What exactly is a decoder to be used on a cartridge?

[Harry Briels]

I am trying to find a supplier of chips to replace the OEM Epson chips on the cartridges of the Pro 3880.
(Not ARC chips!)
I did run in to Chip Decoder boards for cartridges for Epson Pro 3880.

What is the difference between Chips to replace original OEM Chips on carts,
and these Chip Decoder boards?
Thank you for your explanation!
Harry

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

these boards disconnect the connection of the cartridge chips to the printer mainboard/firmware, they fake the chip functionality to the main board and may simulate a constant ink level , and you need to control the actual ink levels.

 

[Harry Briels]

these boards disconnect the connection of the cartridge chips to the printer mainboard/firmware, they fake the chip functionality to the main board and may simulate a constant ink level , and you need to control the actual ink levels.

Thank you for the clear information!
Not really a simple replacement of the OEM chips, I feel!
Harry

 

[mikling]

You will need to peform internal surgery on your printer. These are mainly used on machines deployed for commercial purposes.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

yes, it is quite an ugly work around to get it working, there are some facebook videos somewhere. Such boards are available for some of the newer Epson printers.