Digital BW, The Print

Martin asked:

> Banding was a major issue with the 3000 at one time. Is this still
> the case? Did the Piezo driver upgrade eliminate this?

No. Yes it did.
The beta 5.13 and v6 software do a very very nice job
of both separating the ink channels and using a new dithering
pattern which disguises the banding of the original "hardcore piezo" driver.

> If I buy one, probably a refurb at this point, what are the chances I
> will get a good one? How likely am I to get into a cycle of trying to
> exchange printers in hopes of getting a better one?

This (and all the anecdotal stuff) is like the blindmen
and the elephant...

My part of the elephant:
I have 2 3000's that are terrible at paper handling
and piezo inks clog frequently.

> With the Piezo or MIS inks am I likely to have to modify the printer
> by removing pizza wheels, etc.?

Likely, particularly if you can get thicker papers to feed.

> I don't hear much about the 1520. Is this a viable alternative to the
> 3000?

Only prints 13'' wide.

> How difficult is it to fill your own virgin cartridges for the 3000?
> How is it done?

Fairly easy. Just gotta be methodical.
see the MIS site for step by step instuctions



Thanks
Bob