Each ink tank contains 130 ml of ink (the starter ink tank supplied with the printer contains 90 ml of ink) for each color. The amount of ink is memorized in the

EEPROM mounted to the ink tank.

The amount of the ink remaining in the ink tank is detected as a dot count according to the data memorized in the EEPROM.

When the electrodes mounted to the hollow needle detect a con-conductive state, a message appears on the display to indicate that the ink is nearly empty. If the

dot count reaches the prescribed value, the ink tank is considered to be empty.

b) Ink port

When the ink tank lock lever is pressed down, the hollow needle enters the ink port (covered with a rubber plug), establishing an ink passage between the printer

and ink tank.

c) Air passage

When the ink tank lever of the printer is pressed down, the hollow needle enters the air passage (covered with a rubber plug) and thus the internal pressure of the

ink tank is released, maintaining the internal pressure constant.

d) Notches for preventing incorrect insertion

The ink tanks have notches for preventing incorrect location. Wrong ink tanks cannot be installed in place due to these notches.

The ink tank lock lever can lowered to start ink supply only when the ink tank has been installed in place.

e) Agitation plate

The agitation plate assists the ink agitation which is performed to prevent precipitation of ink.

EEPROM

2-18

Ink Port

Air Passage

Notches for

preventing