JLWsales Epson R200 CIS Review

[bigwhite]

well I got a reply from JLWSales who suggested raising the ink tanks and running a couple of cleaning cycles. Did that, wish I hadnt, the ink flowed to the cartridges alright...... flooded my printer and contaminated the yellow cartridge with black. Ah well back to the drawing board. Perhaps it wasnt meant to be. I even tried filling the cartridges, sealed them after wards and ink was still flowing back to the tanks. It has to be an air leak at where the cartridge outlet and the print head meet.

[Noahtuck]

well I got a reply from JLWSales who suggested raising the ink tanks and running a couple of cleaning cycles. Did that, wish I hadnt, the ink flowed to the cartridges alright...... flooded my printer and contaminated the yellow cartridge with black. Ah well back to the drawing board. Perhaps it wasnt meant to be. I even tried filling the cartridges, sealed them after wards and ink was still flowing back to the tanks. It has to be an air leak at where the cartridge outlet and the print head meet.

I see you said you tried refilling the carts & sealed them afterwards ?
These seem to be the same as my canon carts & i tried refilling one of the stock tanks on my R200, & i know if they are not sealed AIRTIGHT the ink will run right through/out of them.

Did you try to refill them before raising the tanks as JLW stated ? because if you already broke the seal on the carts before raising the tanks and the carts were not sealed airtight

[bigwhite]

I replaced the sealing plugs then went over them with hot glue gun!!! The ink over flowed both before and after, more so sfter. Anyway, have removed CIS and replaced canon cartridges, will see if JWLSales will do a refund.

[p_l]

Does anyone has tried bulk ink from this place?
http://www.atlanticinkjet.com

I have ordered 6x250ml. I should receive them later on this week. Will let you know.

Actually, I ordered from them just two weeks ago. Delivery was fast (well, as fast as Canada Post can get something from New Brunswick to Montreal - about three or four days), and so far the ink itself seems good. Three of us pooled our orders because shipping is free for orders over $60, so three completely different printers requiring three different packages, they got the order right, and each one of us is happy so far with the quality of the ink.

[pixiemom]

Hi guys, I'm trying to decide whether or not to get one of the CIS systems from jwlsales, a different CIS system, or whether to just get refillable cartridges (can provide links to other systems/cartridges if you need to see them). I was almost sold on the jwl system until the more recent posts from users here, which seem to indicate that after you've used the system for awhile you start to get some problems. And bigwhite's experience doesn't sound too good.

I have the R200 printer, which is still in the box waiting for either a CIS or refillable carts.

(By the way, I've refilled my HP 930c's carts for years, so I am experienced in refilling.)

I've looked at so many CIS systems over the past two months (before I found this forum) that it's easy to get confused. All of the sellers claim theirs is the best one, of course. Most people here seem to have only used the one from jwlsales - has anyone ever tried a different system? Pros/cons?

I'm not too thrilled to hear that the jwlsales system uses up ink at an alarming rate and that it seems to be a byproduct of the system itself. Would refillable carts be better? Or is the ease of the CIS making up for the extra ink lost?

Thanks for any replies/input!

[dmagic1]

If you print a ton then yes the ease of use makes up for it. If you print at the normal rate or a little higher then I would say refill carts. Since you've done it for years, you wont fell burdened by it.
I refill my tanks about every 2-3 weeks so I'm sticking to the CIS for now. I have given thought to returning to refill carts though.

[pixiemom]

Thanks for your reply, dmagic. Actually, one reason I'm so attracted to the idea of a CIS is because I do feel burdened by refilling my HP carts. They're a pain because they clog so easily and you can only get good output for so long before they go completely kaput. (And of course it's usually only one color that departs, so you've wasted ink filling the other chambers - HP uses three-colors-in-one-cart. Grrr.)

My experience in filling the HP carts simply ensures that I know how - and I *can* do it if I have to, if it's the best way.

I do intend to be printing higher than normal rate, but how much higher I don't know yet.

I'm very interested in what you said - you're thinking about returning to refill carts? Is there any particular reason why you're tempted to return to refillables, if the CIS is working for you?

[dmagic1]

Yea, its working right now. I only began thinking about going back because of the amount of ink this uses compared to my old refill carts. The fact that I was having major problems with one of the CIS carts was also making me sick. All has been well for a number of days now. I probably won't go back just because I know I won't like that extra work.

I'm thinking about adjusting the height of my printer to see if less ink is used. I'm going to put my printer a little higher than my CIS(1-2 inches).

[RickTheRed]

Does anyone has tried bulk ink from this place?
http://www.atlanticinkjet.com

I have ordered 6x250ml. I should receive them later on this week. Will let you know.

Actually, I ordered from them just two weeks ago. Delivery was fast (well, as fast as Canada Post can get something from New Brunswick to Montreal - about three or four days), and so far the ink itself seems good. Three of us pooled our orders because shipping is free for orders over $60, so three completely different printers requiring three different packages, they got the order right, and each one of us is happy so far with the quality of the ink.

Thanks. I have received the inks, but I did not have time to refill yet. I'll post my findings later. I want to print "test" photographs before.

[dishinit]

Hi,
I've been reading here for awhile and decided to order from JLWSales while we were still at the middle of page 14. Now I am reading the latter part of Page 14 & 15, Gulp!
I'll be installing on an R300 and would like to thank all that have contributed here for citing your problems and solutions. I am hopeful from what I have garnered from this forum that my installation will be less troublesome than might be otherwise.
My thought is to switch to MIS inks eventually as Bulk Ink Supply as I have read very positive reports about MIS color match to OEM inks. Any comments regarding this or other 3rd party Bulk ink would be appreciated.
I am also interested in feeback/reports from Canon users of the JLW continous bulk ink systems. It is disturbing to read BigWhite's account of problems with his system. I have been considering the possibility of using the JLW CIS on a used i960 I picked up that I am using 3rd party inks in.
I am sure that I will be asking more questions once the CIS arrives, I would like to perform as clean an install as possible.
Looking forward to more informed discussion.

[odinfire]

Hi. I wanted to post my success with the ink drainage mod that "averagejoe007" listed earlier in the thread. I CANT TELL YOU HOW IMPORTANT THIS MOD ACTUALLY IS ONCE YOU REALIZE HOW MUCH INK THIS PRINTER SPITS OUT DURING A CLEANING! Since averagejoe007's post is now pages behind, I figured I would quote it again for everyone. I must say, THANK YOU "averagejoe007" for posting this mod. I wonder how much ink is actually sitting in the bottom of my printer before I applied this fix.

And now a waste ink mod....

This printer spits out a TON of ink in cleaning cycle.. With original NEW Epson cartridges, I noticed the cartridges are exausted after about 5 to six cleanings. What a RIP OFF!! All the more reason to get a CIS!

There is a small access panel at the rear held in by a tiny screw. Remove the panel. Look around inside and you'll see some white felt padding (used to soak up waste ink) Lift up the pad with a long screwdriver and you will clearly see a clear small diameter tube. Grab it with some needlenose pliers or tweezers and pull it out. You don't have a lot of tube to work with, it will hang about two inches outside of the access panel once you have gotten it out. DON'T BE TOO ROUGH WITH IT, if you pull hard enough, you will pull it from the pump at the other end of the tube, and don't ask what then....

To keep it neat I drilled a small hole just below the access door and fed the drain tube through, then reattached the access door.

I chose to caulk on some thicker diameter tubing feeding into a large plastic bottle. Be sure the end of you drainage tube IS LOWER that the bottom of you printer or your pump will be pushing against gravity to drain the cleaning cycles. I dunno for sure, but it could possibly backflow through the pump into the print head if your drainage bottle is too high.

Solution? My drainage bottle sits velcroed behind my printer table on the ground

NO PROBLEMS so far, no rubbing, just tons of awesome prints at discounted prices!

Godd luck to all!

If I may just add how I attached the tubing to what averagejoe007 has already listed...

I went to WalMart and purchased the clear "airline tubing" for fishtanks at the pet department and hotglued it to the small tube that attaches to the printer. I was able to squeeze the small tube connected to the printer inside the airline tubing and I hotglued them together to make sure there was no leak. It was a tight fit, but now both me and my roommate have our printers dumping their ink into a gallon milk jug.

I must reiterate... If you have this CIS system, YOU NEED to do this drain ink mod. If you dont sooner or later you will have ink spilled all over the inside of your printer.

[dmagic1]

LOL, does eveyone have hotglue sitting around for easy access? As much as people talk about it here you would think it was Elmers Glue.
I guess I need to buy some too.

[Captain315]

Just ordered myself a JLW kit for my R200. I found it on eBay for a starting bid of $75 and I got it for $80. That's the first time I've ever seen it under $95. I just hope I haven't been ripped off or it is a used/cheaper model. All the ads on it were the same as for all the others he lists. I'm looking forward to getting mine. Hope I have as good a luck as most of y'all have.

[dishinit]

Well my JLW CIS unit arrived today. That was Quick!
Unfortunately I had to install replacement OEM cartridges over the weekend to ensure I would able to complete a project I have scheduled for this week. I did not think the unit would get to Ca. that fast.
I will have to wait to install the JLW after going through this cartridge set. I think I will also install a waste ink collection system while I am at it. Thanks for the repost of Averagejoe007's info on that.
Now to find my Hot Glue Gun?

[erdons]

Ordered my Kit from JLW sales on friday, got it today in Los Angeles, it was a snap to install, so far i am very satisfied with the product, no problems yet.

[pixiemom]

Captain315, I wouldn't worry - JLWSales has recently lowered his price by $15 to compete with another seller who was bragging that his systems were that much cheaper than JLW's systems. It's the same system. All of his auctions are now $75 or $79 (BIN). I've been watching *all* of the CIS eBay systems very closely while I make my decision, and he dropped his prices just a few days ago.

I've pretty much almost decided to go with JLW's system. The refill "smart cartridges" are nice but I suspect I'll be printing enough to not want to have to be constantly messing about with drippy syringes and drill holes. I can always change back if I decide I want to.

[bigwhite]

Update
JLWSales are going to send me out a new system, hopefully this one will work, fingers crossed. Must say cant fault their service.

[Talus]

Hi Everyone!

I've been reading this topic since the thread was started. I'm mostly responding to the people to who are having tons of ink being used and filling up the printers/waste bottles.

First let me say that I don't even own a CIS system. Somewhere buried in this topic is a posting about a company called ezinkjets.com. If you go there now, you won't even find CIS systems on their webpage. But I ordered a system from this company about 4 weeks ago. I haven't received the system yet, but I've talked on the phone with the owner for over an hour about these systems. I'm not even upset about the delay, because he sent for free, a replacement set of full cartridges. My system will arrive in about 2 weeks.

Here is what I gathered about these systems:

There are only about 4 different manufacturers in China for these systems. JLWSales and others on Ebay are resellers, distributers etc. This is why there is variance when you're browsing through Ebay and deciding which system to buy. The excess ink usage comes from a faulty instruction in the chip on cartridge/system. My guess is that these systems are like anything else in technology - Early generations are going to have problems. The owner at ezinkjets told me this problem was solved.

If there is anyone here in touch with JLWsales, ask him what he knows about the faulty chip being the cause of the excess ink usage. Maybe he is now using a later generation?

NEXT:
There was also a slight defect in the size of the black tubing. It was slightly larger than the other colors. I don't know what problems this caused, (since I don't own the system yet.) But these were corrected at the manufacturer.

Ezinkjets.com has a contract with QVC to sell these, so I'm not even sure if they will sell these again on their website. QVC wants diehard testimonies before they market them. I'm going to offer one of the testimonies.

NEXT:
There are systems for Canon and HP creeping on the market, but these are newer. So expect some problems. I will be testing a system for the Canon i850 in about 6 weeks. I will post a review.

I'm only offering this post for those who are having problems. And also, for those considering a CIS system. I will post a review of my system with tons of pictures for everyone, but it won't be up for about 2 weeks.

Cheers!

[pixiemom]

Hmm..... maybe I should wait to buy mine for another 2 or 3 weeks!!! ??

[dmagic1]

Nice info Talus.
I wouldn't mind getting some of the fixed chips. I wonder what the cost will be when and if they hit QVC.

[dieleere]

dmagic and others having probs with clogged cartridges:
read thru this forum again after initally buying one, and have now had the unfortunate "clogged light blue" (or magenta problem. i figured i'd just bite the bullet and get a whole new kit, as it has already saved me a considerable amount of money. with him now selling it for 15-20 bucks cheaper it isn't that bad i suppose. i will still try to make a go of my other system by trying to unclog the cartridge, but it sounds like once they go, they're down for the count. anyways, i think i read on here where somebody replaced a single cartridge on their system. on my cartridges it looks like the tubing is firmly on the cartridge and i would be worried about tearing the tubing or snapping off the fitting on the cart, any feedback about that???

[Captain315]

I ordered an CIS system from JLWsales Saturday at 7:30 pm and received it today (Tuesday) at 10:00 am. I can't get mail across town that fast. I sure hope I don't have the clogged cartridge problem others have experienced. Am looking forward to installing it after these cartridges are empty. A headsup on any problems I should watch for would be greatly appreciated.

[dieleere]

Just got an email. JLW told me he'd send along a blue cartridge replacement for my old system as well when he sends the new CIS. Definitely top notch customer support and best price and quality of CIS i have seen. It will be well worth it for me to have a backup if i have probs in the future. Still with this problem i am happy as it has saved me loads of time in swapping out individual inks, no hassle with refilling cartridges, and reliable printing with no gaps ever. I just cannot say enough good things about JLW, and for people that talk about other systems, i think they are sub-par or overly priced compared to what you are getting with this system, but as always....just my two cents

[bigwhite]

I would agree, JLWSales are sending me a replacement unit for the canon i865, cant ask for more. Should say that although the unit is very sinilar to the epson, the design of the canon print head/cartridges is quite different which I believe makes the unit more problematic to use with the canon printer, and thats my 2 cents worth, or pennies in the UK.

[dmagic1]

I got my replacement Light Magenta today and the cart is completely different. It has 3 hole on the top. One has that weird pink stopper in it. The other 2 holes are actually closed a little below the surface level. The cart is an almost clear grey. The cart seems to already have ink in it. I don't know how well this cart will sit with the others. The others have the tube attached at the top. This one will have the tube attached at the bottom. I think this design is better because if you keep the grey cart holder thing on your cart tray, the tubes would be out of the way. Although if this had been the black cart I don't know where the tube clip would go.

No instructions were included.

[dieleere]

for anyone interested, i pulled my clogged blue and drew on the bottom of the cartridge with a hypo that i had from a refill kit i no longer have to use did it two different times and then left it to sit overnight....seems to be working for now but will definitely be nice to have a spare kit for when production stops on this printer or if i have this problem again. i also have a spare new printer b/c i am afraid as fast as companies change their products, the r200 will be irreplaceable in another year or so...what's 100 bucks when u save this much on ink hopefully i'll rec'v the new kit with cartridges that dmagic has pictured. i'll let you guys know when it arrives.

[scottsoso]

Faint....

Where to buy?

[Bodyslide]

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZjlwsales

[///m]

Well I managed to pop the top off the printer to do the ink waste mod. A bit of a pain, I hope I didn't break anything.

http://home.comcast.net/~nevercloudy/backsidewide.jpg

[odinfire]

dmagic... I just wanted to mention that I have replaced my light magenta with the exact same replacement cart you received in the mail. It works flawlessly. Actually, I dont think it will clog either. It seems to be made completely different. One other note is that (again with the hot glue), after I reattached the hose, I added some hotglue to hold it into place. After you get your cart installed, I think you will be very happy. I have replacements for all my carts except black. JLWsales really is great at customer service.

I got my replacement Light Magenta today and the cart is completely different. It has 3 hole on the top. One has that weird pink stopper in it. The other 2 holes are actually closed a little below the surface level. The cart is an almost clear grey. The cart seems to already have ink in it. I don't know how well this cart will sit with the others. The others have the tube attached at the top. This one will have the tube attached at the bottom. I think this design is better because if you keep the grey cart holder thing on your cart tray, the tubes would be out of the way. Although if this had been the black cart I don't know where the tube clip would go.

No instructions were included.