The carts and chips seem to be the weak point on the 3880. For my first effort, I tried (and am using) OEM Epson carts where I poked out the back-flow valve (a la Jtoolman YouTube video) and reset the chips. Initially, although it took several redundant carts to get chips that would reset, it appeared to be working fine. Then I noticed the the pool of ink under the printer, and the chips stopped resetting.
I no longer recommend this approach.
If the third party approaches like Jon Cone's work well, they are well worth the cost. So, I'd like feedback on any third party 3880 carts that might be up to serious work. If you don't want to embarrass anyone, contact me off list. This 3880, however, is too good to give up on, but I need a cartridge system that is good for the long haul, including bi-weekly agitation of the carts. That means the seals need to be good enough to take regular removal for agitation. I might add that the STS carts I'm using on the 7800 can do it, as can OEM 7800 carts (when their seals and valves have not been damaged). Some feedback I've already received is that a lot of the 3880 cart systems are not up to serious, high volume use.
Thanks in advance for the feedback.
Paul
PaulRoark.com -- Paul Roark's Photographic Home