--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan"
<stefan_trethan@...> wrote:
>
> On Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:11:50 +0200, Lez <lez.briddon@...> wrote:
>
> > cheaper 100% flat path is photo 900p, very cheap on ebay.
> >
> > I think the 925 is the same.
> >
> >
> > Problem I have is finding a uk ink supplier that will work.
>
>
> Why not order from inksupply.com? international shipping is very
> reasonable.
Agreed.
> I'm curious what might be the best model to get.
> A straight paper path is only a secondary requirement, i'm sure any
> printer can be modified in that way.
Pretty much any Epson model that does at least 720dpi.
> What i would like is one where i can take the case off without the
thing
> coming apart. They used to be constructed on a sheetmetal frame that
held
> all the stuff together, but recently i have seen laser printers
which used
> the plastic case for structure, any ideas if this is the same with
inkjet
> printers?
The mechanics of the printer, at least for all the Epsons I'm familiar
with, are self-contained in their own metal framework. The bottom
plastic shell holds the waste ink pad and provides some mechanical
stability, and may also hold the rear paper feed tray.
> I guess i should look that it originally uses durabright inks so the
> "known good" refill will surely work?
You worry too much. Those inks originally were designed to replace
Epson dye inks, so were meant to be used in dye ink printers.
> Also, are there any models suitable that do _not_ have a chip on the
> cartridge, or alternatively something like a PC software to easily
reset
> the thing?
> Because, if there is a chip and it starts acting up i could easily get
> angry enough to throw the printer out the window, which would maybe
not be
> so good for the lifespan of it...
You can get auto-resetting chips. MIS sells them.
Older Epsons don't have chips. I think all newer Epson printers use
chips in the cartridges.
> Well, any suggestions as to which printers might be a good choice are
> welcome. Also, if ther are any pages listing which printers have
chips on
> the cartridge it would be nice to know.
As above, just about any Epson that does at least 720dpi.
> Steve, if you could briefly describe if/how it is possible to make
such a
> hose feed system that would be grand. I would only make one for black.
> Does one use the cartridges in some way or is the hose attached to the
> head directly?
The printer will not print if it thinks it is out of any ink. However,
in chipped models resetting the chip tricks it, in non-chipped just
resetting the cartridge switch will trick it into thinking you've put
in more color.
Caveat: if you do this, then make sure you check "use black ink only"
in the printer driver.
It's pretty simple. A thin flexible hose attached to the cartridge,
run to a bottle with ink in it. Level of the ink is important: The top
level of the ink should be between the height of the bottom of the
print head and the base of the ink cartridge. You can simply place the
ink bottle on pieces of cardboard to move it up as the ink runs down.
MIS has instructions on their website to build a CIS.
Another caveat: pigment ink settles. It may settle significantly in
less than a month. So I suggest giving the external bottles a "swirl"
to gently mix them about every 2 weeks.
Steve Greenfield