Date: 06-11-89 (03:05)              Number: 4959
  To: ALL                           Refer#: NONE
From: BOB HICKS                       Read: (N/A)
Subj: RE-INK DESK JET CARTRIDGE     Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE

I've seen a lot of message traffic on CIS HP conference about Desk Jet
ink cartridges.  The indication was, to me, that it was possible to
re-ink these cartridges but that it included some mumbo jumbo in ink
choice and technique.  I got ahold of a used cartridge and had a go at
it.

I got a 'hobby oiler' type 'injector' and a bottle of "permanent black
Super Quink" by Parker.  The injector is needed because the body of the
cartridge is filled with some sort of foam block that contains the ink;
the ink must be injected into the block rather than just poured in.
There is a small air hole in the top block of the cartridge.  I filled
the 'injector' with ink, stuck the 'needle' deep into the cartridge and
shot in the ink.  The amount should be approximately 3/4 ounce.  A
message on CIS ssys you can tell when its full by watching for dripping
from the bottom.  I didn't try to go that far.

Once done, I just replaced the cartridge and tried it out.  IT WORKS
GREAT.  This is from the perspective of less than one days use of the
reloaded cart but others seem to have gotten many reloads.  What was not
clear to me was the part about the ink.  There are references to many
inks and to much thinning, etc.  I just used the 'super quink' straight
from the bottle.  There may be others which require thinning or other
prep but this one, at least, goes right in.  The bad news is that, even
though labeled 'permanent' super quink is more smearable than HP's own
ink.

At $1.35 for enough for 3 refills a little work to keep dry is certainly
worth it.  Now I won't worry about doing lots of program listings on the
DJ.