Epson Start-up Question

[Richard Steinfeld]

I wrote earlier that I'd bought a used Epson CX4800 multifunction
printer two weeks ago at a thrift shop. Thanks to those who replied with
meaningful information, especially Jan and Arthur. I've used various
printers since 1985, but I'm relatively new to inkjets and this will be
the first Epson I've ever used.

The device is quite clean on the outside. The scanner looks untouched,
and the printer innards seem pretty clean, from what I can see. I've
downloaded the manual, driver, and a few other items from the Epson
site. The printer appears to have been stored in its box for some time
-- with its back down. The cartridges are in their ink station. I don't
know yet the auto or safe manual way to take a look at them.

The first thing that I tried was the self-test, which failed with the
lights indicating that one or more cartridges are empty. I have a set of
four cartridges arriving tomorrow. I have not run the XP installation
routine yet. I figure that the print head is dirty/clogged/whatever,
since most people would not think to clean the printer before storage.

I'd like advice about what to do before inserting the new cartridges so
that I can test the machine economically and practically. I know that
Arthur has written some sort of Epson maintenance routine, but I don't
know where to obtain it. Where should I begin, and what should I
continue doing, folks?

Thanks!

 

[Arthur Entlich]

To obtain my Epson Manual which will provide insight into much of which
you ask and more, just email me here:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

It is without any fee, charge or spam ;-)

Art

 

[Jan Alter]

To obtain my Epson Manual which will provide insight into much of which
you ask and more, just email me here:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

It is without any fee, charge or spam ;-)

Art

I can't seem to wake up earlier than Art these days so I can recommend
you send for his manual, even if I'm on vacation. I ought to write him
myself to get a newer version of his manual. Mine must be a couple of years
old at this point.

Once you've read it. especially about the Dura-brite inks, you may be
be reconciled to thinking the machine already has a head clog. However, it
very well may not, being that it's using a newer concoction of the
Dura-brite recipe 'Ultra'.
If this were me I would change all four ink cartridges before installing
the printer to the computer as I'd want thinner, less oxidized ink to go
into the ink chamber to avoid ink clogging. You can read how to accomplish
that in the manual. There should be a section about changing empty or
outdated cartridges.
On many newer Epsons it's pressing the droplet button for about two to
three seconds. If a cartridge is out of ink the head moves far left and
stops at a pointer marker indicating which color is out. When you push the
droplet button again the head then moves to the right into cartridge change
position where one can open the cartridge clamp and remove the old or empty
cartridge. Remember to shake the new cartridge a couple of times before
removing it from its vacuum plastic
This sequence can change slightly if you have more than one cartridge
that is out of ink in that after you've pushed the ink droplet button once
the head moves left to the marker indicating which cartridge is empty and
then when you push the droplet button the second time the head moves a
little to a second position to have the marker show the second cartridge
that is empty. When you push the droplet button a third time the head will
move to cartridge change position, and so on depending how many cartridges
happen to be empty.
I don't believe you actually have to have the printer connected to the
computer in order to change the cartridges. The firmware allows you to
change the cartridges in the manner indicated above.
In any case install the driver software before turning the printer on when
connected to the computer . When the software asks for the printer then turn
it on and the machine should be found by the software. Hopefully the printer
will live up to expectations.

 

[Cal Bubba]

Guess what:

I discovered that my Epson all-in-one is actually a CX4600, which uses
regular DuraBrite ink. It was neatly packed in styrofoam clamshells
inside a 4800 box. And that's the ink that I'm expecting to arrive in
tomorrow's mail.

Thanks to both of you for such excellent, timely advice. I'm going to
print out Arthur's magnificent tome on an HP inkjet printer, and take an
Epson vacation. At least until I get the ink mess straightened out. I
will assume that the head's clogged and work on cleaning that
strightaway (after I return from my Epson vacation, that is).

Richard

 

[Richard Steinfeld]

Guess what:

I discovered that my Epson all-in-one is actually a CX4600, which uses
_regular_ DuraBrite ink. It was neatly packed in styrofoam clamshells
inside a 4800 box. And that's the ink that I'm expecting to arrive in
tomorrow's mail.

Thanks to both of you for such excellent, timely advice. I'm going to
print out Arthur's magnificent tome on an HP inkjet printer, and take an
Epson vacation. At least until I get the ink mess straightened out. I
will assume that the head's clogged and work on cleaning that
strightaway (after I return from my Epson vacation, that is).

Richard

 

[Arthur Entlich]

That's pretty minor egg. ;-)

Art