Changing ink on the Epson R200

[pred02]

Hi,

Every time I change the ink cartridge on the Epson R220 the printer goes through a cleaning cycle and wastes a little bit of ink from each cartidge. My consumtion is uneven. One dips below 10% and its time to change, where as others are anywhere from 15-45% full. No when I change one of the cartirdges it goes down a little bit for each. For each cartirdge I change individually I lose enough of the other ones.

I was thinking of maybe switching a few at the time (all the ones at 20% or so) so I don't have to go through the cycle. Unless there is something that can stop the cycle so I can change normally.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
george

[jtoolman2000]

Solution,,,, Get a CIS

[juststarting]

I changed the waste pad tube on mine per instructions on this site and has worked great. After the printer inks moved all the way to the left in the print cycle, I unplugged it so I could work on it. There is a small clear plastic tube (maybe 4 inches long) coming from the bottom of the waste pad and leads to a connection on the vacum pump (this is in front on the very far right hand side of the printer visible when the inks are on the left). By snipping the plastic tube in the middle and inserting a piece of the plastic tube from a ball point pen (I think it was a Papermate--cut off the top of the ink cartridge tube about 3/4 inch long--a perfect fit for the tubing) you now can detatch one end of the tube and the vacuum will only suck air (which does not hurt it) and every once in a while I hook it back up and do a head cleaning.

It's amazing how much ink you will save! I also drilled a small hole on the back of the machine and extended the drain tube out as per instructions from this site, and drilled a hole into an old plastic film roll holder just large enough to fit the tube into. Put a small vent hole in the top and now all the waste ink goes into the film holder (any type of plastic bottle could be used, but the film holder works great). When a cleaning starts, it will amaze you how much ink pumps in the film holder--1/4 to 1/3 full after a head cleaning (also every time you turn your R200 off and on). I'm not super handy but this was pretty simple once you see where the tubes are. Bigger hands might have a little tougher time in a confined area, but still no problem.

I later switched over to refillable cartridges and couldn't be happier. I purchased the ones I think his name was PoolEnglish suggested and refill each one as needed (top off the others while I'm at it). Been working for over a year now with no clogs and no other problems.

I got one of the new free trays and the R200 works great now. The inks that came with the replaceable cartridges are really close to the original Epson ink, but not 100% as vibrant--but for the price--no comlaints. Only used this printer for my DVDs, CDs (maybe 800 or so) and the head seems fine. I also have a new spare so the refillable cartridges will be switched when this one dies. $49.00 ea. after rebate, and now the class action suit $25 back makes the R200 a super buy. I even have a couple of sets of Epson orig ink cartridges if anyone in Chicagoland area interested. PM me.

Hope this helps--good luck.

[joy]

I changed the waste pad tube on mine per instructions on this site and has worked great.

Can you point us where to go read the instructions in this site? I am interested coz my R200 ink is running low at a very fast rate too. Thanks.

[juststarting]

I did a Google Search for R200 Waste Tube and it showed Videohelp JLWsales Epson R200 CIS Review (starting on page 8 with some pictures). It might have been in more reviews for it was a popular printer at the time.

[juststarting]

I did a Google Search for R200 Waste Tube and it showed Videohelp JLWsales Epson R200 CIS Review (starting on page 8 with some pictures). It might have been in more reviews for it was a popular printer at the time.

[smitbret]

Go to 'http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=51595&forum_id=40'. This discussion will give you all of the information you need for making the waste tube modification.
-Brett