Epson 850

[B.W.]

My daughter was about to throw out this printer as it has not been working
for I guess at least six months. I though if it was still working I could
pass it on to someone who could use it, so I don't want to start buying
cartridges for it etc.

I have not installed it on my PC as I don't want to mess up my own printer
set up on a USB connection.

The ink out lights don't light up and I tried the self test on it and
although the paper runs through there is no printout on the sheet, same
with Hex dump mode. I looked at the cartridges and I can't really tell
whether they are completely dry or not.

If it's been out of action this long is it past rescue? Or should I install
it on my PC and try and run some of the utilities like nozzle cleaning?

TIA

B.W.

 

[bmoag]

The dollar value of this printer sadly is less than the cost of the ink
cartridges that would have to purchased to check out the usability of the
printer.
It is not worth pursuing salvage in this disposable earth destroying
consumer culture in which we live.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

As you probably know, Epson printers use a permanent ink head, which can
clog if left unattended for long periods of time, and particularly if
the ink cartridges have been allowed to empty.

However, the SC850 (I own several myself) is a nice little printer,
although a bit slow. It can be run quite economically, because it uses
relatively good sized cartridges, uses inexpensive dye inks, (especially
if you buy compatible 3rd party or refill the cartridges) and is only 4
color. Most importantly, this printer was made prior to the use of
cartridges with ink level monitoring chips. It was also a well build
printer, in terms of overall durability.

If you will email me (using the address below) I would be pleased to
send you a manual which will explain how to make up cleaning cartridges
for mere pennies using common household cleaners, as well as the method
for cleaning under the heads where the clogs usually develop.

Since the original version of the manual was designed around the Epson
SC850 (several years ago), you should be able to follow the process
without too much difficulty.

To receive the manual (there is no fee for it, and you will not be
spammed, nor will your personal information be sold or traded) just
email me at the address shown, and mention the printer model.

Art

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Let's not throw in the towel yet.

Even without new cartridges, tests can be accomplished by filling the
cartridges with cleaning fluid, which should dissolve and mix in the ink
allowing the individual to see if the nozzles are clear, while also
helping to clear the nozzles.

Further, this model has many 3rd party cartridges available for it, some
for as little as a few bucks.

Lastly, the inherent value of this printer is not what it would sell for
in some used forum, but its potential usefulness, if working. I still
use my 850 printers for printing what I will call "very nearly
photographic" output and other output. The fact that this model uses
larger cartridges, which are easy to refill, because they have a simple
design, and no ink monitor chips, and because the cartridges are
available very inexpensively as 3rd party product, makes it a well
worthwhile machine to keep or give to someone. It is better built,
overall, than many of the printers made today. It is just a bit slow.

Art

 

[Lou]

Say Art. I have an 880. Noting the closeness of the numbers is it
similar and do similar comments apply?

Lou
Education is about knowing where to look for answers.

 

[B.W.]

Thanks for the suggestions Arthur. But even if I got it going again, I
would still have to buy cartridges for it, to prove it was working, even to
pass on at my computer club I have decided to put it in the bin.

Thanks anyway.

B.W.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The 880 was the last, or nearly the last Epson printer that did not use
the new ink cartridge design.

That means: the 880 uses easy to refill (and cheap 3rd party versions)
cartridges.

The cartridge are ganged for the color (Still used 3 colors in one
cartridge)

The cartridges do not use the chip monitors

I own one of these machines, and it is great. In fact, although
probably not as ruggedly built as the 850 was, it is designed better and
the dots are smaller, making for a better image in photo mode.

They are nice machines.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I'm sorry you decided to go that route.

As I was apparently unable to explain, all you would have had to do is
remove the cartridges, put some cheap solvent (ammoniated window
cleaner) in them and run it. The ink left in the cartridges would have
colored the solvent and proven it worked (or not). It would have cost
you about 10 cents.

Art

 

[Lou]

The 880 was the last, or nearly the last Epson printer that did not use
the new ink cartridge design.

That means: the 880 uses easy to refill (and cheap 3rd party versions)
cartridges.

The cartridge are ganged for the color (Still used 3 colors in one
cartridge)

The cartridges do not use the chip monitors

I own one of these machines, and it is great. In fact, although
probably not as ruggedly built as the 850 was, it is designed better and
the dots are smaller, making for a better image in photo mode.

They are nice machines.

Art

Thank you.

Lou

 

[B.W.]

Yes Arthur I'm afraid I didn't understand, having not tried out anything
like this before.

So that would prove if there's ink left or not and you could actually run
the printer with the ammonia in it to test it out, by doing a self test and
not linking it up to the PC?

Would straight Ammonia be all right?

But then as I won't be able to pass this printer on to anyone until
December, will it have all dried out by then anyway?

Thanks for your kind offer for the instructions I will email you.


B.W.

 

[polymorph]

Yes Arthur I'm afraid I didn't understand, having not tried out anything
like this before.

So that would prove if there's ink left or not and you could actually run
the printer with the ammonia in it to test it out, by doing a self test and
not linking it up to the PC?

Would straight Ammonia be all right?

More like 1 part household nonsudsing clear ammonia to 9 parts
distilled water.

Even if the cartridge is empty, there will be some ink left in the
sponge that should dissolve into the water/ammonia mixture, so you will
be able to see color on the page.

But then as I won't be able to pass this printer on to anyone until
December, will it have all dried out by then anyway?

Not if you leave the cleaning cartridges you made in it.

http://www.polyphoto.com/tutorials/PrintHeadCleaning

Steve Greenfield

 

[Arthur Entlich]

At least with most Epson inks, a mixture of either ammoniated window
cleaner (straight) or one part household ammonia with 9-10 parts clean
water will do.

I don't suggest leaving the ammoniate solution in the printer for long
periods of time, because it is slightly corrosive and may damage the
heads, so you might wish to wait until you are closer to the December
time period to attempt this.

The other option is, since compatible cartridges (this one only uses
two, one color, one black) are so inexpensive (ebay or other sources)
for under $10 you can get one or two of each kind. If you were to get
the printer working well with the cleaning cartridges, you could then
fit it with new cartridges and just run a occasional small print through
to keep the heads clear.

Art

 

[Lou]

At least with most Epson inks, a mixture of either ammoniated window
cleaner (straight) or one part household ammonia with 9-10 parts clean
water will do.

I don't suggest leaving the ammoniate solution in the printer for long
periods of time, because it is slightly corrosive and may damage the
heads, so you might wish to wait until you are closer to the December
time period to attempt this.

The other option is, since compatible cartridges (this one only uses
two, one color, one black) are so inexpensive (ebay or other sources)
for under $10 you can get one or two of each kind. If you were to get
the printer working well with the cleaning cartridges, you could then
fit it with new cartridges and just run a occasional small print through
to keep the heads clear.

Art

Honest question. Please define occasional.

TIA

Lou
Education is about knowing where to look for answers.

 

[B.W.]

Arthur thank you for the cleaning manual which I will re-read thoroughly and
keep for future reference. At my first reading it appears I need old
cartridges which unfortunately my daughter didn't have, not realising
someday they might be needed.

So it appears all I can do is clean the pads and the wiper blade if I can
see it, so I don't really hold out too much hope in getting the printer
going again.

She told me that what actually happened was the printer had been working
fine, showed no refilling lights and it just stopped working.

So I will re-read your instructions and see if there's anything else I can
do as far as cleaning it goes.

Thanks for your patience

B.W.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

That's a legitimate question, but the answer is not cut and dry.

The problem is it depends upon a number of factors.

The climate and environment the printer is in. If you live in a hot and
dry climate, and or the printer is in a dusty habitat or one with a lot
of animal hair (which tends to get into everything including under the
head of the print and into the cleaning station area (meaning a poor
seal when the head is parked there) with a dye colorant ink, you may
want to do a nozzle check or small print job every 4-6 days.

However, if you live in a humid, cool area fairly dust and animal hair
free and use Ultrachrome inks, once every 2-3 months may be fine.

It takes a bit of trial and error. If you start finding the printer
needs a few cleaning utility runs to get a clean nozzle test, you may
want to use it more often, for instance. If after a week or two, you
try it and get a perfect nozzle test on the first go, you may be able to
leave it longer without having clogs.

I live in a fairly damp and cool area, with no animal hair (except from
my shedding) and low dust, and with dye ink printers, they can sit for
several months without use and not clog.

Art

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I made (the apparent incorrect) assumption that since the printer showed
no refilling lights but stopped working, that the cartridges were still
installed and would therefore still be available for making cleaning
cartridges.

As a general statement, Epson printers should never be stored without
the cartridges installed unless the heads have been fully purged of ink.

Art

 

[Lou]

That's a legitimate question, but the answer is not cut and dry.

The problem is it depends upon a number of factors.

The climate and environment the printer is in. If you live in a hot and
dry climate, and or the printer is in a dusty habitat or one with a lot
of animal hair (which tends to get into everything including under the
head of the print and into the cleaning station area (meaning a poor
seal when the head is parked there) with a dye colorant ink, you may
want to do a nozzle check or small print job every 4-6 days.

However, if you live in a humid, cool area fairly dust and animal hair
free and use Ultrachrome inks, once every 2-3 months may be fine.

It takes a bit of trial and error. If you start finding the printer
needs a few cleaning utility runs to get a clean nozzle test, you may
want to use it more often, for instance. If after a week or two, you
try it and get a perfect nozzle test on the first go, you may be able to
leave it longer without having clogs.

I live in a fairly damp and cool area, with no animal hair (except from
my shedding) and low dust, and with dye ink printers, they can sit for
several months without use and not clog.

Art

Thank you <sigh> (Was hoping for an easy answer) I live in NJ.
It does get dry in the winter but is fairly humid in the summer.

And THANK YOU for taking the time to answer the question.

Lou

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Yeah, I know New Jersey... I lived there for many years... the summers
could be unbearable "it isn't the heat, it's the humidity" ;-)

However, New Jersey summers produced the best tasting monster beefsteak
tomatoes on the planet... I miss them!

Art

 

[Dick Adams]

As a general statement, Epson printers should never be stored without
the cartridges installed unless the heads have been fully purged of ink.

OK. Well how do you do that?

 

[B.W.]

Sorry people it does have cartridges installed, I thought you meant old
spent cartridges. I will re-read the instructions again.

B.W.