Epson Stylus NX430 - Firmware update reversal

[PeteRam]

Hi folks,

Only signed up today after this site was recommended to me. I never would have thought there would be a forum set up solely for printers - amazing!

I have an Epson Stylus NX430 and unfortunately the firmware was updated to the latest version (ST01D4.63.63) using the Epson iPhone App. Was a stuff up on my behalf, thinking I was updating the App and not the printer firmware. As you would all likely be aware this means I now get the dreaded 'Cannot recognise cartridge' error.

I've got some new ink on the way but I have a bunch of after-market ink here that I would love to be able to use if possible.

I've searched for the last couple of days on a way to role back the firmware without success. Tried WICReset, however firmware mods are not available for this model. Have also contacted Epson, but don't expect a reply.

This issue has certainly been discussed here but not for this model. There does not seem to be any answer, short of not updating the firmware, which obviously won't help me.

So is there a way that I can role back the firmware on this printer to allow the older after-market ink to work again?

Many thanks in advance for your time.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

I'm only aware of WIcReset to restore the firmware on particular models, mostly newer ones apparently.
The only other possibility may be to swap the motherboard from a model which is offered as defect with a clogged printhead on Ebay, at a low scrap price. It could be that such unit didn't get such update yet.

 

[PeteRam]

Thanks. As mentioned I did try WICReset, however the program doesn't support my printer. Not a bad idea regarding replacing the motherboard, although it's a fair bit of effort to find a scrap one at a good price.

I've received info from some sellers on eBay that their after-market ink cartridges will work with the latest updates. For the money it's worth a try.

As a side note, the info from the printer (Printer Monitor/Information) is advising that it is only the colour cyan that is 'not genuine' and that all others are 'genuine'.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

I think that the printer firmware is blocking old date codes of cartridges, and if you are using refill cartridges that can create a problem when a firmware update is now blocking datecodes which could be used with the previous version. That would be easier with 3rd party cartridges if they are up to date. I remember a situation with a dealer that he was shipping cartridges for over 2 years with the same mfg date code which should become visible in the status monitor, some versions have an additional detailed view. That would be a return reason if the new cartridges wouldn't work as promised.

 

[PeteRam]

That was my way of thinking as the seller does have a 'money back guarantee'. The firmware update that was pushed to the printer appears to have been released in 2013, so I'm guessing the restriction must have been overcome otherwise one wouldn't think the sellers would still be advertising the product with the 'guarantee'.

Admittedly the after-market cartridges I already have here would be going on 2-3 years old. I got them at a very good price back then so bought a bundle and never quite got through them all. I'd be happy to throw them (considering what I paid) if the newer after-market inks work.

I'll post an update when they arrive.

 

[websnail]

Given all the info in the other posts it sounds like you have most of the options covered. I don't have direct experience of the US compatible chip side of things but given the dates, etc... you should find there's a set of compatible ARC's (Auto Reset Chips) that will work with this firmware.

Failing that though, the NX430 is old enough and cheap enough that Craigslist and other cheap n' cheerful outlets should have plenty of second hand versions knocking about.

Oh and one thing to try is to disable the status monitor via Printing preferences > Maintenance > Speed & Progress > Disable status monitor version 3 (or thereabouts).

If the lock up is driver based through the status monitor that'll clear that side of things.

 

[PeteRam]

A small update while waiting on the new ink to arrive:

I received a reply from Epson, basically saying 'you need to use genuine ink' - no surprise there.

So I thought I'd try and re-install all the old drivers from when it was previously working prior to the updates. I removed all drivers/programs/etc related to Epson, removed all ink from the printer and disconnected the wifi connection to prevent it from connecting to the net.

I re-setup the printer as per the drivers etc that came with the initial installation CD and when the Epson Status Monitor requested access to the internet I declined. Re-installed some old after market ink that I had on hand here and voila - the printer is operational again. I set up an additional wifi connection and it still operates without issue.

While I doubt the firmware in the printer has been downgraded during this process, it does suggest that even with 'restrictive' firmware these printers should still work. It also suggests that the ink check is conducted by either the later version driver or in some why by a later version the Status Monitor. Either way it was appear to occur after it connects to the internet. I have now also 'disabled' the status monitor as per websnails advise above to prevent this connecting.

So to anyone having similar issues it may be a case of 'starting from scratch' to get it working again.

 

[Emulator]

That's what we like to hear, success of mind over technology! Well done.

 

[The Hat]

Congratulations on you finding a work round for your printer and getting it back working again.
But it has to be said again loudly, IF YOUR PRINTER IS WORKING PROPERLY THEN DON’T DO A FIRMWARE UPGRADE
It will solve nothing in your favour, so leave well enough alone and you’ll be just fine without it.

 

[websnail]

So I thought I'd try and re-install all the old drivers from when it was previously working prior to the updates...

Mea Culpa, I completely forgot about the driver re-installation trick.

It's only your post that has reminded me of an unconfirmed report of success with this tactic some months back.

Great to hear you figured out a fix and really appreciate you sharing the info' as does everyone else.

Cheers