My situation is as follows.

I used a CISS listed for a R200 in a R220 due to the fact that they both take the same OEM cartridge

The CIS system is physically installed, tubing, routing, travel clearances checked and set. Not connected to the Computer. (Routine is the same when it is connected to the PC)

The power button is pushed and turns on flashing green, the printer makes a noise as it goes into the start routine.

After going through the initial dance the carriage parks in the home position, with the red ink light and the green power light both on steady.

This would normally indicate an ink supply problem for which the red ink button is pressed. The carriage now moves to the indicator arrow and stops on the black, and each other color at successive intervals as the button is re-pushed. It ends up in the cartridge change location with the red light on steady, the green, flashing.

At this point, the manual directs you to change the required cartridges, close the cartridge cover. Then to close the printer cover and press the ink button.(now the printer should begin charging the ink delivery system)

However, When I do that to mine; it just makes a little noise as it returns the carrier to the home position and parks there with the ink light and the power light on steady.

The new CIS cartridge/chips do not seem to be communicating correctly with the printer. Or do you think that Epson has outsmarted the off brand name providers this time?

In trying to solve this I have followed the advice of 'mike au'

here

http://www.ssclg.com/cgi-bin/netboard/netboardr.cgi?fid=268&cid=267&tid=963&pg=1&sc=20&x=0

With every variation of button pushing and power plug pulling I could think of.

and sneakers tip

here

http://www.ssclg.com/cgi-bin/netboard/netboardr.cgi?fid=268&cid=267&tid=932&pg=1&sc=20&x=0

The R220 only has three buttons, labelled,...... power, button and light;...... paper, button&light; ......ink, button&light. I tried the above button manipulation using these instead of the names suggested by the other posters.

Please excuse the length of this post but I wanted to be clear about exactly what is happening so someone may better analyse my problem. I'll leave it at this for now and hope somebody in some forum is able to come up with help.

My many thanks for any assistance.

Gumby

My guess would be that you have some incompatability with your chips or that the chips aren't working properly.

I'm afraid I personally, have never touched an R220 but have had some similar experiences with the C86 and Ink Republic Chips. Sometimes you need to clean the chips (carefully) and try reseating them to get them to work.

In one instance my solution was to take out the CIS carts and try original Epson ones... go through the usual scenario of letting them prime... Then use the SSC utility to move the carts into the cart exchange position. Swap the carts back to using the CIS ones and then turning off the printer.. leaving for 10 seconds before turning back on.

Either way, I'd first check that there aren't any differences between your existing chips for the R200 and those for the R220... Check with your CIS manufacturer.


On that note, it'd probably help to know who made your CIS...


_________________
Printers: (Canon) MP500/830, MX700, iP4000/4200/4300/4500/5200, iX4000(A3) (Epson) C84/86, D88, CX6600, R285/800/1900 (HP) K550, K850, K5400, L7680

Snailz wrote:

My guess would be that you have some incompatibility with your chips or that the chips aren't working properly.

I'm afraid I personally, have never touched an R220 but have had some similar experiences with the C86 and Ink Republic Chips. Sometimes you need to clean the chips (carefully) and try reseating them to get them to work.

In one instance my solution was to take out the CIS carts and try original Epson ones... go through the usual scenario of letting them prime... Then use the SSC utility to move the carts into the cart exchange position. Swap the carts back to using the CIS ones and then turning off the printer.. leaving for 10 seconds before turning back on.

Either way, I'd first check that there aren't any differences between your existing chips for the R200 and those for the R220... Check with your CIS manufacturer.


On that note, it'd probably help to know who made your CIS...

Snailz....I considered placing the pics on your photo page but wanted your prior opinion. thanks


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage0045.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage0044.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage0101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage0102.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage01024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dref/2005-12-05CISPackage021.jpg

Thank you Snailz.........

I omitted the details earlier trying to conform with your spam policy, which I think is very good.
My system is distributed in Canada by Onyx Electronics on the shelves at the Source "Radio Shack"
Notice the lo-rider cartridges. They make placing cartridges in the carrier much easier.
Support at Onyx Electronics has been quick at responding but as this new to them too the agent needs time to review from his sources also.
I appreciate your time and any assistance you can offer. I also wish you every success with your website. It is a good haven for those of us in a quandary on this topic.

Thanks again Gumby

Your post on the thread for mooseman actually triggered a memory of a conversation I had recently with a refilled cart and CIS manufacturer about chips.

As I remember Epson do use some variations of a code phrase in their chip coding to try and stop aftermarket chips from being useable in their systems.

Chances are what you need to do is request a new set of chips that have been created specifically for the R220 model.

Primarily I'd try your original vendor first but if you're still stuck and they can't help, there are a few other alternative sources you could try... I'll need to look them up for you so let me know how you get on.


_________________
Printers: (Canon) MP500/830, MX700, iP4000/4200/4300/4500/5200, iX4000(A3) (Epson) C84/86, D88, CX6600, R285/800/1900 (HP) K550, K850, K5400, L7680

Good stuff Snailz!!!

I have not had a reply yet from my last query of the vendor but I will copy this thread and shoot it off to him.

So much to learn.......so little time and memory to do it all.... thank you kindly.

Gumby

Gumby, I have a feeling that it might be Epson trying to outsmart us. Since the R220 is a newer model, it might have something to detect non-Epson chips.

Until an auto-resetting chip comes out for your particular printer, you could use an OEM Epson chip (from the original tanks) and use a chip resetter. I realize it will be a PITA to remove the carts, reset them each, re-install and go through the charging cycle (with ink waste) but you may not have a choice.

Another option may be the SSC Service Utility:
http://www.ssclg.com/epsone.shtml
Although I have tried using it's Ink Freezer on my R200, it did not work for me but I had a hard time to disable Epson's printer monitor so that may be the cause. You would have to get a set of new chips (or reset an old set) to put on your CIS carts for this to work.

Unfortunately, both involve some more expense added, unless you already have a chip resetter. But then again, if it really won't work or you can't get it to work, I'm sure The Source will give a full refund.

Good luck.
Mooseman

As an added note, I spotted a chip resetter at Staples/Business Depot for $24.95 in case you're interested. No CISS though.

Thanks for that Mooseman

I hesitate to try the resetter till I find out the direction my vendor takes.
I noticed that Future shop had one for $20 last week also......nearly picked it up.

Gumby

http://www.continuousink.com/proddetail.asp?prod=epson6

Snailz;

Are you familiar with these people?

I finally found a listing that included the R220 which I have.

I also found a user who has just set up a system that looks identical to mine on a R320 with a minimum of fuss and it's working just fine.

I would also like to add that my distributor (Orbyx Electronics) has replied to me stating that he is still waiting for a response from the manufacturer. He apologizes for the delay and will get to me as soon as he has any useful information. As a token of their appreciation for my patience he is sending me an Epson chip re-setter as a gift.



So the jury is still out............but this experience goes to reinforce your post of making sure that there is good support for your product before purchasing or be prepared to handle the aftermath later.

regards, Gumby

It *looks* like one sold on eBay with similar tanks and carts. They could be a reseller of the same product made in China. On their main page, they use the same GIF image showing the animation of an R200 in action with the CIS used by an eBay seller but it's a helluva lot more expensive than on eBay. For that extra money, you might get some service after the sale though.

Just my $0.02.

Mooseman

PS: Still mulling over buying the same kit as yours from the Source. It *should* work since mine is an R200. No rush since I'm still on fresh regular carts so I'll see if you get any satisfaction.