However, the ink ran out in no time and costs a fortune. This printer uses 5 of the CLI-221/PGI-220 ink cartridges which contain less ink than previous models. A brief history of the cartridges can be found here.
The CLI cartridges also keep track ink level unlike prior cartridges, so they need to be reset after refilling.
Three options were open to me:
- Refill - I would need ink, syringes, needles, and a reset tool (see this link for refilling with syringes)
- Purchase refillable cartridges and ink (this supplier seemed to be well regarded on nifty-stuff and the website is clear on the parts you need to order) ~$100
- CISS system - from reading the forums, most of these systems work, it's just that the better ones are less of a headache to setup ~$200
I could not actually find a well reputed dealer for CISS systems for Canon MX860. I found a general list here. I'm sure they exist, but in two hours scouring forums and company websites, I couldn't figure out what to buy on these sites... So I went for a kit out of Australia. Rihac was not only well regarded by the Aussies, but their web site is a dream compared to the other companies. They wouldn't take my Amex, but a Visa card worked, though it's $45 for shipping to California!
A few other tid bits I picked up:
- Pigment based inks are better for quality, but tend to gum up the works on converted printers
- Dye based inks aren't as good as pigment based, but less maintenance is required
- The height of the ink tanks in a CISS is important; place them either level with the printer or raised. If they are too low, not enough ink will come out (EDIT: Do NOT raise above the print head!!! I just did this for 3 pages and my orange ink was ALL used on a long, wet smear... arg!).
- Make sure the tubing for the CISS is not getting squeezed. Not enough ink will come out, or in the worst case, the heads will overheat.
In the USA, you can get ink to refill after the CISS runs out from Hobbicolors (on eBay) and Precision Colors.
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