it contains all five colors, if one runs out, you have to buy a new
cartridge. My Photosmart 7350 has two seperate cartridges with three colors
each. My color cartridge is about 3/4 empty, while my photo cartridge is
only 1/2 empty. That way, I can more economically purchase more ink, and
STILL have a six color printer.
> Preferably without leaving the printer on all
> the time?
Why do you prefer not to leave it on all the time? I leave all three of my
printers on all the time without a problem.
G
"Russell Cottrell" <cott2REMO...@elpANDTHIS.rr.com> wrote in message
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Well, Epson printers DO print wonderful photos. I have (had) a C 60 and yes,
it was cheap, but the photos were remarkable.
Having said that, I've just put it back in the box and relegated it to the
basement collection.
I've come to the conclusion that recent Epson printer HAVE to be used
regularly, with genuine Epson replacement cartridges to maintain
"trouble-free" operation. Leaving the printer on constantly won't cut down
on head cleanings. Refills, chip resetters. clogs, expensive cartridges all
lead to an incredible level of frustration and wasted ink. I WILL say the
first set of cartridge empty quickly as something like 1/3rd is used for the
initial charging of the heads, but subsequent cartridges seem to 'evaporate'
overnight!
If I were you, I'd get 1 set of replacement cartridges..see how they go, and
if you're not happy with the disappearing ink, just put it down to
experience and buy a Canon with the Think Tank System. That's what I'm about
to do. My C 60 cost a lot less but I'm still really pi**ed about it and
refuse to do battle with a piece of hardware any longer.
Regards,
Graeme
Arthur Entlich
mentioned in the manual. What I would suggest if you do not use the
color cartridge very often is to try to find an empty one, and someone
who has a chip resetter, and have the chip reset in the empty one, fill
it with some water and glycol is you can (like regular Windex without
ammonia) and leave it in the printer until you need the color cartridge.
When you do replace it, do a few cleaning cycles to clear the water
mix out of the ink head, and then print in color.
I do not recommend running the color head dry with an empty reset
cartridge. The head will dry out and if there is ink in it, it can clog up.
Art
Safetymom123
ink? It is better to leave the printer off until you need to print. The
first cartridge uses more ink to prime the system. The 2nd cartridge
mileage will be better.
"Russell Cottrell" <cott2REMO...@elpANDTHIS.rr.com> wrote in message
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