Making an ink-level sensor for an inkjet printer

[Al Deveron]

After refilling one of the Canon inkjets with the newer chipped carts
(ip4200, etc), one loses the ability to monitor the ink levels using
the printer's cirquitry and software. This is unfortunate.

It occurred to me that it would be quite easy to make a low-cost
add-on ink level warning device - comprising a sensor that detects
when the rear portion of the cartridge (the chamber with no sponge
inside) runs dry. This could be achieved with a two-terminal sensor
that detects increased electrical resistance when there is no longer
any ink between the terminals. The terminals could project from the
end of a rod that extends down into the cartridge from the top. It
could be inserted after drilling a hole - one for each cart. The
sensors could cause an LED to light up (one for each cart). It could
also set off a beeper.

If anyone ends up building one, please send me one - or at least the
instructions and component list. I'd do it myself but my knowledge of
electronics is too scant.

Al D

 

[Tom Biasi]

After refilling one of the Canon inkjets with the newer chipped carts
(ip4200, etc), one loses the ability to monitor the ink levels using
the printer's cirquitry and software. This is unfortunate.

It occurred to me that it would be quite easy to make a low-cost
add-on ink level warning device - comprising a sensor that detects
when the rear portion of the cartridge (the chamber with no sponge
inside) runs dry. This could be achieved with a two-terminal sensor
that detects increased electrical resistance when there is no longer
any ink between the terminals. The terminals could project from the
end of a rod that extends down into the cartridge from the top. It
could be inserted after drilling a hole - one for each cart. The
sensors could cause an LED to light up (one for each cart). It could
also set off a beeper.

If anyone ends up building one, please send me one - or at least the
instructions and component list. I'd do it myself but my knowledge of
electronics is too scant.

Al D

Sounds like a lot of work and expense for so little gain.

Tom

 

[[email protected]]

After refilling one of the Canon inkjets with the newer chipped carts
(ip4200, etc), one loses the ability to monitor the ink levels using
the printer's cirquitry and software. This is unfortunate.

It occurred to me that it would be quite easy to make a low-cost
add-on ink level warning device - comprising a sensor that detects
when the rear portion of the cartridge (the chamber with no sponge
inside) runs dry. This could be achieved with a two-terminal sensor
that detects increased electrical resistance when there is no longer
any ink between the terminals. The terminals could project from the
end of a rod that extends down into the cartridge from the top. It
could be inserted after drilling a hole - one for each cart. The
sensors could cause an LED to light up (one for each cart). It could
also set off a beeper.

If anyone ends up building one, please send me one - or at least the
instructions and component list. I'd do it myself but my knowledge of
electronics is too scant.

Al D

I made some of these years ago for the fabric inkjet printers. I used a
thermistor and a PIC. I doubt if it would be economic for a desktop
printer. You may well find that you can reset the chip in the cartridge.

 

[Al Deveron]

I made some of these years ago for the fabric inkjet printers. I used a
thermistor and a PIC. I doubt if it would be economic for a desktop
printer. You may well find that you can reset the chip in the cartridge.

The new Canon chips haven't been cracked yet. To my knowledge nobody
has managed to produce a Canon chip resetter.

Al D

 

[Al Deveron]

Sounds like a lot of work and expense for so little gain.

I do long print runs (4000 sheets). The last thing I want is to have
to sit and monitor ink levels manually. Even one color running out of
ink without my being aware of it could cost me a lot of re-printing
and possibly destroy the print head.

Al D

 

[William Hightower]

What would be the electrolysis effect on the ink?
this is out of the realm of my expertise, just queries.

Mr. Bill

 

[Homer J Simpson]

I do long print runs (4000 sheets). The last thing I want is to have
to sit and monitor ink levels manually. Even one color running out of
ink without my being aware of it could cost me a lot of re-printing
and possibly destroy the print head.

Al D

Consider a bulk kit - external tanks of ink with light hoses. I see them on
eBay for certain printers.

Your chip kit is no good if it doesn't properly reset the cartridge.

 

[CWatters]

After refilling one of the Canon inkjets with the newer chipped carts
(ip4200, etc), one loses the ability to monitor the ink levels using
the printer's cirquitry and software. This is unfortunate.

Canon IP4200 Continuous Ink System

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82502397@N00/140234620/

 

[CWatters]

What would be the electrolysis effect on the ink?
this is out of the realm of my expertise, just queries.

Use AC

 

[Al Deveron]

Consider a bulk kit - external tanks of ink with light hoses. I see them on
eBay for certain printers.

Yes, they are certainly an oprion - although I haven't seen one
advertised for the ip4200.

Your chip kit is no good if it doesn't properly reset the cartridge.

I am suggesting something that works independedntly of the chip, and
the computer. So resetting the cartridge is irrelevant. You can't
reset the chips on Canon cartridges anyway.

Al D

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Yes, they are certainly an oprion - although I haven't seen one
advertised for the ip4200.


I am suggesting something that works independedntly of the chip, and
the computer. So resetting the cartridge is irrelevant. You can't
reset the chips on Canon cartridges anyway.

We'll have to wait for the Russians to figure it out.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

wonder what a nice strong magnet or degausser would do ?

Homer like explosions!

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

wonder what a nice strong magnet or degausser would do ?

The cartridge has an EEPROM that stores the data. What effect do you
think it would have?


--
Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to
prove it.
Member of DAV #85.

Michael A. Terrell
Central Florida

 

[Homer J Simpson]

The cartridge has an EEPROM that stores the data. What effect do you
think it would have?

None.

 

[Jamie]

We'll have to wait for the Russians to figure it out.

wonder what a nice strong magnet or degausser would do ?

 

[jasen]

I do long print runs (4000 sheets). The last thing I want is to have
to sit and monitor ink levels manually. Even one color running out of
ink without my being aware of it could cost me a lot of re-printing
and possibly destroy the print head.

put the sensor "4000 pages" from the bottom of the tank.

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

put the sensor "4000 pages" from the bottom of the tank.

Another of your usual useless replies? You don't use the same amount
of ink with different layouts, and if he was only ever to print one
thing, it would be cheaper to have it done in a larger run on a color
printing press.

Now, tell us, in full detail EXACTLY how to "put the sensor "4000
pages" from the bottom of the tank".


--
Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to
prove it.
Member of DAV #85.

Michael A. Terrell
Central Florida

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Now, tell us, in full detail EXACTLY how to "put the sensor "4000
pages" from the bottom of the tank".

It's easy. Just get a page ruler and measure up 4000 pages.

 

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2006-08-31


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[jasen]

Another of your usual useless replies? You don't use the same amount
of ink with different layouts, and if he was only ever to print one
thing, it would be cheaper to have it done in a larger run on a color
printing press.

Now, tell us, in full detail EXACTLY how to "put the sensor "4000
pages" from the bottom of the tank".

Characterise the ink usage for 4000 pages take the 99th percentile
figure put that much ink in the tank and position the sensor there.

if 1% isn't an acceptable risk go higher.

I think most people who print large volumes print mostly the same sort of
stuff so the 99th percentile may be only a litte more than the mean.

Bye.
Jasen