Well, I think I've almost figured out how to refill an Epson T044 type =

cartridge, after buggering up the air intake filter on one and sacrificing =
it =

at the altar of the Gods of Reverse Engineering... okay, that would be my =

workbench but natch...

   It looks like the cartridge has some form of air-maze system that preven=
ts =

positive-pressure refilling - i.e. forcing ink into the cartridge. So I =

figure, what about negative pressure refilling -- creating a vacuum inside =
the =

cartridge, then using that vacuum to pull ink into the cartridge.

The only problem is, I need two things:
   - A similar silicone component to fit on the end of the syringe and adap=
t =

it to the fill hole, forming a good air seal around the joint.
   - A decent sized silicone rubber plug of some description to plug the fi=
ll =

hole on the cartridge

   Now I suspect for the adapter I can use a piece of model aircraft fuel =

hose, cut to size, then force that into the hole. The silicone compresses =

around the hole, and forms an air seal. That just leaves the second problem=
 - =

sealing the hole afterwards.

   There's far too much ink around the hole after filling to use any form o=
f =

sticky tape, and what little I remove just leaks out again once I put the t=
ape =

back on. I'd also rather not use hot melt glue as it's likely to be "a bit" =

difficult to remove and the heat might boil away the ink and fudge the =

chemistry up. Plus it's not exactly easy to cut it down to fit in the print=
er =

without breaking the seal.

   The ideal solution would be to take a lump of metal, chop it in two, the=
n =

drill holes in it to serve as a mould. Then pour in some RTV and leave it t=
o =

set. Problem being that neutral-cure RTV is a little too expensive for my =

taste (=A318 for 500g, plus another =A38 for the thickener, or the best par=
t of =

=A340 for a 500g "pack" of both resin and catalyst from Farnell).

   Somehow I don't think normal silicone sealant is going to cut it.. =

especially the acid-cure stuff that's sitting in the shed.

   Unless of course anyone has another ideas?

   I've almost fixed the printer (Epson C86) too, just trying to clear a na=
sty =

blockage in the print head.. I intend to fix it as well as I can, then use =
it =

as a testbed for refill inks before I risk ruining the C64's print head.

   Hmm, I think this project is turning into a bit of a money sink...

-- =

Phil.
piclist@philpem.me.uk
http://www.philpem.me.uk/

-- =

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