Keeping printer safely

[Serville]

This is kinda embarasshing for me, but I have 2 units of IP3500 as spares, while still using my old i865. I got the 2nd IP3500 a real deal, that's why I got 2 units now.
Suddenly last week my i865 logicboard got screwed. No sparepart, and I got an offer to trade-in to IP4500 with $40 price reduction. It is the only unit left in the local service center since they now have the new model IP4680 (slower, less ink, new chip, and bla bla bla).

And the devil was dancing in my mind and told me "TAKE IT NOW" because:
- it is the only unit left
- it is a good price
- it has CD printing !!! IP3500 doesn't have it.
- It is still using CLI-8 like your spare IP3500 makes you switch cartridge easily
- The resetter is THERE for sale in Ebay
- It is more reliable & more ink than the new model (+new chip)

I fell into tempation, and traded-in. Now, I'm going to use IP4500 , while still keeping 2 units of IP3500 as spares.
I don't know what the hell I'm thinking !!!
I'm thinking of selling 1 of my sare IP3500, but they only have 6 months warranty left. Seems like I have to sell it dirt cheap, which is quite useless for me anyway.

Question is, how long can I keep my IP3500 as spares ?
Will they get damaged electronically if I keep them for ....like 2-3 years from now ?

Geezz, I think I need counselling. I think I suffer from paranoia.

 

[Grandad35]

Assuming that the printer will be stored for an extended period:

1. If they fit, use the carts in your other printer. If not, either store them in a sealed food container with a folded paper towel in the bottom soaked with water and IPA, or purge and dry them for storage.
2. Use a syringe and short piece of flexible tubing to push IPA through the print head, then blow the IPA out to leave the ink channels of the print head dry when you store it.
3. Put the printer in a heavy plastic bag, and seal it as tightly as possible (mice/bugs aren't a good thing).
4. If you still have the original packing material and box, use them.
5. Store everything in a cool, dry place. A damp basement would be bad, as would any moisture.

 

[panos]

In addition to Grandad's excellent advice, I'd say that if a cool dry place is not available, use a second plastic bag and insert one or two of those small silicon bags to prevent moisture from ever reaching the printer.

 

[Serville]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will just use up all the ink cartridges from IP3500 in this printer when replacement is necessary. They are all CLI-8. The only missing cartridge is CLI-8 Black which IP4500 has, but not IP3500. I dont want to keep the ink for too long (like 2-3 years) because I'm afraid the ink won't be stable.

Since I live in the tropical region , the humidity is high, so I think the silicone bags or any moisture absorbent is a must. This is something I didn't think of previously when I packed those printers in my storage room. Going to reopen them tomorrow, take out all the ink cartridges, double the plastic bag and most importantly add the silicon absorbent. I think I can buy this pretty cheap here in chemical store, perhaps just several $ for half a pound or something.

Thanks guys. Good advice

 

[Froggy]

Going to reopen them tomorrow, take out all the ink cartridges, double the plastic bag and most importantly add the silicon absorbent. I think I can buy this pretty cheap here in chemical store, perhaps just several $ for half a pound or something.

Thanks guys. Good advice

Just a though, probably too obvious but hey...

If you are going to buy silica gel absorbent, if possible get the self indicating sort (but don't sweat it if you cant) because it will turn from say blue to a pink colour when it is saturated with water. This is no big deal, as you can put silica gel in an oven at 105C (on a shallow tray is most efficient) and drive the moisture back off and then re-use. But allow to cool in a small container or a strong sealed plastic bag, else it will suck up water again.

 

[Serville]

I have bought half kilogram of white silica gel (min. quantity) for about US$9 converted. Much more expensive than I thought.
It does change color to pink when moisture absorbed. Since it doesn't come with any small bags for me to use (just 0.5 kg in a thick plastic bag). I suppose I will have to make them myself. I think I have some worn-out T-shirts somewhere. Maybe I'll just cut them into smaller pieces, put 50 gram each and tighten with rubber band.