to CIS or to refill? to ARC or to disable ink monitor?

[serman]

hello

recently my printing volume increased dramatically and I researched for an economic way to use my Canon IP4300

1) between CISS and manual refilling, I think I choose the latter, not only because it's cheaper, but also, because having the printer opened (so that the tubes come out) and exposing ink to sunlight, make it less appealing solution, even though the ability to easily visually check the ink is wonderful

what's your suggestion? also, I would like to know how messy can manual refilling be and if those syringes that come with those refill kits are ok for the job

2) between ARC chips, chip resetter and just disabling ink monitor, I think I choose the latter, not only because it's cheaper

however I would like to know if there is another way to monitor ink, apart from visually checking the carts, for example a program that will monitor and notify after XX pages have been printed, calculating ink cover of every page, maybe for each color, etc, a reliable printing manager software

if there is no such thing, I maybe turn to ARC chips or chip resetter

your suggestions about these issues or any relevant are appreciated

thanks

 

[qwertydude]

I refill my ip4600, it's not that bad once you get the hang of it. My trick is to refill while the cartridge is still in the printer, it avoids the drips coming out of the ink tank and it's subsequent waste. I bought the generic inkstation refill kit really just for the convenient pieces it comes with, you get rubber plugs (much more durable than the silicone ones that come in the online cheapy kits), the squeeze bottles with ink, and a correct size drill bit for the plugs. Once you get that you're all set. My trick was to cut the slotted tip off the needles so it doesn't get caught when you pull it out after refilling. To refill while in the printer all you need are some tissue or toilet paper, you put the needle in the hole drilled on top and fold up the tissue so that you can put it beside the hole with the needle in it. This catches any splashes and bubbles while you're refilling so you don't make a mess. When you're done you just wipe the top to get any remaining ink off the cartridge and plug it back up. There's minimal mess and ink waste compared to removing the cartridge in which case you need to either let it drip or use the german method which I don't like since you're technically damaging the foam element. I eventually bought needle bottles off ebay since I leave the original refill kit at work so I can refill the printer there.

Oh yeah I run with ink monitoring disabled I just keep an eye out, when the reservoir is out I just refill. I don't rely on the sponge section holding enough ink in reserve even though it probably holds 50% of the ink in the cartridge. This way I stay safe. The only trouble I faced is after around 20 or so refills my sponges quit flowing and needed a good rinsing, I described my method on my first post here, and also I add a drop of dish soap to my inks now to prevent clogging sponges and keep the foam conditioned. About 1 drop for a large 2 ounce refill bottle. I wouldn't want to add the soap to my bulk ink supply, 500 ml stratitec large ink bottles.

 

[serman]

thanks for your reply

any software to monitor ink usage accurately?