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17 Oct 2023 20:24:26 UTC
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How much ink is in Epson cartridges?
If you print a lot of glossy photos you will know how annoying and expensive it is when an ink cartridge runs out. Worse still, a new printer may only come with "demo" cartridges with hardly any ink in them, as they are looking to make their money from ink sales.
After a VERY messy evening of completely dismantling an ink cartridge layer by layer, I discovered there is a hidden air valve built in, so I was pulling a vacuum in the cartridges with the syringe during this video.
In the past Epson used to be one of the worst for locking down their cartridges, and Canon were the gift that kept on giving with their easily refilled cartridges and washable print heads. But that has now reversed with Canon being completely obnoxious by actively disabling printer features if you use an unofficial cartridge. (Like disabling the scanner!)
Epson have gone the direction of selling more expensive Ecotank printers with a bulk ink system where you can literally pour large bottles of ink in and then print to your heart's content. I wonder if they will try to introduce a revenue protection system at some point to enforce their official inks.
Prior to the ecotank printer I used an unofficial bulk ink tank system which sat next to the printer and connected to the ink cartridge adaptors with a ribbon-pipe system. It had a bit of circuitry and a push button so that if the printer saw the cartridge "getting low" you could just press a button and it would reset all the cartridge counters to full.
Note that while the cheap generic inks will produce an acceptable quality image in the short term it is more likely to fade or colour shift than the proper inks. Companies like Epson spend a lot of money on ink chemistry research.
With unbranded inks there's also the risk of clogging up a printhead if the ink contains random goo. Fortunately there are often ways to clean out ink systems if you're technically inclined.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- https://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iak5vnkTdY
After a VERY messy evening of completely dismantling an ink cartridge layer by layer, I discovered there is a hidden air valve built in, so I was pulling a vacuum in the cartridges with the syringe during this video.
In the past Epson used to be one of the worst for locking down their cartridges, and Canon were the gift that kept on giving with their easily refilled cartridges and washable print heads. But that has now reversed with Canon being completely obnoxious by actively disabling printer features if you use an unofficial cartridge. (Like disabling the scanner!)
Epson have gone the direction of selling more expensive Ecotank printers with a bulk ink system where you can literally pour large bottles of ink in and then print to your heart's content. I wonder if they will try to introduce a revenue protection system at some point to enforce their official inks.
Prior to the ecotank printer I used an unofficial bulk ink tank system which sat next to the printer and connected to the ink cartridge adaptors with a ribbon-pipe system. It had a bit of circuitry and a push button so that if the printer saw the cartridge "getting low" you could just press a button and it would reset all the cartridge counters to full.
Note that while the cheap generic inks will produce an acceptable quality image in the short term it is more likely to fade or colour shift than the proper inks. Companies like Epson spend a lot of money on ink chemistry research.
With unbranded inks there's also the risk of clogging up a printhead if the ink contains random goo. Fortunately there are often ways to clean out ink systems if you're technically inclined.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- https://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iak5vnkTdY
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VIDEO
HEAT
heat-shrink-solder-butt-connector-test
A few people have asked if I can take a look at these quick-repair connectors for cars and other applications.
The idea is that you can basically put the stripped ends of two wires into one of these connectors and when heated it solders the wires together, while also providing a waterproof seal with heat shrink sleeve and hot melt rings.
Note that wires should be shiny copper or tinned copper for any soldered connection to work properly. If the wire is oxidised, black and tarnished then it will not always readily take solder even with flux. In that instance it may be necessary to cut back either side to see if you can find clean copper and patch a new bit of wire in.
The word of the day is "smoosh". A special word mechanics use for smooshing things together.
Here's a typical eBay search link for these things:-
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=car+solder+heat+shrink&_sacat=0&LH_BIN=1&_sop=15
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unxEdyW8RP8
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EASY
easy-custom-illuminated-crystal-on
I bought one of these bases on AliExpress a while ago to experiment with using it to illuminate 3D printed covers. It looks really good, and is a very easy way to make custom illuminated ornaments.
No woodturning or electronic skills are required to make this project, although it will require a 3D printer if you wish to make custom covers. It can also be used with other clear or translucent objects.
It's powered by a USB power supply, so would be safe for many applications, including as night lights, or as a convenient and stylish off-grid ornament.
The openscad script is down below, and is already sized for this base with its 33mm hole. (You may need to file off any flanging that occurs on the first layer. (I like to lay that first layer down hard for better adhesion.)
I printed this in clear PLA, which works well. You could also use coloured PLA if desired for a different effect with reduced light output.
If you enjoyed this project, please consider subscribing to the channel for more DIY builds.
#shorts
Here's the openscad script. When adjusting the variables at the top, make sure you don't accidentally delete the "=" or the ";" on either side of the variable, as they are part of the script.
Openscad is free software that lets you use scripts like this to create custom 3D printing STL files. Copy and paste the text below into openscad to create your own custom crystal.
//Lamp cap quartz crystal.
//You can adjust the five variables below
base=33; //Diameter of base for lamp
rim=4; //Length of rim at base
size=55; //Diameter of crystal
scaling=1.5; //Scale of crystal length (default 1.5)
facets=6; //number of faces (default 6)
//Don't change variables below here
halfsize=size/2;
upper=halfsize-(base/2)+rim;
$fn=facets;
difference(){
union(){
//outer body
translate([0,0,0])
cylinder(h=4+rim,d1=base,d2=base,$fn=100);
translate([0,0,-(base/2)+rim])
cylinder(h=halfsize,d1=0,d2=size);
translate([0,0,upper])
cylinder(h=size*scaling,d1=size,d2=size/2);
translate([0,0,upper+size*scaling])
cylinder(h=size/4,d1=size/2,d2=0);
}
//Inner core.
translate([0,0,-1])
cylinder(h=6+rim,d1=base-2,d2=base-2,$fn=100);
translate([0,0,-(base/2)+rim+1])
cylinder(h=halfsize-1,d1=0,d2=size-2);
translate([0,0,upper])
cylinder(h=size*scaling,d1=size-2,d2=(size/2)-2);
translate([0,0,upper+size*scaling])
cylinder(h=(size/4)-1,d1=(size/2)-2,d2=0);
translate([-halfsize,-halfsize,-halfsize])
cube([size,size,halfsize]);
}
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieWZ8aP3ecA
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Controlling
VIDEO
VAC F
vac-formed-led-neon-sign-genius-or-tacky
When I first saw this I mistakenly thought the plastic around the sign was just packaging, but then realised that the "packaging" actually WAS the sign.
It seemed a bit tacky, so I bought it so we could take a closer look at the construction.
On one hand it does seem a bit tacky, but on the other hand it makes it very easy to assemble the sign with pre-cut lengths of LED linear strip (The LED tape fires sideways into a diffuser and reflective channel to give a smooth linear glow on the front).
It also holds the linear strip absolutely rock-solid when it's pressed in and allows graphics and mounting holes to be added to the plastic.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy4q_-5cRuM
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VIDEO
CRIMP
crimping-tool-test-that-i-screwed-up
I'm not used to using the single position crimp tools, so I made a rookie mistake. I was using the correct size jaw to crimp the wire section, but then incorrectly using the next size up to crimp the insulation. In reality I should have been using the same size jaw for both.
After I'd made the video I applied several of each crimp with the basic iWiss tool using the same (1.6mm) jaw and it did a perfect job of them all.
A search on eBay shows that Iwiss seem to do mainly crimping tools. If you search for the keyword Iwiss and lowest price first you'll find the IWS-2820 (28-20AWG) in the results.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=iwiss&_sacat=0&_sop=15
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXLmuDbcLBM
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DANGE
danger-bath-if-it-s-worth-doing-it-s
This technique for heating a bath is not safe and therefore I do not recommend you try this yourself.
I featured this device in a video a while ago. It was made to provide a hot deep bath in an old flat with an inadequate water heating system. The unit relies on the resistivity of the clean water to limit current leakage. It does potentially make the water live at mains voltage in a manner that couples current very well to human bodies. I did consider grounding the frame, but the difficulty arose in properly sealing the ends of the elements which are not designed to be submerged and potentially get quite hot.
It looks nice in operation and will slowly heat a full bath to any temperature desired. (but not too high!)
The element I used is a 240V 2kW kettle element. The circuit is protected by an RCD/GFCI for "safety". I measured the leakage to ground at just 1 or 2mA.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxwpTx4OTMY
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VIDEO
INSID
inside-a-laser-bicycle-light-and-inside
This is a common laser-augmented bicycle light sold on ebay. It has the usual multi-pattern red LEDs with seven effects plus off, but also has two line generating lasers that project a "zone" of two lines at the rear of your bike to encourage motorists to give you some space.
I wasn't expecting this to be too impressive, but it was actually pretty good. The beams were quite well defined on the ground and seemed to have been quite precisely aligned for such a cheap product. I'm guessing the factory probably has an aiming target set up for each assembler.
The control of the LEDs and lasers appears to be from two common bike light flasher chips, both mounted as COBs (Chip On Board) where the chips are bonded directly to the PCB, linked to adjacent pads and then covered in a blob of resin. In this case an elongated blob of resin to cover both chips.
The lasers draw more current than plain LEDs (30mA each) so a transistor is used to boost the current up to drive them.
The laser modules are based on small pieces of PCB material and a shim of copper that looks like it is bonded on with a thermally conductive layer to help take the heat away from the tiny laser chip, and also protect the open LED laser from damage as it is inserted (wedged) into a suitable housing.
Here's a link to the ebay listing I bought this item from:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291544801559
You can also find them on ebay by searching for the words rear bike laser.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xUn_jjEeKc
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VIDEO
INSID
inside-a-wago-connector-and-a-clone
Wago terminals are here to stay. They have a long history, make easy, good connections and avoid issues with over or under tightened terminal screws. They are fast and easy to use, and there are dedicated purpose junction boxes designed specifically for them.
In this video I took a real Wago connector apart and a generic clone in fetching pink.
I gave up on trying to put the Wago connector back together again. It clearly requires some sort of factory jig to clamp the springs in position as the contacts are inserted into the housing. The clone was a different story. It went back together easily with a very refined approach and single spring strip.
Both connectors have tinned copper busbar plates that the wires are clamped against by spring steel grips. It's inevitable that roque products will creep onto the market at some point with lower quality contacts, so for safety reasons for professional electrical work I recommend only using genuine Wago terminals bought from a local high profile supplier. For personal technical projects the generic imports may be a useful alternative.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ4tB5_GH7w
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VIDEO
STORY
storytime-glasgow-s-george-square
It's a few years since the old Christmas lights on Glasgow's George Square were retired and replaced with modern catalogue panels. Many will be glad to see the back of them, as they served their purpose for over 25 years and became a bit clichéd in the end. But they represented a spectacular piece of Christmas lighting history. They were the very first metal frame and ropelight based lights that sparked a new era in Christmas lighting. It caused such a sensation when they were first displayed that the style was widely copied and gradually refined into the modern aluminium and rope light Christmas lighting frames that are standard today. Ironically, the new lights on the square are effectively based on the original ones they replaced.
This is the story of how that happened, how I was involved for over 20 years and how money ruined everything as it usually does.
It still absolutely represents my favourite job and it gives me a great sense of pride that we kept it all going as long as we could despite the politics. Even if the significance of the display was lost on the younger generation.
Another thing worthy of note. Whenever the remembrance service was being held on the square we stopped working and parked the cherry pickers out of the way in respect of the fallen so the service could be carried out without interruption. In the beginning it was a busy service, but as time went on and the survivors of the early wars passed on, the numbers dwindled to just a few. Until the British government got involved in financially motivated wars..... Then the number of grieving families of YOUNG soldiers started appearing. And the numbers GREW year after year. I despise war. Especially money motivated war.
I've mixed thoughts about the increasing trend of using casual event crew on low wages and zero hour contracts to do outdoor electrical work. Many of them have no formal training and have picked up random snippets of knowledge (often dangerously wrong) from other inexperienced crew. Using slideshow presentations with "attendance certificates" to imply electrical competence and then using that labour to work on live electrical equipment outdoors in wet weather to tight deadlines is an accident waiting to happen.
Let me know what you think of this format of video. Do you want more in this style? Am I too ugly for TV?
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
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UVC 2
uvc-2023-the-fake-and-the-real-(with
I thought it would be fun to get a couple more UVC germicidal lamps to explore. One obviously fake and one real.
UVC light does not usually get to the surface of the planet, which is a good thing, as it is very destructive. It is generated using mercury discharge lamps and other techniques to give a very strong sterilising effect for water, air and surfaces. Many factory food processing machines have these tubes inside them to sterilise things like conveyors.
The little GU10 lamps may not be UVC, but they put out a nice amount of near-UV light for decorative purposes. They could be used for curing some light activated glues or to make fluorescent materials glow. You might find it interesting to look at the research done on the germicidal properties of UVA. It's a bit vague and usually has disclaimers, like some sort of student science project that didn't yield the desired result.
The UVC tube is definitely a germicidal one with a whiff of ozone too. So absolutely do not expose eyes or skin to it. Naomi Wu made an interesting video on the use of these lamps with baffles, so they couldn't be viewed directly, but still shone the light above head height in rooms.
It's a really useful thing to be able to recognise these tubes in case you come across them at work. That could be in HVAC, water sterilisation or food environments. There are cases when people have installed these tubes in insect traps and caused health problems to people working in their vicinity.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SzIn0Sfqes
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