Inkjet cartridge problem with Epson C44 Plus

[Peter Brown]

I've got an Epson C44 Plus. The colour cartridge has just run out, but I
only ever print in black. I don't want to buy a new colour cartridge just to
use the black cartridge, but I keep getting error messages saying colour
cartridge is empty when I try to print in black.

Is there a way of altering the setting so that the printer ignores the fact
that the colour cartridge has run out and uses the full black cartridge?

Peter

 

[Arthur Entlich]

In one word, no.

In more words... each time the printer does a head cleaning, when it
turns on or when you request one, the color heads are also purged, so
eventually they run out of ink. Since Epson has permanent heads, the
printer needs to have ink in the machine or the head will clog up.

If you never expect to use the color heads, you need to either buy a
chip resetter and re-set the chips in the old cartridge and then
reinstall it, which will allow your printer to work, but will eventually
dry the color heads to the point where they will be very difficult ot
get started again. Or, you could have the cartridge filled with
cleaning fluid and use it that way until it runs dry again, and then
refill again...

There is a Russian program that can "freeze" the ink levels in the color
cartridge to trick the printer into thinking it still has ink in, but I
think that has to be done before they first run out.

Lastly there are special chips that read always full, and there are easy
to refill cartridges that you can buy and put cleaning fluid (made of
ammoniated window cleaner, for instance) and reset the chip (chip
resetter are available on ebay for instance for about $5).

Art

 

[measekite]

In one word, no.

In more words... each time the printer does a head cleaning, when it
turns on or when you request one, the color heads are also purged, so
eventually they run out of ink. Since Epson has permanent heads, the
printer needs to have ink in the machine or the head will clog up.

ESPECIALLY WITH AFTERMARKET INK

 

[measekite]

I've got an Epson C44 Plus. The colour cartridge has just run out, but I
only ever print in black. I don't want to buy a new colour cartridge just to
use the black cartridge, but I keep getting error messages saying colour
cartridge is empty when I try to print in black.

Is there a way of altering the setting so that the printer ignores the fact
that the colour cartridge has run out and uses the full black cartridge?

Peter

CALL EPSON TECH SUPPT

 

[jez]

Yes I have the same problem with a friends C44. I called Epson
technical support and they said it was classified as a colour printer
and there was no way around it. Basically it's Epsons way making up
some revenue. I had heard of cons like this with Epson. The solution is
to NOT buy an Epson replacement go to Ink Club or the like. I am Glad I
bought a Canon....

 

[Davy]

If colour is not wanted what are the chances of inserting a cleanin
cartridge, or simply refilling and resetting the relevant chip

Maybe someone could comment on these suggestions

You didn't say what you was printing, if it's not b&w photos the
an El' cheapo laser is as good as ANY inkjet, the Samsung that I hav
was only £54 UK inc del. and a 12 month warranty

The toner unit is about £64, I got three bottles of toner and to dat
it's had a couple of refills, if you go down this route make sure yo
get one that is easily refillable

And oh..! they don't clog like inkjets

If you want to get away from clogging try a Canon, ip4000/5000 series
had mine around six months and not one single clog or manual clea
required, they are far more economical to run and don't waste vas
amounts of in

Sounds like Epsons are problematic..! My C62 clogged on the 2nd day
the replacment clogged on the 4th day all with OEM ink

Dav