Epson R265 - aftermarket cartridges

[SteveG]

Hi all, I'm new to this group but have been using Epson printers for
several years. Just recently I purchased an R265 and so far have been
very pleased with it but tonight I have a problem.

The printer came with a set of S-Vision compatible cartridges. Tonight
the printer reported that the Black one needed replacing so I got out an
identical replacement (same manufacturer) and went through the process
of replacement.

When I got to the ink charging part of the replacement cycle the printer
reported that the new cartridge is incompatible and refused to complete
the cycle. Putting the original cartridge back in results in the same
thing happening - odd, as it's been in the printer for about 6 weeks now.

Oh, and before Measekite goes on about ruining the printer by using
non-original inks - don't bother wearing out your fingers on the
keyboard, It's my printer and I'll do what I want with it. Neither you,
nor Epson, have a right to tell me what consumables to use in it. There,
rant over

Am I missing a trick here? Is there something I need to do to make the
printer think the cartridge is a good one? Have I bought a duff cartridge?

 

[measekite]

Hi all, I'm new to this group but have been using Epson printers for
several years. Just recently I purchased an R265 and so far have been
very pleased with it but tonight I have a problem.

The printer came with a set of S-Vision compatible cartridges. Tonight
the printer reported that the Black one needed replacing so I got out
an identical replacement (same manufacturer) and went through the
process of replacement.

When I got to the ink charging part of the replacement cycle the
printer reported that the new cartridge is incompatible and refused to
complete the cycle. Putting the original cartridge back in results in
the same thing happening - odd, as it's been in the printer for about
6 weeks now.

Oh, and before Measekite goes on about ruining the printer by using
non-original inks - don't bother wearing out your fingers on the
keyboard, It's my printer and I'll do what I want with it. Neither
you, nor Epson, have a right to tell me what consumables to use in it.
There, rant over

You are correct and free to ruin the printer any way you wish. I look
forward to your upcoming post asking for help.

Am I missing a trick here? Is there something I need to do to make the
printer think the cartridge is a good one? Have I bought a duff
cartridge?

I did not have to wait long. It looks like you are already having a
problem.

 

[sherwindu]

Hi Steve,

Sorry about all your cartridge problems. It may seem obvious, but did you power

cycle the printer between all these cartridge swaps. Maybe something has to be
reset in the printer? There are all kinds of mystical keystroke codes that can
be sent
to the printer from your computer that reset counters and who knows what else.
You may try calling a good local repair shop to get their opinion. I don't
trust Epson
support because they told me they had the exclusive codes to reset the
maintenance
counters on my RX500, whereas my local repair shop was able to do it. Some of
these magic settings may be explained in a factory manual, but I don't know how
to
obtain one. There are small inexpensive battery powered reset devices that
change the ink level indicator on cartridges so indicate they are full. It
would be interesting to apply that to your original cartridge to see what
happens. There is always some reserve ink in the cartridges, and the printer
rejected, it even though some ink is left. If you can reset it, I would not
suggest running the cartridge for any length of time in this low condition, but
it may tell you more about what the problem is, if it then accepts the
cartridge.

Sherwin D.

 

[SteveG]

You are correct and free to ruin the printer any way you wish. I look
forward to your upcoming post asking for help.

I did not have to wait long. It looks like you are already having a
problem.

Don't you just love people who are too dim to take a hint?

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Just wondering why the printer didn't come with OEM cartridges. Was it
bought used or as a demo?

I would expect if the first set worked and the replacement was the same
type of cartridge and such, that it should be responded to similarly.
Are you sure you put the correct color in the correct location, and that
the correct model number cartridge was purchased?

Were the replacements ones new or refilled?

Art

 

[Denis Scadeng]

Just recently I purchased an R265 and so far have been very pleased
with it but tonight I have a problem.

The printer came with a set of S-Vision compatible cartridges.

I got out an identical replacement (same manufacturer) and went
through the process of replacement.

When I got to the ink charging part of the replacement cycle the
printer reported that the new cartridge is incompatible and refused to
complete the cycle.

I have a R295 - a good printer if a little thirsty on ink. I use
compatible cartridges (think+ from Choice Stationery - not many places
offer compats for R265). I have had no trouble with the printer
recognising the new cartridges. A little note comes with the carts
saying if it is not recognised, take out and put in again, and again!
With an older Epson with chipped carts I had to do that occasionally but
so far the R265 has been OK. Chip resetters are not yet available for
the R265 - Epson has been very sneaky here.

 

[measekite]

sherwindu wrote:

Hi Steve, Sorry about all your cartridge problems.


When you do not use what the printer is designed for then you can expect to have problems.


It may seem obvious, but did you power cycle the printer between all these cartridge swaps. Maybe something has to be reset in the printer? There are all kinds of mystical keystroke codes that can be sent to the printer from your computer that reset counters and who knows what else. You may try calling a good local repair shop to get their opinion. I don't trust Epson support because they told me they had the exclusive codes to reset the maintenance counters on my RX500, whereas my local repair shop was able to do it. Some of these magic settings may be explained in a factory manual, but I don't know how to obtain one. There are small inexpensive battery powered reset devices that change the ink level indicator on cartridges so indicate they are full. It would be interesting to apply that to your original cartridge to see what happens. There is always some reserve ink in the cartridges, and the printer rejected, it even though some ink is left. If you can reset it, I would not suggest running the cartridge for any length of time in this low condition, but it may tell you more about what the problem is, if it then accepts the cartridge. Sherwin D. SteveG wrote:



Hi all, I'm new to this group but have been using Epson printers for several years. Just recently I purchased an R265 and so far have been very pleased with it but tonight I have a problem. The printer came with a set of S-Vision compatible cartridges. Tonight the printer reported that the Black one needed replacing so I got out an identical replacement (same manufacturer) and went through the process of replacement. When I got to the ink charging part of the replacement cycle the printer reported that the new cartridge is incompatible and refused to complete the cycle. Putting the original cartridge back in results in the same thing happening - odd, as it's been in the printer for about 6 weeks now. Oh, and before Measekite goes on about ruining the printer by using non-original inks - don't bother wearing out your fingers on the keyboard, It's my printer and I'll do what I want with it. Neither you, nor Epson, have a right to tell me what consumables to use in it. There, rant over Am I missing a trick here? Is there something I need to do to make the printer think the cartridge is a good one? Have I bought a duff cartridge? -- Regards Steve G

 

[SteveG]

Hi all, I'm new to this group but have been using Epson printers for
several years. Just recently I purchased an R265 and so far have been
very pleased with it but tonight I have a problem.

The printer came with a set of S-Vision compatible cartridges. Tonight
the printer reported that the Black one needed replacing so I got out an
identical replacement (same manufacturer) and went through the process
of replacement.

When I got to the ink charging part of the replacement cycle the printer
reported that the new cartridge is incompatible and refused to complete
the cycle. Putting the original cartridge back in results in the same
thing happening - odd, as it's been in the printer for about 6 weeks now.

Oh, and before Measekite goes on about ruining the printer by using
non-original inks - don't bother wearing out your fingers on the
keyboard, It's my printer and I'll do what I want with it. Neither you,
nor Epson, have a right to tell me what consumables to use in it. There,
rant over

Am I missing a trick here? Is there something I need to do to make the
printer think the cartridge is a good one? Have I bought a duff cartridge?

Firstly, many thanks for everyone that responded to my post - even
Measekite. I did some additional digging today by talking to an IT
acquaintance of mine and it appears that Epson have been a bit sneaky -
as is their want.

If the printer was manufactured before 1st March 2007 then it should
work fine with compatible cartridges. If it was manufactured during
March then it may work/may not but if it was manufactured after 1st
April 2007 (naughty date that) it has firmware embedded that will only
recognise Epson branded carts. The after-market cartridge manufacturers
are, apparently, working on a method of defeating this ...

A quick phone call to Epson UK's tech support this afternoon
(eventually) confirmed this scenario but he wasn't prepared to give out
any details about how the detection is done. My guess is via the chip on
the cartridge. According to the serial number on my printer it was made
during the last week of April :-(

Just to make sure the printer wasn't faulty I bought a set of Epson
branded carts this evening and lo-and-behold they work fine.

 

[SteveG]

Just wondering why the printer didn't come with OEM cartridges. Was it
bought used or as a demo?

SG: It was purchased new via the Internet. Epson sell it either with or
without cartridges. The company I purchased it from included a set of
compatibles free of charge (?) which enabled me to make quite a saving
over the high street price of printer with carts.

I would expect if the first set worked and the replacement was the same
type of cartridge and such, that it should be responded to similarly.
Are you sure you put the correct color in the correct location, and that
the correct model number cartridge was purchased?

Were the replacements ones new or refilled?

SG: I'm still a bit confused as to why one set of compatibles would work
and another not - see my other post. I was only replacing the black so
didn't have a chance to mix them up and put them in the wrong slots. Of
course, the replacement cartridge may not be a black or may have the
wrong chip fitted to it. That might explain why it didn't work but not
why the original (as in first one) worked before but not now.

Confusing, innit?

 

[SteveG]

I have a R295 - a good printer if a little thirsty on ink. I use
compatible cartridges (think+ from Choice Stationery - not many places
offer compats for R265). I have had no trouble with the printer
recognising the new cartridges. A little note comes with the carts
saying if it is not recognised, take out and put in again, and again!
With an older Epson with chipped carts I had to do that occasionally but
so far the R265 has been OK. Chip resetters are not yet available for
the R265 - Epson has been very sneaky here.

Hi Denis,

The R265 is pretty thirsty too. I haven't printed many pictures with it
but the cartridges certainly aren't going to last as long as the ones in
my old C62. I can live with that as long as I don't have to shell out
£38 for a set of Epson branded ones every time

 

[SteveG]

Hi all, I'm new to this group but have been using Epson printers for
several years. Just recently I purchased an R265 and so far have been
very pleased with it but tonight I have a problem.

The printer came with a set of S-Vision compatible cartridges. Tonight
the printer reported that the Black one needed replacing so I got out an
identical replacement (same manufacturer) and went through the process
of replacement.

When I got to the ink charging part of the replacement cycle the printer
reported that the new cartridge is incompatible and refused to complete
the cycle. Putting the original cartridge back in results in the same
thing happening - odd, as it's been in the printer for about 6 weeks now.

Oh, and before Measekite goes on about ruining the printer by using
non-original inks - don't bother wearing out your fingers on the
keyboard, It's my printer and I'll do what I want with it. Neither you,
nor Epson, have a right to tell me what consumables to use in it. There,
rant over

Am I missing a trick here? Is there something I need to do to make the
printer think the cartridge is a good one? Have I bought a duff cartridge?

As a supplemental question, has anyone tried the continuous ink system
being touted for the R265? It only costs the same as a set of Epson
branded cartridges so could be an attractive prospect ... if it's any good.

Here's a link to one site that sells them - http://tinyurl.com/2feoet
- and bugger me if they don't have a note about the date of
manufacture on the site!

 

[MJW]

" > If the printer was manufactured before 1st March 2007 then it should

work fine with compatible cartridges. If it was manufactured during March
then it may work/may not but if it was manufactured after 1st April 2007
(naughty date that) it has firmware embedded that will only recognise
Epson branded carts. The after-market cartridge manufacturers are,
apparently, working on a method of defeating this ...

I bought an epson r260 refurbished from epson a couple months ago.

I understand this is the USA mod of the r265 Is this correct?
I cannot find a date on it anywhere.
If I use aftermarket carts , how will I know they will work
other than purchase them.?
Thanks
Jim

note meallytech DO NOT respund..

 

[SteveG]

" > If the printer was manufactured before 1st March 2007 then it should
I understand this is the USA mod of the r265 Is this correct?
I cannot find a date on it anywhere.
If I use aftermarket carts , how will I know they will work
other than purchase them.?
Thanks
Jim

note meallytech DO NOT respund..

Hi Jim,

Yes, I think the R260 is the USA version of the 265. I quoted the serial
number to the Epson support technician I was speaking to today and he
told me when it was manufactured. The date isn't on the machine anywhere
I could find.

As far as I can see, the only way to know if after-market carts will
work is to try it and see. Not very scientific, I know

 

[measekite]

Firstly, many thanks for everyone that responded to my post - even
Measekite. I did some additional digging today by talking to an IT
acquaintance of mine and it appears that Epson have been a bit sneaky
- as is their want.

If the printer was manufactured before 1st March 2007 then it should
work fine with compatible cartridges. If it was manufactured during
March then it may work/may not but if it was manufactured after 1st
April 2007 (naughty date that) it has firmware embedded that will only
recognise Epson branded carts.

I think that this is great. It helps protect some of their customers
who make poor choices.

The after-market cartridge manufacturers are, apparently, working on a
method of defeating this ...

It probably will be illegal.

A quick phone call to Epson UK's tech support this afternoon
(eventually) confirmed this scenario but he wasn't prepared to give
out any details about how the detection is done.

You really cannot blame them.

My guess is via the chip on the cartridge. According to the serial
number on my printer it was made during the last week of April :-(

Just to make sure the printer wasn't faulty I bought a set of Epson
branded carts this evening and lo-and-behold they work fine.

Now you are making wise choices. Always use the best ink for your
printer. If you want to use crap ink then get a crap printer. A
lexmark inkjet printer will do the job.

 

[measekite]

SG: It was purchased new via the Internet. Epson sell it either with
or without cartridges. The company I purchased it from included a set
of compatibles free of charge (?) which enabled me to make quite a
saving over the high street price of printer with carts.

Sounds like a sleezy vender who took out the good Epsons carts to resell
separately and put in crap and give you a little discount but since the
carts cost half or more of the printer I guess you got a bad deal.

 

[sherwindu]

Another reason for me to hang onto my older RX500 model. Probably, the newer
versions will have this special firmware built in. Imagine car manufacturer's
designing
their cars so that only factory equipment could be installed. There would be a
revolution. The printer manufacturer's think they can get away with anything.
Someone should file a class action suit against these crooks.

Sherwin D.

 

[sherwindu]

What makes you think that only Epson is capable of making good inks? We are not

talking rocket science here.

Sherwin D.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Is this something new, or is this retailer "unbundling" factory products
and selling parts separately. This was a common practice in New York
City among camera retailers but was stopped by some legislation.

Art

 

[Denis Scadeng]

If the printer was manufactured before 1st March 2007 then it should

work fine with compatible cartridges. If it was manufactured during
March then it may work/may not but if it was manufactured after 1st
April 2007 (naughty date that) it has firmware embedded that will only
recognise Epson branded carts. The after-market cartridge manufacturers
are, apparently, working on a method of defeating this ...

A quick phone call to Epson UK's tech support this afternoon
(eventually) confirmed this scenario

Interesting - I have bought my last Epson printer. Pity, good printer,
crap company.

 

[TJ]

SteveG wrote:

I think that this is great. It helps protect some of their customers
who make poor choices.

Ah, yes. Kindly, benevolent Epson is doing this for our own good, so
they can protect us from ourselves, knowing that we, the unenlightened
masses are too stupid to make our own decisions. What gut-rot. Nothing,
Measekite, even you, annoys me more. All they really want is for you to
buy only their extravagantly-over-priced ink. The better aftermarket
inks will perform just fine for 90+% of the printing that is done in the
world, but they won't fill out the OEMs' bottom lines.

It probably will be illegal.

It is devices designed solely to prevent users from using consumables
other than OEM that ought to be illegal.

TJ