Canon Pixma MP970 Is It Regarded As Rubbish Nowadays

RadioTech

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Hi Folks my first post but I was wondering if anyone has experienced strange printing problems which vary with replacement print heads.

The problem started when I printed out a colour document and found very strange colour bars horizontally so running a print nozzle check produced this which showed Half of Magenta missing, so I tried the usual nozzle cleaning, still the same tried distilled water, left it soaking all night tried again the same, so I tried print head cleaner still the same tried new cartridge still the same.

So I ordered a new head which was still sealed in a canon foil and got this result, now all colours are OK but no PGBK ink changed the cartridge printed tons of black documents cleaned just the PGBK using the software, in desperation replaced my original print head back in and PGBK back fine but only Half of Magenta again.

I was worried about posting this in case I got don’t be tight fisted get a new printer but I really love this great CD printing and scanner, the new canons appear to have reduced ink cartridges and introduced a grey cartridge what the idea behind that is, is a bit of a mystery.

Any help would be appreciated, if this was an electronic fault it would be the same on both print heads well that’s my logic, Thanks
 

stratman

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Probable irreversible malfunctions in both print head, though one is with Magenta and the other the Pigment Black. Nature abhors straight line like that in the Magenta nozzle check. This typically represents electrical failure, in your case of the print head but not the Logic Assay Board. Probably same issue with the "new " print head which has no Pigment Black, although it is possible a complete clog is the cause for the missing Pigment Black.

Canon usually stops manufacturing print head for a model after reaching it 5th anniversary on the market. There is also a scam on used print heads cleaned up and packaged in counterfeit foil packs and boxes originating out of China. These Chinese refurbished print head appear to have a high failure rate. Sounds like this happened to you.

Of note is that you can still print text without using the Pigment black ink by selecting one of the "Photo" paper selection, like "Matte" which uses all the other cartridges for black. Since this will use the Dye-based inks instead of the Pigment ink, the text may not look as black, be as sharp or be water resistant to highlighting.

Can you link the ad on the web site you purchased the "new" print head? Maybe you can get another print head from them for the initial one being "dead on arrival" or give you your money back, especially if you paid with a credit card and dispute the charge if the business does not provide an agreeable solution. You won't know until you try.

Prepare yourself for buying a new printer while hoping for a working solution.
 

RadioTech

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Many thanks for the reply i think you've hit the nail on the head when you said
counterfeit foil packs and boxes originating out of China.
that's where it came from and another on the way, I've sent one back i will update you on the new! one when it arrives, thanks for you're help.
If a new printer is too be purchased which one that does scanning / DVD/CD printing would you recommend.
 

stratman

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Hope you get a good print head!

If a new printer is too be purchased which one that does scanning / DVD/CD printing would you recommend.
Not sure. Others will need to help you with this.
 

Kefp

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Great, glad to hear.
If you don't mind me asking where did you buy your MP970 print head from? Would love to get my hand on one as a spare.
Thx
 

RadioTech

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Great, glad to hear.
If you don't mind me asking where did you buy your MP970 print head from? Would love to get my hand on one as a spare.
Thx
It was the last one for the time being on eBay, but the first one was no good but still waiting for a refund on that one some its a bit iffy.
 

Kefp

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Many thanks. I am always reluctant to take my chances on Ebay and something shipped from China. But you found a good one!
 

RadioTech

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I would be very interested to know are you reluctant to change from you’re MP970 like me, what puts be off the new ones is they seem so cheap (inkjet that is) and also the thinking behind them, back in the dark early days it was a black cartridge and a tri colour that was it then the separate ink tanks came out more and more were added for different type of printing, but looking at the new ones it seems to be creeping back.

So the question is was all the fuss over having different inks for photos normal documents etc a lot of rubbish, I see printers with grey ink what’s all that about.

I got a monochrome laser printer which I love for text.

I must admit the new print head works but does need to be set on best print quality or it's a little like the ink is running out.
 

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