I received my Kopykake refill kit today for my printer that I use for edible images. It didn't come with instructions. So I just filled each of them (4) until they appeared full. I put them back in and it signaled that they were still low, so I put in some more ink. I KNOW they are full now, but it's still doing the same thing. Please help!!!
I don't think they're clogged because I noticed flowing thru them.
Lisa- are you out there?
Nevermind...found it. You're using an Epson. The Epson cartridges have a smart chip that needs to be reset in order for the printer to recognize the cartridges as being full otherwise it just reads them as the old, empty ones. Do you still have the cartridges that came with the printer?
If you can easily remove the chips, remove them from the cartridges that came with the printer and put them into the ones you ordered from Kopykake. If that doesn't work and even if it does (for the next time you refill), you'll need to purchase a chip resetter. They're only about $5-$10.
There also used to be software online that would override the chips but the last source I had for it isn't working anymore. If anyone knows of another source, let us know.
There also used to be software online that would override the chips but the last source I had for it isn't working anymore. If anyone knows of another source, let us know.
I think Cakepro has a copy of this software if you want to try PMing her.
THANKS LISA!!!!
I was able to remove the chips from the cartridges that came with the printer when I bought it. Should I save the ones I removed from the kopykake ink cartridges to use next time or will it recognize them as having been used before? Does that make sense? Also where can I purchase the chips that you mentioned? Again I truly appreciate your help. You saved me a great deal of time and frustration.
debsuewoo-I love my printer. Haven't had any trouble with it, but I know others have. I try to remember to clean the print head weekly, because I don't use it every day.
OK- I ran a nozzel check and no ink is flowing thru the yellow. I did several cycles of "cleaning the print head" as suggested in my owners manual. It states if this doesn't work to let it sit overnight to let any dried ink soften. I'm pretty sure there was no dried ink. I made sure to refill them before they were empty and when I actually filled them I noticed the ink leaking thru. Hopefully though it'll work. I'm too tired to mess with it anymore tonight. But I may need helps again tomorrow!
THANKS LISA!!!!
Glad it worked
It will recognize them as empty until they're reset. I'd hold onto them. The chips are known to get quirky sometimes and you may need a back-up set. You can purchase a chip resetter from many sites online including Amazon and eBay. Just search for Epson chip resetter.
OK- I ran a nozzel check and no ink is flowing thru the yellow. I did several cycles of "cleaning the print head" as suggested in my owners manual. It states if this doesn't work to let it sit overnight to let any dried ink soften. I'm pretty sure there was no dried ink. I made sure to refill them before they were empty and when I actually filled them I noticed the ink leaking thru. Hopefully though it'll work. I'm too tired to mess with it anymore tonight. But I may need helps again tomorrow!
Sounds like a clog. Hopefully, it'll fix itself...fingers crossed.
Lisa -- have you ever used the steam cleaner kopykake sells or some similar technique? worth it to get steam cleaner?
Only if you're using a Canon. Steam is a great way to remove clogs. Some use a pan of boiling water or an iron to steam the print head but I worry about damage to the print head with those methods.
Yes...just look for a small/handheld steam cleaner or steam jet cleaner that resembles the one below.
http://www.kopykake.com/images/Steam-2009.gif
You're not a pest
You said the ink was coming out of the yellow cartridge when you refilled it right? This would mean the problem is most likely a print head clog. What you'll need to do is break up the clog/dried ink which isn't as safe/easy to do with an Epson because you won't be able to remove the print head. Using rubbing alcohol, fill a dropper or soak a swab/Qtip. Let some of the alcohol drip onto the nozzles where you insert the yellow cartridge. Let it set for about 15 min and then dab/suck up any excess. Replace the cartridge and run a cleaning cycle followed by a nozzle check. You may need to repeat the procedure.
Lisa, I have the Canon printer that was recommended. It was used a very short time and benn sitting in a closet since . Is there any way it can be cleaned and then used to print the edible pictures? I have been buying these edibla images from the cake supply and it gets quite expensive. Thanks for any help you can give me. Sharon
I would buy a new one because of the toxicity of standard inks, the inability to get it thoroughly cleaned (ink will be in places, internal components, you can't reach unless you disassemble the printer) and the risk of cross contamination. A new printer will cost about $50-$100.
I am SO frustrated. I spent time on a design & when I printed it last night, the colors weren't right! So I ran a nozzle check. Now not only is the yellow not working, neither is the blue. I just don't get it. I seem to be wasting a great deal of ink just cleaning the print head. It's gone from 100% full, to 70% since Monday & I've only printed 1 image. AARGH!!!
I am SO frustrated. I spent time on a design & when I printed it last night, the colors weren't right! So I ran a nozzle check. Now not only is the yellow not working, neither is the blue. I just don't get it. I seem to be wasting a great deal of ink just cleaning the print head. It's gone from 100% full, to 70% since Monday & I've only printed 1 image. AARGH!!!
I'm so sorry
Epsons use a lot of ink during both printing and cleaning cycles and they're prone to clogs. Make sure it's not the cartridges that are the problem by shaking them over paper towels to make sure ink comes out and then try the rubbing alcohol to see if it will dissolve the clogs.
Well I cannot get the blue or yellow ink to flow. So I just called the Epson tech support. They said they'll have to replace it. Said it will take 3-5 business days!
All of the problems you're having are pretty common with Epsons especially when they're used for edible imaging and are likely to happen again. The particles of ink clogging the printer might also be coming from the refilled cartridges so I wouldn't insert those back into the new one they're sending you. I think you should see this as a possible opportunity to sell the replacement and buy a Canon.
I hope they'll let you return it. Most returns have to be made within 30 days though and with the Epson class action settlement, they may not be keen on taking it back. You still qualify if you want to register your printer for settlement benefits.
http://www.epsonstore.com/benefitsreg
The cash settlement period expired last month but the store credit will be available until November. Not sure that you want credit to the Epson store but here's the link that explains the settlement just in case...
http://www.epsonsettlement.com/Notice.htm
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