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4. How to use auto-reset chips
Your InkOwl
®
Refillable Cartridge System comes with auto-reset chips. The ink levels that are in the chips' memory will be displayed
by the printer, just like with original Epson cartridges.
The ink levels displayed on the printer will start at “full” and then decrease normally to “empty”. When the chip level displays as
“empty” and the printer stops printing, removing and reinstalling the cartridge will reset the chip. If the cartridge was totally filled, the
printer should reach “empty” just as the cartridge empties out.
However, to avoid any risk of a cartridge running totally dry, which can cause printhead damage, it is
recommended that you physically check the ink levels often, and refill well before a cartridge becomes empty.
•
Please note that if you refill the cartridge while the ink level is not reading “empty”, then the displayed ink level will not change.
This is not a problem at all. In fact, this is recommended as mentioned above, in order to avoid any risk of the cartridge actually
running dry. Later on, when the chip's stored ink level will finally reach empty, you can remove and reinstall the cartridge to reset
the displayed level back to full.
•
Conversely, if the ink level resets to full but the cartridge is not refilled, the printer will simply continue printing, eventually running
totally dry. Therefore, always refill to full whenever an ink level is reset.
How to Refill the Cartridges:
After the first installation, all you have to do to refill the cartridges is remove the plug, add ink, and replace the plug. See
steps 2.2 - 2.4 for details. There is no need to repeat the priming steps on subsequent refills.
Chip Resetter (optional):
If you wish to be able to reset the chips' ink levels to full at any time, an optional "chip resetter" is available and recommended. For
information, visit
www.inkowl.com
or contact
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 The displayed ink level does not reset to full:
•
Make sure the entire refillable cartridge set is installed in the printer.
•
If you can still print (paper is coming out), then the chip’s ink level has not yet reached empty. The chip’s ink level will not be able to
reset until this occurs. Continue printing, and then reset the chip when the displayed ink level reaches empty (0%).
5.2 Printer does not recognize or accept the cartridge:
•
Try removing and reinstalling the cartridge. Note that doing so may reset the ink level. If you notice that upon reinstalling the
cartridge, the ink level has reset to full, you should fill the cartridge right away.
•
Make sure that a good contact is made between the printer and the chip on the cartridge.
•
Make sure that the unrecognized cartridge is well plugged in. You may need to remove it and put it back or wiggle it to ensure it is
sitting well in the printer. You can also clean the chip contacts with a damp paper towel if you suspect they may be dirty.
•
Make sure that you have the entire cartridge set installed. Do not mix these cartridges with other types in the printer. These
cartridges are designed to work as a set.
5.3 Poor print quality (horizontal lines on printouts):
•
Perform a cleaning cycle, followed by a nozzle check.
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If the nozzle check is not perfect at this point, perform additional cleaning cycles and try again.
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If after 3 cleaning cycles, the nozzle check is not perfect, wait 12-24 hours before performing additional cleanings.
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If you continue to see no improvement, contact us for support.
5.4 Nothing is printing out or a color is missing on the nozzle check:
•
Remove the cartridge. Make sure that there is ink in the cartridge with minimal air bubbles and that the cartridge is not leaking. Also
double-check that the air vent is free of obstruction as described in step 2.1.
•
Perform a cleaning cycle, and then perform another nozzle check. Repeat if necessary. After attempting 3 cleaning cycles, wait 24
hours and try again.
•
If the printer has not been operating for a while or if a cartridge has run completely dry, several cleaning cycles may be required to
restore full quality.
5.5
Visit
http://www.inkowl.com/?p=spongeless
for the latest instructions and troubleshooting procedures.
5.6
Contact us for any other issue: e-mail:
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Keep the printer turned on at all times.
6.2 When you do not use your printer for a long time, always perform a nozzle check prior to use.
6.3 Print at least one color page or perform a nozzle check weekly to keep your printer clean and operational.
6.4 Always disable automatic updates of the printer software (see step 1.2) on every Windows computer
using this printer. If ever the printer or computer prompts you for an update, you must refuse.
6.5 If you install the printer software on a new computer, be sure to refuse any prompts for updates
during installation and disable automatic updates (see step 1.2) once the installation is complete.
