• MacOSX – When drivers retire

    General 23.04.2018 No Comments

    As non-Mac users this is something we don’t come across ourselves so it was only when a customer contacted us about their Pro-9500 and an upgrade to High Sierra (version 10.14) that we realised what a problem this was.

    Apple and printer manufactures don’t appear to bother providing older printers with drivers past a certain point. So, as with the customer above you have to get creative and look for solutions outside the box.

    What we’ve found is something called Gutenprint which uses CUPS to create a workaround that allows you to print using your older printers. It’s not something we’ve tested ourselves due to the lack of Mac based machine but hopefully it proves useful for Mac users wanting to keep their printer working without needing to downgrade.

     

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  • FAQ Section disable temporarily

    General 16.02.2018 No Comments

    Due to problems with the FAQ plugin used on this site we’ve had to temporarily disable the section while we work out how to fix the issue or move the functionality to something more up to date.

    Apologies for the inconvenience but we hope to get things back up and running again shortly.

    Martin (16 Feb 2018)

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  • So BBC Radio 2 did a feature on printers…

    General 19.05.2015 No Comments

    For anyone who wasn’t frantically texting, tweeting or emailing us and who doesn’t listen to Radio 2, you’ll have missed that there was a feature on the Jeremy Vine show that was about printers.

    Unfortunately, it was a bit of a fluff piece that appeared to be more about filling airtime rather than dealing with some real issues. There were the standard myths about why compatible ink is bad, how frustrating printers are, etc… but they also gave out some “interesting” advice, so let’s start with that one point that really stood out first…

    Read more…

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  • Domain Admin installing printer drivers

    General 01.07.2014 No Comments

    The Problem

    • Your computer/workstation uses a windows server domain login to access it
    • You can’t install your new printer (eg: Canon inkjet) because it’s demanding an administrator account.
    • Your account is already a domain administrator

    Solution (Windows 7):

    Read more…

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  • A survivors guide to Pigment ink CIS systems

    Epson Intel 19.06.2014 No Comments

    Having talking, emailed and repeated myself ad-nausea about the pitfalls and potential work-arounds for Epson CIS systems when used with pigment ink, I finally took the time to write the whole thing up into a comprehensive article that covers it all.

    You can find the article here and I’ll try to update with any additional improvements or tweaks as they are suggested or understood.

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  • Epson firmware blocking XP compatibles

    Epson Intel 18.03.2014 2 Comments

    Yes folks… Epson have done it again…

    Following on from the original report we put together about the Artisan, PX and TX printer models it seems it’s happening all over again with the Epson XP Expression models.

    With the release of the XP-610, 615, 710, 810 and the like there appears to be a new firmware that “upgrades” earlier models resulting in the printer failing to recognise the bulk of third party chips which in turn means no CIS systems, compatible cartridges or refillables.

    Note: While this notice is for the XP series, it’s also possible that other printer models (eg: PX730WD, Artisan 837, etc..) may also have firmware updates available which are disabling compatibility for third party consumables.

    The good news (although untested by me) is that WICReset offers the facility to downgrade your firmware on affected printers* so if you have found yourself in that unenviable position, you can now do something about it.

    Obviously the key thing to note is that updating your firmware is best avoided on XP Expression models and it would appear that firmware upgrades now should be avoided completely if you rely on third party consumables.

     

    *Note: We do not have a definitive list of affected printers, nor have we tested the downgrade functionality so your mileage may vary.

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  • Resolving Epson Airlock (Clog) issues

    Epson, Epson Intel 15.11.2013 2 Comments

    This article has been a long time coming as I frequently get asked about this issue for various built-in CIS systems on Epson inkjet printers (see the list at the end).

    Scenario:

    The problem most printer owners experience is what they perceive to be a “clog” where the ink is not reaching the page or has inconsistent nozzle checks. Use of printhead cleaning solutions and/or cleaning cartridges provides little if any results but the solution gets used up and checking any external waste ink tank shows that ink is being pulled through the system. Read more…

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  • Watchdog Daily program (Nov 19th 2012)

    Epson Intel 22.11.2012 No Comments

    It seems Watchdog Daily did a report recently on the “Service Required” problem relating an Epson Photo 1400.

    You can see the report on iPlayer (in the UK) until it expires here:
    Watchdog Daily Ep 6
    [Start point 30:24]

    Unfortunately the Watchdog report went into no detail and stuck with technical jargon designed to confuse. Obviously very frustrating it wasn’t given greater depth but I’d imagine they can’t recommend third party services and the legal backsides have to be covered. However there is a brief moment where this blog actually appears as a browser tab [timeline: 31:40].

    So, if you’ve arrived here because you yourself have done some additional research, this problem is solveable without needing to go to a reporter, or even Epson to pay £100+ (or even, £90 if you get a “deal”).

    The Photo 1400 is covered in this article

    … and for other printers you can find resources, relevant solutions and more besides using the OctoInjket Quickfind tool.

    I wonder if anyone else will do a proper report on the issues and dig deeper… If you do, you know were to find me.

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  • “Printer Potty®” a new name for Waste Ink Kit

    Epson Intel 03.09.2012 No Comments

    Printer Potty

    If, like me you’ve ever tried to explain the concept of a waste ink kit and you have experienced the joys of babies and small children, then you’ll probably have found yourself describing printer waste pads in terms of nappies.

    Well, I was doing the exact same thing for ages before I hit on the idea of branding the OctoInkjet waste ink kits as something a bit unique…

    It’s already proved as something of a hit with customers both new and old and does tend to cut down on the time needed to describe the concept especially as it tends to get your attention right away…

    Ok, so instead of changing your printers nappy (diaper) you just potty train the thing with this…

    *cue: double take from customer*

    So, anyway, it’s official the trademark is now registered, the branding is going on all kits and I’m making inroads on new kit designs for newer printers that have appeared in the last 6 months.

    Tell your friends, family, or the bloke who washes your windows… We even have video

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  • Epson Firmware Update = No to Compatibles

    Epson Intel 25.01.2012 41 Comments

    This information is now pretty out of date (or was) but there have been a number of strong indications that Epson decided to up the ante when it comes to third party consumables through the use of a clever firmware update system available with newer Epson printers.

    The update(s) shut the doors on third party consumables that work with earlier firmware versions and effectively tie your printer into using only Epson OEM/Original cartridges.

    This issue was resolved with new chip designs (v6.0) but the issue may be making a comeback as of early 2014 with reports of Epson Expression (XP) models hitting issues and some indication that other printers like the PX730WD, Artisan 837, etc.. also showing symptoms.

    In short, if you don’t want to be forced to use Epson original consumables, don’t install any firmware updates

    Read more…

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