Refill My Ink Cartridges?

Decorating By fat-sissy Updated 27 Jul 2006 , 12:51pm by fat-sissy

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fat-sissy Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 12:48am
post #1 of 33

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!!! icon_cry.gif I don't think they're clogged because I noticed flowing thru them.
Lisa- are you out there?

32 replies
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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 12:49am
post #2 of 33

Sorry for not remembering but are you running an Epson or a Canon?

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 12:51am
post #3 of 33

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?

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fat-sissy Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 1:04am
post #4 of 33

Thank you Lisa. I knew I could count on you. Yes I saved them.

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 1:12am
post #5 of 33

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.

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 1:28am
post #6 of 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisa


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.

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fat-sissy Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 1:30am
post #7 of 33

Thanks Lisa. I'll try removing the chips first. I really appreciate all of your help!

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debsuewoo Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 1:35am
post #8 of 33

I would certainly be interested in this due to the fact that I just got my printer and edible image stuff. Yeah, I went with epson too..... those Canon printers are harder than heck to get now.... everyone wants one!

Sally, do you like yours?

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fat-sissy Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 1:55am
post #9 of 33

THANKS LISA!!!! icon_lol.gif 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.

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fat-sissy Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 2:09am
post #10 of 33

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!

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 3:29am
post #11 of 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by fat-sissy

THANKS LISA!!!! icon_lol.gif 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.




Glad it worked thumbs_up.gif 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.

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 3:35am
post #12 of 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by fat-sissy

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.

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Doug Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 3:37am
post #13 of 33

Lisa -- have you ever used the steam cleaner kopykake sells or some similar technique? worth it to get steam cleaner?

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 3:42am
post #14 of 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug

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.

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Doug Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 3:45am
post #15 of 33

well since I DO have a canon, that mean's add it to the shopping list I guess...

anyplace besides KopyKake you can get it cheaper?

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 3:58am
post #16 of 33

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

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Doug Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 4:01am
post #17 of 33

thanks!

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 4:02am
post #18 of 33

You're welcome!

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fat-sissy Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 10:31am
post #19 of 33

OK-the yellow still isn't flowing. Now what do I do? Sorry to be such a pest!

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 3:46pm
post #20 of 33

You're not a pest icon_smile.gif 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.

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fat-sissy Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 8:33pm
post #21 of 33

HOORAY! Just got home from work all prepared to unclog the print head and surprise it's working just fine now. I just want to say thanks again Lisa for all your help.

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Lisa Posted 25 Jul 2006 , 8:43pm
post #22 of 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by fat-sissy

HOORAY! Just got home from work all prepared to unclog the print head and surprise it's working just fine now. I just want to say thanks again Lisa for all your help.




That's great! thumbs_up.gif

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jackfrost Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 3:40am
post #23 of 33

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

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Lisa Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 3:50am
post #24 of 33

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.

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fat-sissy Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 12:54pm
post #25 of 33

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!!!

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fat-sissy Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 5:59pm
post #26 of 33

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! icon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gif :cry

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Lisa Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 6:04pm
post #27 of 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by fat-sissy

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 icon_sad.gif 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.

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Lisa Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 6:11pm
post #28 of 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by fat-sissy

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! icon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gificon_cry.gif :cry




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.

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fat-sissy Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 6:50pm
post #29 of 33

You know I just bought this crazy thing on May 8, 2006. I may try and return it to Office Max and insist on a Canon. Better yet, maybe I'll sick my husband on 'em!

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Lisa Posted 26 Jul 2006 , 7:40pm
post #30 of 33

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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