Digital BW, The Print

Hi Ernst,

> So far it is clear that droplet counting is done, at
> least the status monitor relies on it, service warnings as well
> (waste pad),

The waste pad has never been in question, that I KNOW for a fact is a
counter.  It's what part of the status (low or out) relies on droplet
counting that is in question.

> I know from experience
> that empty carts still contain about 20 ml.

Empty, as determined by the printer stopping printing?  I've not gotten to
that point yet...

> And as an industrial
> designer by
> education I think the design makes sense, the counting process isn't
> reliable for 'real empty' warnings as users can insert carts that are not
> full or when the printer isn't on they can insert full carts without
> resetting the counter.

Well, as a mechanical and computer/electrical engineer, who has written
printer drivers, and designed quite a few pieces of electronics gear, I
believe that the mechanical sensor is best for "low", as it is completely
deterministic, and does not rely on a user inserting the cartridge in the
correct order, printer on/off or what.  Counting from the "low" indication
to "empty" does not have to be accurate at all.  This method would make it
so that the solid (empty) could not come on before blinking (low).  The
counting method to low would make it so that low might never even come on!
Now, I'm not saying it does it the way I am suggesting, and that you are
wrong, but I find that the method you believe has flaws.

> BTW, the new 9600, 7600 totally rely on droplet counting. You
> should see the
> complaints on the 9000 list
> about ink left in the carts while the chips say 'empty'. Up to 50% of the
> 110 ml 7600 carts. Call it progress.

Interesting.  How about the other printers that are chipped, is the
experience similar?

> As this discussion will not bring a change in our printing habits
> I think it
> is time for me to stop here. You can have the last word and I
> will read it.

I agree WRT how the 3000 works, as that horse is pretty dead, but I
certainly would like it if you would mind answering my questions above...

Regards,

Austin