T097120 Epson Black Ink Cartridge:
The “extra high capacity” version. I vote you can’t call something “extra high capacity” if it holds the same amount of ink as the older cartridges did (T048 has 17ml ink). This is a big cartridge folks, about twice the size of a standard Epson cartridge like the T098, T099, T68, T069, T048, T060, T079, T078, T077 series cartridges. They make it wide, to seem like a good deal? And guess what, there is major air-space in this cartridge as well.
The T097120 black ink cartridge will work in the following Epson inkjet printers:
And will run you about $30.00. Seems high for a cartridge from Epson, however this cartridge is optional in all of the above mentioned printers – owners of those inkjet printers can also select to use the T068, or T069 series cartridge instead. Here is what it will cost you at the Epson store.
Compared with a T068 “high-capacity” cartridge:
The T097 is a big cartridge and will not work in just any printer – the Workforce series, and some NX printers will accept this larger form factor cartridge.
The T097120 is twice the size as the T068120 and T098120 series cartridges.
Let’s look at the cartridge:
The ultra high capacity black T097120 inkjet cartridge from Epson. Will run you about thirty dollars.
Let’s see more….the outer 9-pin chip – Epson explains what the “outer” chip does:
The Intellidge chip, or Integrated Circuit (IC) chip, on Epson ink cartridges ensures stable print operation by performing several important functions. The chip communicates with your printer and PC, conveying when the printer is running low on ink. The IC chip also records and communicates additional information like the approximate level of available ink and the date the ink was manufactured. The chip does not prevent users from buying non-Epson cartridges that work with Epson printers.
That last statement is factually true, but completely misleading…
The outside chip on the T097120 black Epson inkjet printer cartridge ultra high yield
There is another chip – under this one – to further prevent refilling and remanufacturing:
Epson talks about this second chip on their website:
So, as part of its SmartValve technology, which facilitates an even ink flow, Epson has incorporated a MicroPiezo ink sensor, for more accurate detection and measurement of ink levels within the cartridge.
There is another chip on this cartridge, which is directly behind the outer 9-pin chip (once removed). It cannot be removed, or reset.
Problem is, while the internal “MicroPiezo ink sensor” may be there for the reason Epson states – what Epson fails to mention is that it also writes data to the outside chip preventing a simple reset and refill of the cartridge. Very sneaky, and we first got wind of this “technique” back in March 2009.
The presence of this second chip makes a simple reset of the cartridge impossible. These new 9-pin chips from Epson that appear on the outside of the cartridge can be reset, however if the cartridge goes below a certain level of ink, the second chip or (MicroPiezo ink sensor) writes self destruct code to the outer chip rendering it un-resettable and nothing can be done with the cartridge – on it’s way to the landfill.
Let’s take a look inside:
Easier said than done. Epson puts a piece of super adhesive black tape over the insides of the cartridge.
Black tape covers the insides of the T097 epson ink cartridge, preventing you from looking?
This tape is incredibly hard to remove – seems like it is welded to the clear plastic (which holds the ink in the cartridge) underneath. You get one shot here, don’t mess it up.
The black tape on this T097120 cartridge has some overlap, and this is where we started the removal process.
When it comes to pictures, they are worth a 1000 words. We managed to get it off, but past experience was a big help here. There is a presence of a white bonding agent on the black tape which we find must be cut through with a razor-blade if possible (around the edges). We managed not to destroy this cartridge in the process, and with the Wizard of OZ like curtain pulled back, we are definitely not in Kansas anymore:
Keep in mind, this cartridge is twice as deep as a standard Epson cartridge.
As you might be able to tell from the high res image of this cartridge, the wells are deeper and they are not completely full of ink.
This cartridge cannot be refilled through normal channels, like Wallgreens, or Costo, or even cartridge world (see this post). Epson has thrown the aftermarket a curve-ball with the inclusion of the internal chip that “zaps” the outer chip to an un-resettable state. Since cheap copies from China can no longer be imported to the USA, this has created a real problem for the average aftermarket consumer. No cheap compatibles, and short (if any) supply of the re-manufactured cartridges permitted here in the USA. There is talk of simply making clones of the outer 9-pin chips and importing them to the US, however major vendors think this may be against the law. A production of the 9-pin chip here in the US is what the aftermarket needs to help consumers get access to cheap 3rd party ink.
Ratings for cartridges:
The T068 has 11ml of ink, and the T069 has 7ml of ink. I think it’s safe to assume that the T097 should have around 15-17ml of ink. And the cartridge will cost you $30.00 plus. That is expensive ink. It is also important to note that this cartridge is “optional” on the printers it works in. A T068, or T069 can also be used in these printers. Notice the lack of a T097 color series – if it was listed, a full set of T097 cartridges would cost $120.00 for a complete set of ink. Amazing.
Filed under: Cartridge Info, Epson Cartridges, Reviews Tagged: | Epson Ink Cartridge, Ink Cart, Ink Cartridge, Refil, Refilling, T068, T068120, T069, T069120, T097, T097120
