NOTE (1/11/2013):  There may be an issue with these not recognizing in the Hero 4.2 printer.  We are working with our supplier and when there is an update, it will be noted here.

 

INK TANK – These don’t have a print head attached so DO NOT do the paper towel method.  These cartridges are compatible cartridges and may appear to look different from the OEM.

 

Not Recognizing

 

Verify you have the correct cartridge for your specific model printer.

 

There is a chip located on the back of the cartridges.  Visually check the chip for damage or debris.  A clean, lint-free cloth or Q-tip can be used to gently clean the gold contacts.

 

Try resetting the printer as well.  Remove the cartridges, turn off the printer, unplug the power cord for 10-15 seconds.  Then reconnect the power cord, turn the printer on, and re-insert the cartridges.

 

Verify that the cartridges are being installed correctly and that they are fully inserted into the printer.  If the cartridges do not click down properly then it’s possible for the chip on the cartridge not to make proper contact with the printer sensor.  The black cartridge sits on the left and the color cartridge sits on the right.

 

To remove and install these cartridges in a Kodak Hero 5.1 printer do the following;

–          Lift the top cover, and wait for the carriage to move to the center.

 

–          Pinch the tab on the ink cartridge you are replacing and lift it out of the printhead.

 

–          Insert the new ink cartridge into the printhead.  Black is on the left and color is on the right.

 

–          Press down on the ink cartridge tab until you hear a click.

 

–          Close the top cover.  The printer will purge the new cartridge.

 

 

Click on the YouTube video below to watch a video on removing and installing the cartridges into a Hero printer

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo-lrnJZG-M[/youtube]

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On extremely rare occasions you may get a message to replace the cartridge when installing a new cartridge.  This is not to be confused with a message saying there is a cartridge error or that a cartridge is not being recognized, these are completely different.  If you get an error to replace cartridge, first try the normal troubleshooting such as making sure the chip contacts are clean. If you are willing to try more advanced troubleshooting or need an urgent solution you can try the following;

This “Attention” paper is also included with the cartridges.  In the rare case that the chip has to be scratched the printer will show the same low ink messages as before because it thinks it is the same empty cartridge that was just replaced.

 

 

 

Print Quality Issues

 

There is foil tape that wraps around the cartridge which covers both the vent holes on the top of the cartridge and the ink nozzles on the bottom.  Check to make sure this foil tape has been completely removed from the cartridge prior to installation.

 

Any time there is a print quality issue a printhead cleaning should be performed.  To perform the printhead cleaning on the Hero 5.1 do the following;

–          Press HOME

–          Press ▼ to select MAINTENANCE, then press OK

–          Press ▼ to select CLEAN PRINTHEAD, then press OK

 

If the first cleaning does not resolve the issue it may be necessary to run a second cleaning.  Printhead cleanings should be done sparingly as they do consume ink.

 

The printhead is a separate, replaceable, maintenance item and after a certain period of usage it will need to be replaced.  You can however perform the paper towel method on the printhead itself to try to clear up any clogged nozzles if the printhead cleanings are not resolving the print quality issues.  To remove the printhead to perform the paper towel method do the following;

–          Lift open the cover, and wait for the carriage to move to the access position.

 

–          Remove both ink cartridges and set them aside.

 

–          Unlatch the printhead by lifting the button.

 

–          Lift the printhead out of the carriage.

 

Click on the YouTube video below to watch a video on removing and installing the printhead from the Kodak Hero printer

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23gR0ywO6_0[/youtube]

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–          The printhead is located on the bottom.  Take a warm damp paper towel or coffee filter and blot the cartridge with the print heads facing down onto the paper towel to remove the dried ink on the print head. Then, taking a DRY paper towel or coffee filter, hold the cartridge down against the paper towel for 2-3 minutes. A dry paper towel will wick the ink out.

 

 

Click on the YouTube video below to watch a video on performing the paper towel method on the Kodak printhead

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP7Pf6wjGG0[/youtube]

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–          Place the printhead into the carriage.

 

–          Push firmly against the target label of the printhead until you hear a click.

 

–          Insert the ink cartridges into the carriage.

 

–          Press down on the ink cartridge until it clicks.

 

–          Close the cover.

 

Not Fitting

 

Verify you have the correct cartridges for your specific printer model.  Make sure you are installing the black into the left slot and the color into the right slot.  Check inside the carriage for any debris which may be obstructing installation.  Make sure the foil tape was removed the cartridge.  Check the cartridge itself for physical damage.