• 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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  • This was my first video guide attempt and while a bit shorter features my arm getting in the way at a rather unfortunate moment… Hopefully not annoying but hey, lessons learned 🙂

     

    The guide itself shows you how to install a Solo+ waste kit to the Epson Stylus DX4400 with minimal fuss while providing a few tips on what to look out for while you’re installing

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  • Following a bit of a step back from the usual photo + text installation guides the value of video “How to” guides has been impressed upon me so here’s the second in a series of guides

     

    Unlike the DX4400 video (which was video 1), the P50 waste tube is attached to a plastic nipple which in turn is part of a solid internal tank type arrangement. Removing the tube from the nipple is a bit more involved but this video covers the process as well as how to modify the trapdoor and a few gotcha’s to watch out for.

    Constructive feedback welcome so I can improve on the next version

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  • 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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  • It’s been a while since I had a chance to sit and spend 5 minutes thinking, much less write about the situation with Ink Pad Reset (IPR) tools, but, here at last is a summary of the current situation.

    ? New to the topic of Waste ink counters, Service required or Ink Pad Resets ?
    You might want to read this article to get an introduction to these core issues before you catch up on the latest developments detailed below

    New printers, New protection

    Last year started with the PX700W, Artisan 800 and similar printers appearing and with them came the realisation that these printers waste counters could only be reset using specific adjustment utilities. Unfortunately it soon became clear that such a utility was going to cost you $50+ and couldn’t be shared.

    A few months later a new ‘volunteer’ appeared on the net with the ability to remove the protection restricting these utilities. Unfortunately there was some confusion caused by unlocked adjustment utilities being reported as infected/malware. Once that was cleared up, OrTHoTaMiNe, became synonymous with SSC for anyone with that generation of printers.

    Next generation protection

    Sadly, since then it seems that someone in the Epson camp has been paying more attention to the grey market of adjustment utilities.

    Read more…

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  • Epson 17.10.2009 No Comments

    With the baby due any day now I decided to get some more work done while I still could so I’m happy to announce the addition of the D92 waste ink modification guide

    This guide also covers a LOT of other printers available in Russia, Asia and elsewhere, specifically these models:

    • C79
    • C90, C91, C92
    • D78
    • D92
    • S20, S21
    • T10, T11
    • T20, T21, T23, T26, T27

    Resetters are available for many of these models and I suspect many will be compatible with the C90 resetter so if anyone has these models and is will to try, please let me know if you have any success

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  • Unfortunately there’s no easy way to break this but the simple fact is that, at present, there are no reset utilities available that will work on Mac or Unix/Linux/*nix operating system.

    Mac compatible utility now available

    Due to some development work by 2manuals there is now a reset utility that is compatible with Mac operating systems called the iWIC

    This new utility appears to have all the same compatibility as the WICReset (windows) utility although that’s currently unconfirmed.

    Click the appropriate link for more information about the iWIC and WICReset/iWIC key purchasing

    Read more…

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  • A newer vidcap tutorial/guide is also available

    Epson Adjustment Utilities are notoriously complicated and about as user friendly as the small print for a pre-nup’. Well, let’s be honest they are not intended to be used by untrained end-users but some of the instructions provided with these things have left a LOT to be desired.

    Until now!

    I’ve realised that support requests relating to these utilities are increasing so I’ve finally managed to put together a screencast tutorial to fill the void.

    The new tutorial shows a detailed run through of the whole process including date changing, clearing a few tell tale folders/registry entries, etc… I’ve even included a few “DO NOT!” warnings too…

    Feel free to tweet, email or otherwise spread this link: http://bit.ly/Ko6Dm remembering to credit wasteink.co.uk please!… and if you have any feedback please let me know.. but no comments about the “Erms“, and “Ah’s“… This voice over stuff is not that easy!

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  • An example of whats on offer

    AdjUtil TX200

    Not too long ago I wrote an article regarding reset utilities and as part of that I mentioned a potential new “for a price” source of dubious origin.

    Well, while it’s perhaps a welcome development, it seems that 2manuals.com have managed to broker some kind of deal with this source as they are now offering the same type of deal except by Credit card

    Read more…

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  • Waste ink kits and modifications will help you keep your printer running more smoothly but unless you have a reset utility to deal with the waste-ink or protection counter your printer will remain a brick.

    With this in mind I have been spending an inordinate amount of time looking for reset utilities, especially for the newer Epson inkjet printers. Some of the information I’ve developed is disheartening, while other intel’ causes outright concern, so it seemed appropriate to provide an update on what’s out there.

    Read more…

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