CFS/CIS for My Epson Printer

[Damond]

Hi,

I would like to know, step by step, how to set up a CFS/CIS ink system for my new Epson 790. What do I need to buy? What is the cost estimate to set up such a system? What is CFS/CIS stands for?--Damond Lam
Hong Kong

 

[mike]

CFS=Continuous Feed System
CIS=Continuous Ink System

As for setup ask these guys

http://www.nomorecarts.com/

Hi,

I would like to know, step by step, how to set up a CFS/CIS ink
system for my new Epson 790. What do I need to buy? What is the
cost estimate to set up such a system? What is CFS/CIS stands for?
--
Damond Lam
Hong Kong

 

[Bob Meyer]

CFS=Continuous Feed System
CIS=Continuous Ink System

As for setup ask these guys

http://www.nomorecarts.com/

and these guys:

http://www.inksupply.com

 

[Damond]

Thanks, Bob & Mike.

CFS=Continuous Feed System
CIS=Continuous Ink System

As for setup ask these guys

http://www.nomorecarts.com/

and these guys:

http://www.inksupply.com

 

[Terry Deadwyler]

Anyone have experiences with either of these systems? Which one seems to be better? The inksupply.com version seems more difficult to install and get working. The nomorecarts.com ink has a note that their inks will not work on resin coated papers. Which papers are those, epson papers?

CFS=Continuous Feed System
CIS=Continuous Ink System

As for setup ask these guys

http://www.nomorecarts.com/

and these guys:

http://www.inksupply.com

 

[Travis]

I hope I can help some, and perhaps the others can fill in the rest...

Anyone have experiences with either of these systems? Which one
seems to be better? The inksupply.com version seems more difficult
to install and get working. The nomorecarts.com ink has a note
that their inks will not work on resin coated papers. Which papers
are those, epson papers?

I don't have "experience" with either one, but I have done a little research in order to determine which one I wanted to buy. Ultimately, I have ordered the CIS system from Nomorecarts. To me, there were a couple of advantages that convinced me: 1) easier to install, 2) uses custom chip that does not need to be reset, and 3) you can use any ink you wish initially without having to flush the carts or buy virgin empties (which aren't really available yet).

For someone who is more mechanically inclined, then you might want to consider the MIS version because it is cheaper. However, the Nomorecarts CIS was right for me because I want a quick and easy setup. Plus, of course, no need to reset the chips!

As for that note about the inks not working on resin-coated papers. That is just if you use the archival inks such as Generations. If you use the OEM equivalent inks from MIS or Mediastreet then you can print on the same papers that you can with Epson's own ink. So if you decide to get a CFS/CIS, you need to decide what kind of ink you will be using: standard lightfast (like Epson's) or archival (like Generations of MIS Archival).

Take care,
Travis

 

[Michael Thomas Mitchell]

I had very little experience with inkjet printers until a couple of years ago. Just after getting my first, I found MIS inks and began refilling. The benefits were imediately realized and I soon installed a CF (continuous flow) system. I did so with reservations, though, because I thought it would be difficult or messy, or that I'd just goof things up. So before ordering, I downloaded the instructions from MIS (Acrobat format). It seemed overwhelming at first, but I soon realized that these guys were just being VERY THOROUGH in their instructions. After reading them TWICE, I ordered the system. Following each of the directions, I installed the system with no problem. In fact, halfway through, I realized how EASY the installation was.

Since then, I've installed 6 CFS systems, including one for the newer printers (875). Never a problem. The newer systems with the chip reset carts require a little extra work because CFS systems cannot be air transported with ink already in the carts (the system draws ink using pressure) and to this date virgin empties are not available. (That may be changing as I type.) I expected the cart preparation to be a pain. Once more, the directions were thorough but easy and I actually enjoyed doing it.

Since I've been please with MIS for two years, I havn't tried others. I won't mess with success. As for not working with resin papers, the company in particular MAY be using pigmented inks, which are great for longevity, but extremely limited when it comes to paper selection. As a rule, pigmented inks and resin-coated (or glossy) papers do not like each other. For non-chipped printers (740, 1160, 1200, etc), MIS offers either standard dye-based inks, which perform, from my experience, exactly like the oem inks, or pigmented archival inks. You can also get greyscale inks for terrific black and white printing. For the newer chipped cart printers, I understand that the new software-based chip reset procedure will open the door for them to offer pigmented and quadtone inksets, but I think they are just for now offering the standard lightfast version. They update their website regularly, so bookmark.

M

CFS=Continuous Feed System
CIS=Continuous Ink System

As for setup ask these guys

http://www.nomorecarts.com/

and these guys:

http://www.inksupply.com

 

[Terry Deadwyler]

Thanks for the responses.....

So you are saying since I have a 1200, I could go with the MIS system and then either go with ink like epson's or go with an archival ink and still use the epson (as well as some kodak) paper that I have?

Since then, I've installed 6 CFS systems, including one for the
newer printers (875). Never a problem. The newer systems with the
chip reset carts require a little extra work because CFS systems
cannot be air transported with ink already in the carts (the system
draws ink using pressure) and to this date virgin empties are not
available. (That may be changing as I type.) I expected the cart
preparation to be a pain. Once more, the directions were thorough
but easy and I actually enjoyed doing it.

Since I've been please with MIS for two years, I havn't tried
others. I won't mess with success. As for not working with resin
papers, the company in particular MAY be using pigmented inks,
which are great for longevity, but extremely limited when it comes
to paper selection. As a rule, pigmented inks and resin-coated (or
glossy) papers do not like each other. For non-chipped printers
(740, 1160, 1200, etc), MIS offers either standard dye-based inks,
which perform, from my experience, exactly like the oem inks, or
pigmented archival inks. You can also get greyscale inks for
terrific black and white printing. For the newer chipped cart
printers, I understand that the new software-based chip reset
procedure will open the door for them to offer pigmented and
quadtone inksets, but I think they are just for now offering the
standard lightfast version. They update their website regularly, so
bookmark.

M

CFS=Continuous Feed System
CIS=Continuous Ink System

As for setup ask these guys

http://www.nomorecarts.com/

and these guys:

http://www.inksupply.com

 

[khanh25955]

Hello all

I am with Mike. I installed the CFS system from MIS w/o reading the instruction (but I did look at my printer carefully before the installation, so I know how to position the ink tubes relative to the ink cartridge so that it won't get in the way in the parked position). When you get all the stuffs, you'll figure out what to do right away.

After the installation, I realize that I didn't use the hot-glue-gun as MIS suggested, I use the bathroom silicon seal to seal off the vent holes and to seal around the inserts. I didn't even check the leaks using the pressure pump as indicated in the MIS instruction. (I was thinking about using that to pump out the OEM ink to suck the MIS ink into the cartridge -- what was I thinking?)

I think the hardest part was to install the color cartridge back into the printer. You need to keep it down or ink will leak out the ink valves. I also took all the tubes apart (instead of them sticking together as the default) to reduce movement resistance to the print head.

The thing works fine (I guess -- I havn't use it much. I get the CFS for the non-shifting ink, not because of the saving, I don't print that much). Next month, I'll print more and will see how that thing hold up.

If I have to do it over again, I would get the CIS instead of the CFS just to get the always-full-chip. However the CIS is about $200 vs $40 for the CFS (the ink is extra in both cases).

-Khanh

P.S I use the 1280 BTW

I had very little experience with inkjet printers until a couple of
years ago. Just after getting my first, I found MIS inks and began
refilling. The benefits were imediately realized and I soon
installed a CF (continuous flow) system. I did so with
reservations, though, because I thought it would be difficult or
messy, or that I'd just goof things up. So before ordering, I
downloaded the instructions from MIS (Acrobat format). It seemed
overwhelming at first, but I soon realized that these guys were
just being VERY THOROUGH in their instructions. After reading them
TWICE, I ordered the system. Following each of the directions, I
installed the system with no problem. In fact, halfway through, I
realized how EASY the installation was.

 

[Steve Mason]

I went with the CIS from nomorecarts. Here's my quick and dirty mini-review of the installation process:

http://members.home.com/masoncomputing/cisreview

Steve

Hi,

I would like to know, step by step, how to set up a CFS/CIS ink
system for my new Epson 790. What do I need to buy? What is the
cost estimate to set up such a system? What is CFS/CIS stands for?
--
Damond Lam
Hong Kong

 

[Michael Thomas Mitchell]

MIS is about to release a simple software reset for the chip. That will truly be terrific. It should be noted, too, that it seems this software reset will also allow standard oem cart users to pull out a few extra full page prints per cart set.

M

If I have to do it over again, I would get the CIS instead of the
CFS just to get the always-full-chip. However the CIS is about
$200 vs $40 for the CFS (the ink is extra in both cases).

-Khanh

P.S I use the 1280 BTW

I had very little experience with inkjet printers until a couple of
years ago. Just after getting my first, I found MIS inks and began
refilling. The benefits were imediately realized and I soon
installed a CF (continuous flow) system. I did so with
reservations, though, because I thought it would be difficult or
messy, or that I'd just goof things up. So before ordering, I
downloaded the instructions from MIS (Acrobat format). It seemed
overwhelming at first, but I soon realized that these guys were
just being VERY THOROUGH in their instructions. After reading them
TWICE, I ordered the system. Following each of the directions, I
installed the system with no problem. In fact, halfway through, I
realized how EASY the installation was.

 

[Kui]

2 questions.

1) I noticed that the clamps have to be out, is there any problem with the ink tank - moving with out clamp ?????

2) is there any hole in the reservoir bottles of those ink ??? . I imagine that the cartridge will suck the ink but if no hole or the way for air to come in the bottle, the ink might not move !

may be 3 questions !

The housing lid, close completely ??? , if I would like to put the rack of ink bottles on the left side , is that possible?

Thanks

Kui

 

[Michael Thomas Mitchell]

The clamps are indeed out. To compensate, felt tabs are afixed to the sides of the carts. No problems.

The system works on a vacuum principle. In fact, it is this principle, unique to Epson, that allows it to work. One of the functions of the glue gun is to actually fill in the holes on the carts. As far as a hole in the bottle, no, there is not one. But it works, so I don't really care. The ink does indeed move.

I see no reason the bottles could not be put on the left. The key is making certain the tubes in the carts can move freely while at the same time to not obstruct the movement of the print head. The right side is what they had, it works, and I havn't changed it.

The lid is best removed. It can put laid over the print when not in use to help prevent dust, but the printer works best uncovered. It's simple to unsnap from the hinges.

M

2 questions.

1) I noticed that the clamps have to be out, is there any problem
with the ink tank - moving with out clamp ?????

2) is there any hole in the reservoir bottles of those ink ??? . I
imagine that the cartridge will suck the ink but if no hole or the
way for air to come in the bottle, the ink might not move !

may be 3 questions !

The housing lid, close completely ??? , if I would like to put the
rack of ink bottles on the left side , is that possible?

Thanks

Kui

 

[JonathanF]

Just want to add something to Michael's reply, based on experience with my 1160 and cfs.

1) The carts sit quite snugly without the clamps. I do not use the felt tabs because I find it too much of a hassle to remove them to "replace" the carts. I use a rubber band to hold the levers to simulate the clamps. I just need to push the levers to simulate replacing the carts.

2) The bottles have no holes, but are not air-tight, allowing air to go in as ink gets sucked out.

3a) MIS recommends having the cover permanently removed, but the system works fine as long as the lid is propped open by an inch. With the lid fully closed, the carts unit hits the lid when in the left-most position.

3b) MIS will sell you the components to design your own system. With the set supplied, you may or may not be able to design an implementation with the bottles on the left. The best thing to do would be to download the installation instructions and think about what alternative installation is possible.

The system works on a vacuum principle. In fact, it is this
principle, unique to Epson, that allows it to work. One of the
functions of the glue gun is to actually fill in the holes on the
carts. As far as a hole in the bottle, no, there is not one. But it
works, so I don't really care. The ink does indeed move.

I see no reason the bottles could not be put on the left. The key
is making certain the tubes in the carts can move freely while at
the same time to not obstruct the movement of the print head. The
right side is what they had, it works, and I havn't changed it.

The lid is best removed. It can put laid over the print when not in
use to help prevent dust, but the printer works best uncovered.
It's simple to unsnap from the hinges.

M

2 questions.

1) I noticed that the clamps have to be out, is there any problem
with the ink tank - moving with out clamp ?????

2) is there any hole in the reservoir bottles of those ink ??? . I
imagine that the cartridge will suck the ink but if no hole or the
way for air to come in the bottle, the ink might not move !

may be 3 questions !

The housing lid, close completely ??? , if I would like to put the
rack of ink bottles on the left side , is that possible?

Thanks

Kui

 

[Steve Mason]

The Nomorecarts SIS system have felt pads that keep the carts pretty snug.

The CIS have small breather tubes to allow air in. They claim much less evaporation than the competition, though I doubt there's really much difference.

You can put a rubber bumper on the lid, to let it partially close, though I think most people just remove the lid. I live with 2 dogs and a cat, so I prefer to keep the lid on, to keep the hair out.

Steve

2 questions.

1) I noticed that the clamps have to be out, is there any problem
with the ink tank - moving with out clamp ?????

2) is there any hole in the reservoir bottles of those ink ??? . I
imagine that the cartridge will suck the ink but if no hole or the
way for air to come in the bottle, the ink might not move !

may be 3 questions !

The housing lid, close completely ??? , if I would like to put the
rack of ink bottles on the left side , is that possible?

Thanks

Kui

 

[Kui]

Thanks for your inputs.

I actually designing my own D.I.Y. CIS/CSF. But not gonna be now or even soon because I just bought 1280. I don't even have an experience with chip reset. Just think about it in the far future !

I actually don't even know yet that my 1280 equipped with anti chip-reset ??

I just planning using a patient-care IV tubing to connect those cartridge. Just only see a tiny bit of window to do it myself.

Thanks again.

Kui

 

[Steve H.]

Is there a huge advantage to using the Archival inks? I mainly print on glossy paper using an Epson 875DC.

Steve H.

Anyone have experiences with either of these systems? Which one
seems to be better? The inksupply.com version seems more difficult
to install and get working. The nomorecarts.com ink has a note
that their inks will not work on resin coated papers. Which papers
are those, epson papers?

I don't have "experience" with either one, but I have done a little
research in order to determine which one I wanted to buy.
Ultimately, I have ordered the CIS system from Nomorecarts. To me,
there were a couple of advantages that convinced me: 1) easier to
install, 2) uses custom chip that does not need to be reset, and 3)
you can use any ink you wish initially without having to flush the
carts or buy virgin empties (which aren't really available yet).

For someone who is more mechanically inclined, then you might want
to consider the MIS version because it is cheaper. However, the
Nomorecarts CIS was right for me because I want a quick and easy
setup. Plus, of course, no need to reset the chips!

As for that note about the inks not working on resin-coated papers.
That is just if you use the archival inks such as Generations. If
you use the OEM equivalent inks from MIS or Mediastreet then you
can print on the same papers that you can with Epson's own ink. So
if you decide to get a CFS/CIS, you need to decide what kind of ink
you will be using: standard lightfast (like Epson's) or archival
(like Generations of MIS Archival).

Take care,
Travis

 

[Steve H.]

I have seen many pics where the cover on the printers has to remain open slightly. Is this still the case with the 875DC?

Thanks,

Steve H.

Since then, I've installed 6 CFS systems, including one for the
newer printers (875). Never a problem. The newer systems with the
chip reset carts require a little extra work because CFS systems
cannot be air transported with ink already in the carts (the system
draws ink using pressure) and to this date virgin empties are not
available. (That may be changing as I type.) I expected the cart
preparation to be a pain. Once more, the directions were thorough
but easy and I actually enjoyed doing it.

Since I've been please with MIS for two years, I havn't tried
others. I won't mess with success. As for not working with resin
papers, the company in particular MAY be using pigmented inks,
which are great for longevity, but extremely limited when it comes
to paper selection. As a rule, pigmented inks and resin-coated (or
glossy) papers do not like each other. For non-chipped printers
(740, 1160, 1200, etc), MIS offers either standard dye-based inks,
which perform, from my experience, exactly like the oem inks, or
pigmented archival inks. You can also get greyscale inks for
terrific black and white printing. For the newer chipped cart
printers, I understand that the new software-based chip reset
procedure will open the door for them to offer pigmented and
quadtone inksets, but I think they are just for now offering the
standard lightfast version. They update their website regularly, so
bookmark.

M

CFS=Continuous Feed System
CIS=Continuous Ink System

As for setup ask these guys

http://www.nomorecarts.com/

and these guys:

http://www.inksupply.com

 

[Travis]

Is there a huge advantage to using the Archival inks? I mainly
print on glossy paper using an Epson 875DC.

The only advantage to using Archival inks is print longevity. Presumably, these inks are formulated so that they hold up better to fading.

The MIS Archival inks, for example, are a combination of dye and pigments. At this stage of inkjet evolution, dyes generally have a better color gamut while pigments generally last longer. By combining the two, MIS attempts to have the best of both worlds. I haven't used these inks personally, so I cannot comment on have successful they are. Presumably, they would work better on glossy papers than 100% pigment inks. And others have commented that the color gamut is quite good. However, they are about twice as much as the normal lightfast OEM-equivalents inks, so they BETTER be longer lasting! ;-)

Generations ink from Mediastreet has also gotten quite a bit of praise. I believe these are a totally pigmented ink so they probably wouldn't work well on many glossy resin-coated papers. However, being all pigments should make them a very good candidate for lasting a long time...

Others will certainly have further, more detailed comments because I've never even used either of the ink systems described. I'm going for the MIS Oem-equivalent inks with my CIS because they are much cheaper and I won't have to be limited to certain papers. Hopefully, they will prove to be much more resistant to orange shifting, however, otherwise I may need to look for another alternative...

Travis

 

[Kui]

I did CIS on my black cartridge yesterday. I made it by my own with a very small tubing. It works just fine even though I have many problems on installation.

My design allow me to keep the housing intact, the tubing go to outside by the vent hole of the printer body, so the lid can close completely and I don't have to remove the cartrdige clamp.

It's working fine with MIS black ink, over next week I gonna install on the color (which is a lot more complicate).

Kui.

P.S. another fact i found is the tubing is so problematic when you want to keep the housing closed, many times that my tube stopped the cartridge from moving and it sounds awful.

Kui