Homebrew PCBs

Hi Larry and Steve,

This is OT but I have a problem that I think you might be able to
help with. My wife has a Lexmark printer that the color cartridge only
lasts for one print session and then dries up. The black will last
until it runs out of ink. Of course at $20+ per cart, she doesn't 
use color. Based on your comments, it seems like the color cart
doesn't sit properly on the rubber cup, (I didn't even know about
the rubber cups til now).  I see what you are talking about, looks 
sorta look like an empty IC socket.  Spring loaded, both seem free 
to move up and down. But I can't see what they look like when the 
heads are parked. Do they move down while the head is traveling 
and then move up?  Would a few drops of some sort of solvent in the
cups help? 
Also, is there any way to restore a cart with a dried head, but should
still be full of ink?  I just now tried scrubbing one with a Q-tip
and water, (have tried alcohol, etc.) Was able to get yellow, red 
and blue ink to flow out onto a paper towel, but it wouldn't print.
She ran 15 sheets thru in the test/clean mode and it spit and
sputtered all colors, but not usable.  Any advice is greatly
appreciated. 

Thanks in advance,
Al Lenz
P.S. Yes Steve this is a really GREAT group. I have used several of
the ideas presented here with success.
al
  
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., "Steve G" <alienrelics@y...> wrote:
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., "Larry Edington" <ledington@a...> wrote:
> > No, I didn't look at any of the Canon printers. 
> > 
> > The Lexmark however has an even better solution than changing 
heads.
> > 
> > It has a rubber cup the head sits down on when the head is parked 
> to prevent drying.
 
  <snip> 
> I think all inkjet printers have that rubber cup. The holder for HP 
> and Canon print heads has the rubber cup.

  <snip>