Clogged nozzles?

[AJLA]

With my previous printer I had to push the needle through the rubber grommet (make sure you don't push the grommet in)
draw the syringe back until only ink comes out and no air bubbles are being pulled into the syringe

[Justin]

Also, you can remove the carts and draw the ink through the hole in the bottom. If you try this way don't use a needle,l just the syringe...push it tightly in, sometimes you need to angle a little once it's in...draw back slowly....probably a little air but ink should start flowing pretty quickly.

[bms]

Yeah, I did suspect the cartridge and tube assembly. I've lost count of the number of cleans I've tried - but yes, I've made sure I've not done more than 4 at a time, usually with the most part of a day before trying again, (I don't like to disrupt classroom time... teachers often hate that too).
Originally there was an existing Visi-Sub system fitted to an older Epson 1400, I tried to get it going as it was already set up, but it was very patchy, but not just the black. That's why I went for the already-purchased and still boxed printer, along with the previously purchased and unboxed Visi-Sub system. I thought: "brand new everything, should work fine"... Boy was I wrong!
Is it worth fitting the older system to the new printer? There are two previously used systems here, would I be right in thinking I should be able to fit one of them and maybe after a few cleans it should work? Or would they be far too dried up?
The other problem is that nobody here knows who the supplier is.

If the printer works fine with the genuine cartridges then the problem can only be down to ink flow in the VisiSub system. We have an FAQ on re-priming if that is necessary at:
http://www.printerowners.co.uk/faq/12/1 ... vanced.htm (one of the FAQ's near the bottom asks about not getting a good nozzle check pattern despite many head cleans...).

I'd be inclined to re-prime either or both systems and if there is air leaking into the system then you'll get lots of bubbles in the syringe as you re-prime. If so then you'll need a replacement cart & tube assembly from the supplier (Google "VisiSub" as there is just the one company that brands Artainium ink this way), or we can get a photo 1400 Artainium cart & tube assembly sent up to you.

[dragon-rider]

My thanks to AJLA - your suggestion helped, but for one print only. Thanks also to Justin for your suggestion. Unfortunately there does appear to be a problem with the Black. I'll try a re-prime as suggested by BMS, but I don't hold out much hope. Failing that I'll try the older system that supposedly worked previously, (I am yet to actually see this myself).
This is not turning out to be a good introduction for me into the world of Dye Sublimation.

[JSR]

As a backup option, you could try using refillable cartridges (such as these: https://www.printercartridges.net/print ... cts_id=775). That would remove the potentially problemmatic CISS. If it works with refillables, then you know the problem is with the CISS.

(Refillables in an Epson aren't a long-term solution because of their tiny capacity, but having a set handy can be a lifeline if/when your CISS plays up.)

[Justin]

I only ever use refil carts now and touch wood have had no problems since switching back. Coralgraph also supply decent empty carts.

[JSR]

I only ever use refil carts now and touch wood have had no problems since switching back. Coralgraph also supply decent empty carts.

Same here (although not the tiny thimble cartridges in an Epson!).

[dragon-rider]

Well, would you believe it... Attached the old Visi-Sub system, (unused since October last year), to the Epson 1400, worked first time, didn't even need a clean!
It'll be put through it's paces tomorrow, but it's looking good so far.
Many thanks to everyone who has offered advice, it's all greatly appreciated.

Mark.