How to Fix Banding Issues on a Chipless Epson XP15000 After Conversion: Tips and Troubleshooting

Q: After converting my Epson XP15000 to chipless and refilling the ink cartridges using a scale/weight system, I started experiencing banding issues. I've attempted some solutions, like removing the front paper feeder, which temporarily improved print quality. However, I'm still facing challenges with print quality deteriorating after several prints. Can you offer any advice or solutions?

A: Converting your Epson XP15000 printer to a chipless system for ink savings is a smart and innovative approach, though it comes with its set of challenges, such as the banding issues you're experiencing. First, it's important to understand that banding can be caused by multiple factors including firmware adjustments, ink flow inconsistencies, or mechanical modifications like the one you've made by removing the front paper feeder.

The issue you've described with the last half-inch of your prints blurring into a black smudge is likely due to the absence of the star wheel, which is essential for guiding the paper smoothly through the final phase of printing. To mitigate this, you could attach a strip of paper at the end of your printing medium to help the printer maintain traction and properly complete the print job.

Regarding the banding issues that occur after several prints, this could be related to an insufficient ink supply to the printhead, possibly caused by an air bubble trapped in the ink supply system. Ensuring your ink cartridges are properly filled and vented can help, as can performing regular printhead cleaning cycles to ensure ink flows freely.

For more detailed guidance and tips on managing your chipless conversion and maintaining print quality, I highly recommend visiting our YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/@bchtechnologies. Here, we regularly post instructional videos and tutorials that can help DIY enthusiasts like yourself tackle these challenges effectively. Additionally, our website www.bchtechnologies.com offers a wealth of information on printer repair services, parts, and support for your projects. Specifically, if you're considering repairs or adjustments to your printer's components, please visit our dedicated repair service page at https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service/ to ensure that your printer operates smoothly and efficiently.

Lastly, joining online communities and forums can provide you with support and advice from individuals who have encountered similar challenges. Groups on social media platforms like Facebook offer a platform to share experiences, solutions, and encouragement throughout your DIY printer conversion journey.

Your initiative in converting and maintaining your printer is commendable, and with the right resources and support, you can overcome these challenges. Best of luck, and remember, the BCH Technologies team is here to assist you every step of the way.