Question: I have a Canon TR8620 printer and recently tried to install an external waste ink tank to avoid replacing the waste ink pad. However, I didn’t realize that the four different pipes had specific functions—two are for vacuum and two for waste ink, a setup I learned about from one of your helpful videos on an HP printer. Unfortunately, I'm still unable to determine which pipes serve which functions on this model.

Additionally, I've encountered another issue with the printer. After using the deep cleaning function, it began producing blank prints. I'm unsure whether this is due to the printer not utilizing the cartridges or if the print head is completely clogged. I'm leaning towards a problem with the cartridges because, although the printer recognizes the cartridges when installed, it no longer displays the usual message indicating which cartridge number has been detected and confirming it as genuine. Could this mean the printer is blocking the cartridge from working? Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Thank you for reaching out with your inquiries about the Canon TR8620. At BCH Technologies, we value your support and are grateful for your engagement, especially on our YouTube channel. Your feedback is crucial for us to continue enhancing our expertise.

Understanding the Functions of Pipes in the Canon TR8620

The Canon TR8620 uses different pipes for various functions, which can be confusing when attempting to modify the system with an external waste ink tank. Here's a detailed explanation to help you identify and connect the correct pipes:

1. Vacuum Tubes vs. Waste Ink Tubes: Typically, two of the four tubes are dedicated to creating a vacuum, which helps pull ink through the print head during cleaning cycles, while the other two tubes manage waste ink expulsion to the waste pad. The tube carrying black ink is generally larger due to the viscosity and type of the pigment ink used. These should connect to a peristaltic pump, which might be singular or dual, allowing for separate maintenance of black and color inks. If your setup includes two pumps, Canon has designed the system to clean these ink types independently.
2. Waste Management: The larger tube at the bottom is designed to carry waste ink to a porous pad. This is where your external waste tank should be connected, ensuring that waste ink is properly diverted and managed.

Addressing the Issue of Blank Prints

Blank prints can result from several underlying issues:

1. Capping Station Malfunction: If the capping station fails to properly seal or generate enough vacuum due to a mechanical or electrical fault, it could lead to insufficient cleaning or priming of the print head, resulting in blank prints.
2. Print Head Clogging: Over time, ink residue can build up in the print head, especially if maintenance cycles are not performed regularly. This clogging can block ink flow, necessitating thorough cleaning or even replacement of the print head.
3. Electrical Issues with the Print Head: Sometimes, the print head may be in good physical condition but fails to operate due to electrical faults. This could involve issues with the connector or the mainboard not sending the correct signals to the print head.
4. Physical Damage to the Print Head: Physical damage to the print head can occur due to mishandling, improper installation of cartridges, or use of incompatible inks which can corrode or block the nozzles.
5. Mainboard or Driver Malfunction: The printer’s mainboard or printhead driver might be faulty, leading to incorrect or absent signal transmission to the print head, which in turn would result in blank prints.
6. Firmware Issues: Sometimes, firmware updates or errors can cause the printer to behave unexpectedly, including not recognizing genuine cartridges or failing to execute print commands properly.

What Next?

• Check Connections and Clean Manually: Ensure all tubes are correctly installed and check the capping station for proper function. Manually clean the print head using recommended solutions if accessible.
• Firmware and Software Update: Check for any available firmware or software updates from Canon that might resolve recognition issues with the cartridges.
• Technical Support: If the problem persists, professional technical support might be necessary to diagnose and resolve deeper hardware or software issues.

Addressing printer issues like these can be intricate due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Given the complexity of printer systems, issues ranging from a simple clog to a comprehensive ink system service are common. At BCH Technologies, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service). However, due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend utilizing self-help options through our YouTube channel for immediate assistance.

Thank you once again for your inquiry and for supporting BCH Technologies. We hope this response helps you effectively manage and resolve the issues with your Canon TR8620 printer.