Print head or cartridge?

Archived from groups: comp.periphs.printers (More info?)

I have an Epson Stylus Photo 900 and have been very, very happy with
it. I have always used cheapo compatible carts and this saved me the
cost of the printer every three changes of carts, so I'm not worried
if it really has only lasted nine months.....but, how do I tell if I
have a bad bunch or carts or a duff print head?

The printer has a black cart and a colour one and black is as good as
every, but the colour ink ran out and I replaced the cart. Now the
colour doesn't print....it's very "bandy" and cleaning the heads seems
to have no effect at all. The head test print does lines of each
colour and it's generally only one colour that doesn't print.

I am reluctant to try a new cart as once they're opened then they are
useless and they would be okay for someone else if my printer is dead
but if the chances are that the heads are fine then I will try another
(I have tried two colour carts already).

Any tips?

--
Bryan Anderson <www.anderson-it.com>