Canon i6500 printhead and possible replacement

[alterego]

I have had this (A3) machine from new - it's about 8 years old, and has worked well, but it seems to have decided that the printhead is worn out, and does the dreaded 7-blink red light routine on switch-on that (I gather) signifies this. I've googled for reset routines, which don't appear to make any difference, and wondered if anyone here knows anything? New printheads are obsolete, apparently, although I did find one for about 140 (!). I did think of trying to get hold of an S900, which was a more common A4 model that had a very similar configuration - BC3e cartridges, 1 black and 3 colour, but it would be a similar age and presumably just as likely to pack up.

I don't mind getting another printer (it will have to be A4 this time) but I doubt I could find one with such easy to refill cartridges. I could just about cope with an HP Officejet 6000 as I assume that everything uses chips these days, but ideally, I would like something with photo black as well as pigmented...

Any ideas/suggestions gratefully received!

 

[wilko]

It all depends on whether or not you want to refill cartridges. What will you be using the printer for, photos, business etc? Do you need an inbuilt scanner for example?

 

[alterego]

Yes, I'd like to refill (I still have plenty of ink!)
No, I don't need an all-in-one.

The HP6000 has a similar ink configuration, with similarly sized cartridges (in XL guise) that I gather are refillable with a bit of chip-swapping, hence the interest. It is an office rather than a home printer, and therefore a bit more robust, or should be. I want it mostly for office duties, but also brochures and photos, so it needs to be good all round, which the Canon was until the heads played up. What is annoying is that it still prints the odd page OK, but then remembers that it thinks the heads are worn out, hence my efforts to reset it...

 

[alterego]

A Canon ip5200 has come up locally (s/h) for reasonable money, and has the 5-colour ink system that I would prefer. I read variable reports of the refillability of the CLI-8 cartridges, but I notice that chipped replacements are available very cheaply on eBay. Has anyone experience of these, or have they refilled the original cartridges successfully? I can live without the ink monitoring with clear tanks, although I read that this method can make the printer flush more often!

 

[wilko]

If the 5200 is in good condition, grab it. Canon printers with the CLI-8 cartridges are far better than the recent models. Make sure you see a nozzle check print out before you buy.

Personally I would stay clear of non OEM cartridges. They are almost always filled with cheap ink and the chip can't be reset (in my experience). You can buy empty Canon cartridges on EBAY and fill them with good quality ink like Image Specialists, OCP or Hobbicolors. Do a search on the forum for recommendations. Also look for the squeasy bottles from http://www.octoink.co.uk. They make refilling so much easier.

I would also go for a CLI-8 PGI-5 chip resetter then you don't have to worry about ink levels. They're reasonably priced.

Older Canon printer cartridges are extremely easy to fill. Have a look round this superb forum for some tips.

Also have a look at the Inkjet FAQs at the top of the page.

Good luck

 

[alterego]

Thank you Wilko. I thought it might be worth having if only because the older kit tends to be better made (i.e. the newer stuff is usually 'cheapened'). Pleased to know a bit more about the CLI-8 cartridges, too - I'll certainly look out for a chip resetter. Thank you for the ink recommendations, too.

 

[alterego]

5200 now bought and, if it's not a rash thing to say, is working beautifully. Much better than the i6500, in fact. It was for sale because the lady of the house didn't like the USB wire across her bedroom...

 

[ghwellsjr]

I have purchased many used printers in the last year and that is the number one reason people say they want to get a new printer--they want wireless.

 

[alterego]

Good for those of us who don't mind wires, then!

I paid 20 for the 5200 - an absolute bargain IMHO.

BTW, what's the German method?

 

[barfl2]

alterego You had a good buy enjoy. for full details of Pharmacist's German durchstich method it is currently No 8 in New Posts underneath your own. Brilliant detail with excellent

photo's. Also Octoinkjet a member here has empty CLI-8 carts at very reasonable prices. This is a brilliant forum so much help from the Members.