R1800 needs servicing - waste ink pad

I just got this error on my R1800. I'm pretty sure the waste ink pad is full.

I don't want to have to disconnect everything and haul it in to get it fixed (stupid). I can replace the pad on my own or install a waste ink tank.

How do I reset the counter internally from my Mac? I know there are ways to do it from windows. Failing having to install windows on another disk and configure all that, is there someway to do this from the mac?

J

I've had an R1800 for almost 2 years now - fortunately no error messages. What exactly is it saying or doing/not doing? What counter are you referring to? - Stu

Hi Stu,

I do a lot of printing sporadically. That means the printer gets turned on frequently. Every time you do that you go through a print head cleaning. Also, doing the normal print head cleaning (to get the patterns perfect before I put it to use on expensive photo paper) on top of that.

Every time the printer does a cleaning cycle, it is moving ink through the heads and dumping it out on a waste ink pad in the bottom of the printer. The printer keeps track of this with an internal counter. When it hits a factory set number, you get the service error and you are supposed to take your printer in and get the pad replaced and the counter reset.

There are waste ink tanks that you can install that take the waste ink out of the printer instead of just loading up the sponge pad. The higher volume printers have these tanks built in.

You can reset the counter with software like this:

http://inkjetprinterhe​lp.us/epsonSSC.html

But you still need to replace the pad at some point or the printer will leak ink.

My point is that I want to do this or install the waste ink tank rather than pay Epson $100 or so to do it (not to mention the hassle of schlepping over to an Epson service center to do it).

J

Thanks for the background on R1800 mechanics John - I had no idea what was going on behind the scenes every time it was powered. I could hear all the noises, but.......

I will print a couple of time myself each week, trying to batch as much as possible, and keeping it turned on for a while. Based upon the helpful info you've provided, I guess that's probably a good idea then. I certainly don't blame you for wanting to do it yourself - that is certainly a savings and I would feel the same way.

I wonder if the Pro3800 is like that too? I'm still considering such a purchase for the the fall.... we shall see .

JohnJ80 wrote in post #3774645
Hi Stu,

I do a lot of printing sporadically. That means the printer gets turned on frequently. Every time you do that you go through a print head cleaning. Also, doing the normal print head cleaning (to get the patterns perfect before I put it to use on expensive photo paper) on top of that.

Every time the printer does a cleaning cycle, it is moving ink through the heads and dumping it out on a waste ink pad in the bottom of the printer. The printer keeps track of this with an internal counter. When it hits a factory set number, you get the service error and you are supposed to take your printer in and get the pad replaced and the counter reset.

There are waste ink tanks that you can install that take the waste ink out of the printer instead of just loading up the sponge pad. The higher volume printers have these tanks built in.

You can reset the counter with software like this:

http://inkjetprinterhe​lp.us/epsonSSC.html

But you still need to replace the pad at some point or the printer will leak ink.

My point is that I want to do this or install the waste ink tank rather than pay Epson $100 or so to do it (not to mention the hassle of schlepping over to an Epson service center to do it).

J