[Ham-Computers] RE: Cleaning Print heads.

[Hsu, Aaron]

Unclogging the print heads can be relatively easy or difficult, depending on
the cartridge type.  All-in-one carts (such as HP's) have the heads as part
of the cartridge - replace the cartridge and the heads get replaced too.
Also makes it easy to clean the heads when necessary.  Printers with
ink-only carts are a bit more difficult to unclog as the heads are mounted
in the printer.

In general, for HP style carts (all-in-one), put a 1:10 solution of ammonia
and hot water in a shallow dish/plate/bowl and soak the heads in it.  JUST
THE HEADS...don't submerge the whole cartridge!  The ink should dissolve and
flow into the solution.  Move it around a couple of times while it's
soaking.  After a minute or two, take the cartridge out, blot the heads
(don't wipe or rub!) on a clean paper towel, put the cartridge back in the
printer, and initiate the printer's priming cycle.  If a minute wasn't
enough, try a 15 minute soak.  Last ditch effort is about 2 hours.

For permanently mounted heads, find a plastic syringe and put a drop of the
1:10 solution in the feed well (for each color, if multi-cart color), and
then prime the printer.  If this doesn't work, the printer may need surgery
to remove the heads for cleaning (not for the timid).  At this point, it
might not be worth the effort.  To avoid bad clogs on these types of
printers, always keep a print cartridge installed; the cart will keep the
heads "wet" (for a while).  Also, turn off the printer if it won't be used
for a while; these printers usually "park" the heads on a rubber pad that
helps prevent the heads from drying out.  I use to leave my Epson printer on
24/7 even though I only used it a couple times a week.  The heads got
clogged up pretty quick and I soon learned to turn the printer off when not
needed.  One of my Epsons was off for 6 months and only 2 nozzles clogged -
a regular priming cleaned them easily.

For more info, there's lots of info on nozzle cleaning on the web.  Google
using the keywords "unclog" "inkjet" "heads" "ammonia" and you'll find lots
of info.  Add your printer's manufacturer to narrow down the search.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Isbell [mailto:millenniumfalcon@cableone.net]
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2003 3:13 PM
To: ham-computers@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Cleaning Print heads.


I have several various ink jet printers that I have retired over the 
years.  Most were retired when the print head got plugged from disuse. I 
have an old HP Laser Jet that I use for B&W and the color printers 
(because of the cost of ink) sit a lot. 
Is there a way to clean a printer head when it gets beyond the point of 
the built in "cleaning" process or in the alternative, is there a way to 
keep the printers sitting around without gumming up?

I have several old Epson and Cannon inkjets that I would like to 
resurrect but Ill be damned if I will pay more than the price of a new 
printer just for a NEW print head.



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