Epson 1290 odd behaviour

[tom_f77]

I'm using an Epson 1290 with a continuous ink system from MIS and their UT2 inks.

I've just about got the hang of it now; at least I've got to the point where I can make a print from a scan of BW400cn that is better looking than anything I can do in the darkroom at my current skill level with other than a perfect (and easy)negative.

BUT it started leaking extra blobs of ink at regular intervals across prints yesterday; disaster.

Anyone seen this? Is it something that can be fixed? I bought the printer used and converted it so maybe it's just had it; I know inkjets don't last forever...

Any advice welcome before I buy a new one (the results are totally convincing!).

Thanks,

Tom

 

[EricC]

I too have had this problem with my 1290 with continuous inking system.
It was due to excess ink building up at the front of the printer by the rollers where the paper exits the printer, and as the paper was coming out it was picking up the excess and smearing across the print.
I just cleaned everywhere with kitchen towel and let it dry for a few hours.
Maybe you problem is similar.

E.

 

[tom_f77]

Sounds plausible - I will have to investigate tonight... I tried to peer in and work out what was happening; it did look as though it was printing the blobs rather than spilling them, but it's hard to see what's going on in there.

And I have had other less serious instances of blobs in the margin at the trailing edge of the paper which would probably have to be as you describe. I'll try cleaning it up.

Did you take it apart to do this?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[EricC]

Did you take it apart to do this?

Thanks,

Tom

No i just opened the front and did it that way. I did'nt feel like messing around with the CIS and getting ink everywhere.😀

E.

 

[tom_f77]

Thanks Eric; I'll have a go at it tonight. It does look potentially messy; I'll be careful... 🙂

 

[EricC]

No problem.
I hope that you manage to get it sorted.🙂
Good luck.

E.

 

[tom_f77]

Hmmm. I've had another look now... There is only a trace amount of ink around those rollers, and the blobs on prints have definitely come from the top. I think the problem must be to do with the heads somehow.

Anyone know if it's possible to get in there and see what's what? I can get the cartridges out but that doesn't really reveal anything useful...

Thanks

Tom

 

[tom_f77]

Got it. From the MIS website:
----------
Loss of Siphon Break-
Without a siphon break, the ink can start to flow from the bottles into the printer on its own, making a huge mess...
----------

Just run the printer with the lids of the bottles for a bit to draw some air into the tubes and away you go.

That's a relief; I was just starting to get the hang of it.

Tom

 

[EricC]

Hi Tom,
Excellent news.
Hope you continue to enjoy the printer.
All the Best
E.