Making an ink-level sensor for an inkjet printer

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

Reply to
Al Deveron
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Sounds like a lot of work and expense for so little gain.

Tom

Reply to
Tom Biasi

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.

Reply to
cbarn24050

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

Al D

Reply to
Al Deveron

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

Reply to
Al Deveron

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

Mr. Bill

Reply to
William Hightower

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.

Reply to
Homer J Simpson

Canon IP4200 Continuous Ink System

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Reply to
CWatters

Use AC

Reply to
CWatters

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.

Al D

Reply to
Al Deveron

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

Reply to
Homer J Simpson

wonder what a nice strong magnet or degausser would do ?

Homer like explosions!

Reply to
Homer J Simpson

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

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Reply to
Michael A. Terrell

None.

Reply to
Homer J Simpson

wonder what a nice strong magnet or degausser would do ?

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Reply to
Jamie

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

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   Jasen
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Reply to
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".

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Reply to
Michael A. Terrell

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

Reply to
Homer J Simpson

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

Reply to
jasen

Some people print a lot of graphics, while others print only partial pages of text. Some people use their printer all day long, causing very few cleaning cycles, while others rarely turn it on and use more ink in cleaning cycles than in printing. Its a lead balloon, it just won't fly.

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Reply to
Michael A. Terrell

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