Epson 7600 Switching to Matte Black Mode

Printing for an upcoming show: using Epson matte paper, purchased a new Epson Matte Black ink cartridge. Printer won't allow use until I switch modes; "wrong ink cartridge" warning. Mode switch requires a "Draining ink cartridge" that I don't have, (and uses/wastes a bunch of ink in the other colors)...

Is there a way to install the Matte Black ink cartridge without the mode switching process and the above rigamarole?

Much thanks in advance.

 

Basically no! Epson does a special changeover set which came with the printer when it was new or you can buy cheaply on eBay.

Each change uses a lot of ink because all the lines are purged rather than just the black. Expect it to cost about $50 in ink.

 

Think about this- how does the printer knows that matte black is installed? VIA somekind of a switch? There must be a pin on the cartridge that activates a switch. Take regular and matter cartridges and inspect them - see what' s different. If it is a pin, cut it off and use you matte black. If it is a chip, you can easily scoop the chip off with box cutter and put it on to other cartridge. The only thing you have to be aware of is that remaining regular ink could react with chemicals in matte ink and clog the head. May be not, not likely but possible. Standard procedure of purging the inks out could be for a reason but even doing it right way I dont that there no ink being left in the system at all.

 

I'd advise you to tread very carefully indeed. When Epson print-heads can't be unclogged, the printer is basically scrap because replacement heads are very expensive indeed.

Does Epson specify the complicated black ink routine just for fun? Or is it to make sure that the heads don't clog?

One good friend, who worked as a research chemist for one of the major ink makers, warned me to be very careful when mixing inks: either genuine ink with third-party or different inks from the same manufacturer.