Where is the ink-level LED?

[websnail]

pharmacist, I agree with you again. But here's a question for you. If the ink-level system is
as you say, then how did the ip3000 give warnings that a cartridge was almost empty?
A software counter?

Sort of... The cartridge used the prism to detect when the main reservoir (without the sponge) had run out and then it guesstimated how much was left in the sponge before it declared "I'm empty".

If so, why would that be inferior to a chipped cartridge.

1. Because it meant Canon could put paid to those pesky refillers and stop them stealing their revenue

2. Also, because it meant that any problem cartridges (with a leak for example) could actually fail to feed ink whilst still technically showing as containing some ink. Ink feed fail usually means printhead fail if you're not careful so they wanted to stop that.

3. Did I mention those pesky refillers and 3rd party ink retailers?

 

[alimao]

enjoying the topic
when the LED is flashing or off?
chip is defective?