How does an Autoreset Chip work

Informations about cartridge chips / autoreset chips

The Chip of the Original Cartridge, Using Epson® Printers as an Example

The chips in original cartridges primarily serve the purpose of making it difficult for users to use alternative third-party inks in the printer. Each color channel of the printer has its own unique color identification, preventing the cartridges from being swapped. In Epson® printers, the individual colors are identified by a specific digit within the cartridge number.

Generally, the colors are assigned the following numbers: 

Special Colors: 

The Auto-Reset Chip in Refillable Cartridges, Using Epson^® Printers as an Example

A refillable ink cartridge equipped with an auto-reset chip functions somewhat differently. These refillable cartridges have various designations, such as: 

RCS Cartridges (Refillable Cartridge System)
Fill-In Cartridges
QuickFill Cartridges
Mini CIS or Mini CISS

Such cartridges are typically equipped with auto-reset chips that allow the cartridge to be reused indefinitely. When the ink counter reaches the minimum level, further use is initially blocked, just like with the original cartridge. However, by briefly disconnecting the cartridge chip from the printer electronics—either by turning off the printer or removing the cartridge—a short electronic impulse "reprograms" the cartridge chip. When the cartridge is reinserted, the printer believes it has received a new original cartridge. The ink counter resets to 100%, and the cartridge is ready for use again.

Currently, once the minimum ink level is reached, the printer issues an error message stating that it does not recognize the cartridge XXXX. This happens when the electronic ink level reaches zero. Printing is only possible again once the chip has been "reset." The reset is triggered by lifting the cartridge out of the printer.

At this point, do not forget to refill the cartridge completely!

After reinserting the cartridge and pressing the cartridge button on the printer, the ink level on the printer display will reset to 100%.

NOTE:

Resetting a refillable cartridge is (unfortunately) only possible when the printer has previously reported the cartridge as unrecognized! An intermediate reset is not possible, even if a small yellow triangle appears indicating that the cartridge is almost empty. Removing the ink cartridge in the meantime to refill it completely will not change the ink level display. The printer has no knowledge of the actual ink volume inside the cartridge and relies solely on the ink counter data.

For this reason, it is very important to ensure that there is always enough ink in a refillable cartridge. Always completely refill the cartridge at each reset to prevent it from running empty. 

Black Ink Switching Between Matte-Black and Photo-Black Not Possible

Many Epson® photo and large-format printers require switching the corresponding black ink cartridge when changing paper types, such as from matte to glossy paper. During this switch, some ink is always purged—typically 1ml when switching from Photo-Black to Matte-Black and up to 3ml when switching in the opposite direction.

If the ink counter of the target cartridge happens to be below the required purge amount, the printer will issue a message stating that the black ink switch is not possible. At this point, an ink cartridge with a sufficient ink level must be inserted.

 For example:
If you are currently printing with Matte-Black and want to switch to Photo-Black, but the Photo-Black cartridge chip reports a level of 2.9ml, the printer will prevent the switch because 3ml is required. Since the printer relies on the cartridge chip’s data rather than the actual ink content, simply refilling the cartridge will not resolve the issue. Additionally, a reset is not possible because the electronic minimum ink level has not yet been reached.

Here our reminder again:
This is not about the actual ink content in the cartridge, as the printer has no knowledge of that. It relies on the information provided by the cartridge chip. So, simply removing the cartridge and refilling it doesn’t help, as it doesn’t change the ink counter. Additionally, the cartridge cannot be reset at this point since the electronic minimum ink level has not yet been reached.

To avoid this situation, it is advisable to have a second set of refillable cartridges for Matte-Black and Photo-Black or another compatible ink cartridge with the necessary ink level.
However, there is another point to consider. Make sure that you also print down the existing MK and PK cartridges from time to time so that the counter reaches zero and the cartridge can be reset. If you do not do this, in the worst case, you may end up with four cartridges with a minimal fill level that no longer allows for a black ink switch.

But there is still one point to consider. Make sure to occasionally print down the existing MK and PK cartridges to the point where the counter reaches zero and the cartridge can be reset. If this is not done, you could end up with four cartridges with a minimal ink level, which would prevent a black ink change later on.

Depending on how low the ink level is at the time of an attempted switch, there might be a possibility to still perform the switch. In the printer menu (printer display), there is a so-called economy function that allows reducing the ink consumption from 3ml to 1ml. 

For the Surecolor SC-P600, it works like this:

Menu:
Printer Settings > BK Cartridge Setting
1: Normal*
2: Save Ink

Choose Save Ink to reduce the amount of ink used when switching black ink types. However, note that this may lead to uneven gloss in areas printed after switching the black ink.

Choose Normal to ensure adequate print quality after switching the black ink.

If the ink cartridge is already near the end, e.g., at 0.9ml, this economy function will not allow flushing anymore.

Additional Notes on Auto-Reset Chips Used in Our Ink Cartridges

Our ink cartridges can always be used in mixed operation with existing original cartridges!
Although many third-party refillable and compatible cartridges may look identical at first glance, the differences often lie in the details. Many commonly available compatible ink cartridges and refillable cartridges have simple electronic programming, which has disadvantages:

Mixed operation with original cartridges is not possible; the entire set must always be replaced. This wastes expensive original ink since all cartridges must be removed when inserting refillable cartridges.

The ink cartridges may not be recognized by the printer at all, resulting in immediate error messages.

Not all refillable cartridges are the same.
Just as with refill systems, quality varies widely—from cheap to even cheaper. While saving money is great, going too far in cutting costs can lead to frustration and constant printer issues.

 
DISCLAIMER
We expressly point out here that manipulating ink cartridges and printers is done at your own risk and we assume no liability for any damage or injuries caused by these instructions. 
The instructions and information described above are to be understood as suggestions and the use of them is voluntary and is the responsibility of the user. We assume no liability or guarantee for damage or consequential damage to printers, printer parts, tools, furniture and products used by farbenwerk. When working on printers or printer parts, there is always a risk of damage if handled improperly. Assumption of costs and claims for damages (e.g. operational failure of a printer) are hereby expressly rejected.