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Well as usual there is always a simple solution to a problem.
This tutorial is for installing the
80ml version of the refillable carts available for the Epson Pro 3800/3880
The valve on the larger 120ml + refillable cartridge is similar to the OEM, so very easy to prime.
This does not replace the original instructions, we are just adding one extra step before installation.
These tips are for priming new refillable cartridges before installing into the printer for the first time.
As the supplied instructions say, the clear film covering the valve must NOT be removed.
It is this piece of film that is holding the valve in place. The OEM carts use a clip-on plastic ring.
The film covering the valve will normally get pierced the first time the cart is installed into the printer.
So we are not damaging the cartridge in any way.
Here are my tips to save time having to do numerous cleaning cycles etc. We all know how frustrating they are.
If you have the patience, it is best to do this in the evening and then let the air bubbles in the ink settle over night
before installing the new carts into the printer. The last step before installation is to transfer the oem chips so this
can be done in the morning.
1 - Make a pin hole in the centre of the film that's covering the valve.
2 - Take out the filler plug and invert the cartridge so the valve is resting downward and the filler hole faces upward.
3 - Fill as per the instructions, with about 60ml of ink (around 3/4 full).
(Lyson's video on youtube shows how to do this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD_26j1fWuw
4 - Don't put the filler plug back in yet, hold the cartridge between upright and 45%,
(be careful not to tip the cart so far back that ink flows out of the filler hole in the top),
push a plastic tooth pick or similar up through the pin hole that you made earlier,
gently push the valve open a small amount until ink just starts to run out. This takes only a few seconds.
That's it, the cartridge is now primed and ready, no air locks. More importantly no air being pushed down
the supply tubing to the print head.
(with the valve open the trapped air in the cartridge will be pushed out and the ink will flow around a couple of
channels, then through a fine mesh filter chamber and out of the valve, you can't see this because it is all
happening behind the large blue label)
Notes
Wrap some kitchen towel around the bottom half of the tooth pick to catch any ink as it runs out.
Don't forget to put the filler plug back in before you tip the cartridge back. (Guess who forgot, very messy! dohhh)
The reason for the pin hole is to prevent splitting or to minimise damage to the plastic film when the tooth pick is inserted.
Wrap a piece of kitchen towel into a thin spiky stick shape and prod this around just inside the hole, most of the excess
ink will be sucked up and will leave the valve fairly clean.
Conclusion
For those interested, I am really pleased with the system and the results.
Like most things, you only get out what you put in, sometimes it's worth a little effort.
I am using arguable some of the best ink available, this is manufactured in the USA by Image Specialists.
The results so far have been excellent, no noticeable difference from the OEM Ultra Chrome K3 ink.
The enormous savings make it well worth the effort. I am now saving over 75% on ink costs with no loss in quality.
I've been wanting to change over to these refillable carts for a long time. I would definitely recommend them.
One optional extra that makes the whole process nice and easy is a special needle and cap set. These fit on the bottles
of ink and make filling the carts a breeze. No rinsing and drying out syringes each time.
The advantages of having plenty of ink on hand and being able to top up as needed is fantastic.
I can do a large print job or a few pano's without having to worry about what new cartridges might be needed.
And no more shopping around for the best prices due to it costing the best part of £400 per set of OEM's.
Just to be clear, I am sharing with you my experience of installing these cartridges. I hope it will be of use to someone.
I cannot be held responsible for anything going wrong. Use any part of the above advice as you wish with caution.
