Epson SX415 Printer - problem with print quality

[dunwerkin]

My machine is only a year or so old and now won't recognise the red ink cartridge and is also printing in stripes of type with blank spaces inbetween. Having done all the usual Charging Ink routine (which drinks ink like mad) and changing the cartridges it hasn't improved. (Yes I have been using look-alike cartridges and they have been fine up to now).

What would you canny people out there recommend - getting it fixed by a professional or biting the bullet and getting a replacement? I don't need anything flash, but a printer/copier would be best for me. Anyone any recommendations for a budget machine that uses ink economically?

Thanks for your time.

[Count-A-Strong]

Just do a search on here and you will find dozens of threads saying that Epson printers don't work with anyone roses cartridges. You might be lucky and find that it works if you switch back to Epson ones. Kodak printers now have low cost cartridges.

[sophie_1003]

We have an Epson and after having many repeated problems like this we finally went back to using the old Canon instead. I know of someone who has a Brother printer/copier/scanner/fax machine which seems to work ok.

[ChuckFickens]

They don't work with quality street cartridges either :-p

CAS is correct as normal, epsons are notorious for not liking anything but epson cartridges.

[dunwerkin]

Thank you all for your prompt and helpful responses and recommendations. I have spent the last 20 minutes doing some research and was about to consider simply buying another SX415 as they are only £40.00 and I already have a supply of cartridges - albeit counterfeit . If its lasts another year working well, that might be a solution. However, if I just buy the Epson cartridges as you recommend, then perhaps that is the best option. Many thanks - its good to bounce ideas off someone or several someones.

[Hugh Spencer]

I have an Epson Stylus SX415 after having a 200. The 200 had your problem in printing and after calling in a technician I resorted to phoning Epson who gave me the name of a local dealer and arranged for a replacement. I don't know whether yours is out of warranty or not. Since having the 415, which is more user-friendly, I have only used genuine cartridges which I get from Amazon at around £30 for a set of 4. I have had no trouble since. By the way I have installed Inksaver when printing b/w.

[Hopkirk]

My Epson works fine with Choice Stationery 'Think' cartridges - about £2 a cartridge if you buy at the right time.

Even if it shortens the life of the printer, its still cheaper than paying for real Epson cartridges at silly money.