Ricoh printer - should i switch it off

[cupsforcops]

Hi, completely new to the dye-sub lark. Added a couple of posts to this forum tonight, but I have another question about my Ricoh printer.

Should I switch it off, and only switch on when I use it. Does a switch on use up much ink? Every now and again, just for a couple of seconds, some noises come from the printer. Is it charging ink. Although I got the cheap Chinese ink, I still don't want to waste it. Your views would be appreciated.

[pisquee]

What you can hear is the printer doing some 'maintenance' ... essentially keeping the ink flowing, so it doesn't dry up inside the printer. If you turn it off, then it can't do this, and you are risking your printer. This does use up some ink, but it is worth it to keep the printer from becoming a doorstop.

[logobear]

I have always assumed it is best to leave them on all the time, switching off and on triggers an ink cycle that uses ink more than being left on all the time, and they don't consume much power in standby (unlike a laser)

[zai2289]

thanks Logobear, I have always turned mine off after using but have noticed that it is using more ink than i expected! Shall be keeping it on from now on

[mrs maggot]

mine is always on, and it chatters away to itself, never occured to me to turn it off, after reading some peoples issues with them not turning on - dont want to risk it lol

[pisquee]

... Also,forgot to say earlier - make sure that your printer is on most up-to-date firmware, as some of the early firmwares on some models did use too much ink up in the maintenance cycles.

[cupsforcops]

Thanks a million guys, you've possibly saved me money and grief. I'll check the Firmware if I can figure out how to. Presumably I'll find it on the Ricoh site

[pisquee]

Yup, Ricoh website, downloads page for your model printer

[cupsforcops]

Excellent stuff, much appreciated