"JUST SAY NO" TO FIRMWARE UPGRADES FOR YOUR PRINTER!

Many of our customers have asked us about firmware updates and the difference between firmware and software.  In that regard, we will address those issues and why it is important to "Just Say No" to firmware updates.  Let's begin with the difference between firmware and software.

Software is an all encompassing term that refers to data stored in your hardware/computer.  Generally, it is associated with programs stored in your hardware like MS Word or Adobe.  In most cases the user has access to the software and can make changes, or delete, the software as needed.  Although firmware is in fact software, it is distinctly different.

Firmware is a much smaller version of software that is not accessible to the user and is embedded in the actual hardware itself like printers or externals devices.  It is almost impossible to make changes to firmware and it is almost never changed.  However, not all firmware updates are bad.  So why say no to firmware?

Firmware is a tool used by printer manufacturers to prohibit customers from using aftermarket or refilled products.  In most cases, you will be given a prompt on your computer like, "firmware update available, click OK to accept."  Once you accept the update, it can not be undone or removed!   So, we recommend that you avoid accepting firmware updates as it could potentially keep you from using refill or compatible cartridges.

As mentioned, in most cases you will be prompted to accept the update.  However, with some of the newer printers, the firmware update will automatically load whenever your printer and computer are turned on and connected.

Finally, some reminders:

1. Look on the printer manufacturers website to find the latest firmware updates and read what the manufacturer says the update accomplishes.  As a general rule, if you don't understand it don't install it!
2. Using compatible and/or refill cartridges DOES NOT invalidate your printer warranty.
3. Failing to install firmware updates DOES NOT invalidate your printer warranty.  HOWEVER, trying to remove a firmware update may impact your printers operation and WILL invalidate your warranty.  

If you have questions on firmware updates, please call our store and we will investigate it for you.  

SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT BY USING RE-MANUFACTURED CARTRIDGES FROM CARTRIDGE WORLD!

COMMON ISSUES WITH INKJET PRINT CARTRIDGES AND TIPS TO FIX THE ISSUES

There are two common problems related to ink printer cartridges and simple tips you can try to revive your cartridges at home.

PROBLEM 1: Streaky or faint print from your printer cartridge.

You try to print, but the output is streaky or faint even though you know that there is still ink in the cartridge. Perhaps your printer has not been used for a while or you have not been printing in color. What ever the reason you feel that the cartridge is still not empty but the printing is not acceptable.

PROBLEM 2: Cartridge not recognized.

You install a printer cartridge or go to use an existing cartridge and the printer reports that it does not recognize the printer cartridge installed. A message on the printer or your computer screen asks you to re-install the printer cartridge.

We will address both of these problems and possible solutions but first a quick cartridge primer.

Integrated Print Head Cartridge Primer
A print head printer cartridge is composed of a tank, and electrical strip with contacts and a print head.





The tank is the physical body of the cartridge and contains the ink suspended in a sponge. The print head is where the ink comes out onto the paper through hundreds of little holes called nozzles. The contacts are connections to the printer which are used to communicate with the cartridge and tell it which nozzles on the print head to fire.

Dirty contacts or print head nozzles may cause streaky print as well as cartridge recognition issues in your printer. The solution to both of these problems is to clean the print head and the electrical contacts on the cartridge. It's quick, easy and effective. It may help you save money by allowing you to revive your cartridge at home instead of buying a new one. It may help you save time, by eliminating an unnecessary trip to the store for a new cartridge.

SOLVING PROBLEM 1: Streaky or faint printing

If the cartridge is not empty, the most common cause of faint or streaky printing is a clogged print head. Over time, ink can accumulate on the print head and can dry up. This blocks the tiny nozzles through which new ink shoots out onto the paper. As a result, ink destined for paper gets stuck in the sludge which has built up on the print head. Cleaning the print head is easy.

First take a sheet of a paper towel and fold it 2 or 3 times to increase thickness. Slightly dampen a paper towel with some distilled water. Do not over saturate the paper towel. One or two sprays from a spray bottle should be sufficient. If the paper towel is fully saturated with water, it will not draw the ink out of the cartridge. It is important to use distilled or purified water as regular tap water contains a lot of minerals that could further clog the print head.



Wipe the print head using the paper towel while applying gentle to moderate pressure to the cartridge. Wipe along the length of the cartridge.




The print head should look clean and shiny after you have cleaned it. If there is too much ink on the print head, use AN extra paper towel as needed. It may help to wipe in one direction and use a clean part of the moist paper towel for each wipe.


After you have cleaned the print head, take a new paper towel, fold it again and spray some water on it. Hold the new paper towel against the print head with your thumb. Again, two sprays from the spray bottle should be sufficient. The moist paper towel will wick the ink from the cartridge and cause ink to flow through the print head thus priming it after cleaning. Hold the paper towel against the print head with your thumb for about 30 seconds.

SOLVING PROBLEM 2: Cartridge not recognized

The strip and the contacts on a typical print cartridge are made out of copper. In time, copper oxidizes and blocks the transfer of current. Also ink and dust can accumulate over time, blocking good contact with the printer. When this occurs the printer may suddenly stop recognizing the printer cartridge or produce unacceptable prints. Here is a method to easily clean the contacts on your cartridge.

Using the eraser of a standard NO2 pencil, carefully rub the electrical contacts applying moderate pressure. You will notice that the copper oxidation will be removed by the eraser and the contacts will turn golden color. When rubbing, be careful not to cause the edge or corner of electrical strip to curl up. If your eraser is not new, make sure that the metal eraser holder does not scratch or cut the electrical strip. Such a scratch or cut can damage the contacts and render the cartridge useless. In some newer HP cartridges there is a hollow space behind the electrical strip. Be careful not to puncture the electrical strip by pressing too hard while over the hollow space.

Next, moisten a paper towel with some isopropyl alcohol and clean over the contacts to remove any eraser shavings that may have been left from the previous step. DO NOT use alcohol to clean the print head.



Make sure to only apply alcohol to the electrical contacts on one side of the printer cartridge.

The print head and electrical contacts are clean now and your cartridge can be re-inserted into the printer for use. If you continue to have problems, bring the cartridge into the store for a more thorough test.









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CARTRIDGE WORLD IS COMMITTED TO STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS

CARTRIDGE WORLD EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Cartridge World Vancouver understands the challenges of cash strapped schools, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.  As an independently owned and operated business, we value our community and support our local schools.  That is why we have dedicated programs to help K-12 educators save, and help schools raise money.

Our educational programs include:

1. EDUCATOR DISCOUNT - K-12 faculty and staff members receive an additional 10% discount on inkjet or laser cartridge refill.  Just show your school identification at the time of purchase.
2. RECYCLE REWARDS - By collection empty printer cartridges and returning them to Cartridge World, you can quickly earn much needed support for your school's programs.
• Here is how to start:
1. Contact our store at 360-882-4465
2. Promote the program to your group members with flyers and wall posters.
3. Bring the cartridges you collect to the store and we will send your a check!

"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel" Socrates

PRINT CARTRIDGE RECYCLING AND RE-MANUFACTURING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Cartridge recycling remains an important initiative for Cartridge World  in Portland & Vancouver.  Here are a few facts that will help illustrate the critical nature of our recycling program:  

• Each cartridge can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
• Every re-manufactured laser cartridge saves nearly 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic from being deposited in landfills. 
• About 60 printer cartridges are used each second worldwide.

This is unbelievable but true.  So what should we recycle?

Here is what the owner of the stores in Portland and Vancouver, Rick Jarvis, has to say about cartridge recycling.

Recycling and re-manufacturing  are the best ways to support the Green programs nationwide.  This is particularly true for business owners.  So let us help you with your business printing sustainability and cost cutting measures. 

Together we can make everyday Earth Day!

                            

FACTS ABOUT INK AND PAPER

 Ink contains 4 basic elements. These elements include a:

• Coloring agent which is either a dye or a pigment.

• Carrier body (water).

• Solvent that keeps it liquid until it leaves the print-head.

• Various chemical stabilizers.

If the coloring agent is a dye, it is a chemical solution. Pigment is a mineral oxide, ground exceptionally fine, and put into a chemical compound. The dye or pigment is then added to a respective carrier body, water, or solvent. Ink may be composed of seven to fourteen chemicals.

Facts about Paper

Paper is composed of cellulose fibers from trees and other like materials. During the paper making process, the fibers form a mesh with 60% of the fibers running in one direction and the other 40% lying at right angles. Paper is, on average, about 5% water. This moisture prevents the paper from being brittle.

Paper is chemically treated and finished based upon the end use. For example, newspaper is a very coarse paper. Bond paper, used for office correspondence, is a high-grade paper with many finishing chemical additives.

How Ink and Paper Work with Each Other

Dye-based inks soak into the cellulose fibers. These inks provide vibrant hues and a wide

range of colors. If the paper becomes wet, the colors will wash off or if exposed to sun

light it will fade.

Pigment-based ink behaves differently. The ink is projected onto the paper, the carrier

body evaporates, and the pigment adheres to the paper fiber. This results in a crisp and

sharp image. Documents printed with cartridges containing pigmented inks are much

more light fast and water fast as compared to dye based inks.

Different grades (quality) of paper affect print results for the same inks. Paper left in

humid areas absorb moisture. This increases water content of the paper and can adversely

affect the way ink is absorbed by the paper. This may cause the ink to “bleed”, “feather”

or smear.

Judging print quality of test prints from refilled cartridges is subject to the inspecting

person. It is therefore important to always use the same brand and grade of paper in order

to eliminate the paper as a variable.

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

Welcome to the Cartridge Buzz  for the Portland-Hawthorne and Vancouver-Fisher's Landing stores. As a local business, our goal is simple; to provide you with up to date information on services and products to help you save money and meet your printing needs.  We will accomplish this through this periodic blog that will include information on printer maintenance, product comparisons and advances in printing technology. 

HAZEL DELL CUSTOMERS

We would like to welcome the customers from the Hazel Dell location.  We know that many of you were long time customers and we hope you will provide us with the opportunity to continue to serve you.  We promise to meet or exceed the customer service you enjoyed at that location. 

MEET THE OWNERS

Cartridge World Fisher’s Landing is owned and operated by Rick and Charlotte Jarvis.  Rick and Charlotte have been in the Cartridge World business since 2005 and also own a store in Portland.  They are both dedicated to customer service and go the extra step to ensure you have what you need for your printer.  They are experts in the field and can answer most all of your questions.

DOING PRINTER RESEARCH – (Published by Cartridge World USA, 2013)

When purchasing a printer, business owners and consumers may be overwhelmed with the multitude of options available. Currently, major printer brands are manufacturing more than 350 printer models at a time. Cartridge World’s team of home and office printing pros can make the buying decision easier by matching customers with printers that fit their needs.

Before purchasing a printer, customers should seriously consider what functions the printer needs to perform. From there, Cartridge World can determine a printer model that meets those needs without costing a fortune upfront or in the future on ink and toner cartridges. Below is a list of common printer types to help narrow the search.

Single-function inkjet printers: If color printing is important, inkjet printers often are the smartest choice. These printers can be inexpensive; however, the cost for replacement ink varies widely by model.

Single-function laser printers: Laser printers are usually a good fit for a small but bustling office that prints mostly text and business graphics. They print documents quickly, have larger paper trays than inkjets and use toner instead of ink, which can save money.

Multi-function printers: In addition to printing, multi-function (or all-in-one) printers offer additional features such as copying, scanning or faxing. Both inkjet and laser printers are available as multi-function models. The printers can save space, which may be beneficial in a home or small office. Larger business-sized multi-function printers provide additional business-friendly features. These printers use affordable consumables that save businesses money.

Photo printers: Dedicated photo printers are a type of inkjet printer designed to produce high-quality photos in a variety of sizes, often larger than the standard 8.5-by-11 inch size.

Which printer is best for you?  If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact our staff.  They will help you decide which type of printer is best based on your particular needs.

Contact Information

Cartridge World Fisher’s Landing                                      Cartridge World Hawthorne

2100 SE 164th Ave, #D104                                                    3962 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Vancouver, WA                                                                       Portland, OR

(360) 882-4465                                                                       (503) 231-7900

Store Hours:                                                                          Store Hours:

M-F  10 am to 6 pm                                                                M-F  10 am to 6 pm

Sat   10 am to 4 pm                                                                Sat   10 am to 4 pm

Closed Sunday                                                                       Closed Sunday