Greyed out PK ink level on Epson P800?

[JudyKonopka]

Hi,

I am not finding anything with a search under "greyed out ink level on Epson P800 screen".  Does anyone know why? It looks 80% full on both my computer and printer screen.  Not sure why it's greyed out. I also had a problem printing last week....any clues? Thanks!

[Mark D Segal]

Are you set up for matte paper with MK ink active?

[JudyKonopka]

Are you set up for matte paper with MK ink active?

I was just coming on here to say I figured it out - you're right. I don't know why it didn't change it automatically.....I ended up changing it on the printer screen manually. Thanks (always) for your prompt attention and answers. You're truly appreciated.

[JudyKonopka]

I was just coming on here to say I figured it out - you're right. I don't know why it didn't change it automatically.....I ended up changing it on the printer screen manually. Thanks (always) for your prompt attention and answers. You're truly appreciated.

Mark, even though it's set to PK is there a setting on the driver as well?  For some reason, my ink levels both on my computer and printer look fine, but the print is looking "solarized"..... (blue where the black should be).

[Mark D Segal]

Thanks Judy.

As I don't have that printer any longer I forget the exact instructions for the ink settings as between driver and LCD. If I remember correctly, you can set the ink change to Auto and then it will happen depending on the Media Type you select in the driver. Or you can do the MK/PK switch by hand on the LCD. But I don't swear by this information - it may be wrong. Best you check the manual - that kind of info should be there. As for the miscoloration, other than making sure you don't have double colour management happening ( by the printer and by Photoshop) I can't think of what would cause that. Maybe a PK nozzle clog? Did you do a nozzle check before printing?

[Mark D Segal]

OK, I found the manual still on my computer (I don't have the printer any longer):

Your product switches the black ink type automatically, depending on the type of media you load.

To disable automatic black ink switching, press the setup button and select System
Administration > Printer Settings > BK Ink Auto Change > Off.


For manual switching on the LCD:

Switching the black ink type takes several minutes and consumes some ink. Check the black ink type
media list to select the correct ink type for the media you loaded.
1. Press the home button.
2. Press the black ink change button.
3. Select Proceed and select one of these types of black ink to switch to:
• Photo Black to Matte Black; switching takes about 1.5 minutes
• Matte Black to Photo Black; switching takes about 3.5 minutes

[JudyKonopka]

Mark, thank you so much.  I can't believe I panicked and it was as simple as cleaning my printer. I haven't had to switch from PK to MK much, so I was taken a little off guard.  Thanks for your assistance. It means a lot.

OK, I found the manual still on my computer (I don't have the printer any longer):

Your product switches the black ink type automatically, depending on the type of media you load.

To disable automatic black ink switching, press the setup button and select System
Administration > Printer Settings > BK Ink Auto Change > Off.


For manual switching on the LCD:

Switching the black ink type takes several minutes and consumes some ink. Check the black ink type
media list to select the correct ink type for the media you loaded.
1. Press the home button.
2. Press the black ink change button.
3. Select Proceed and select one of these types of black ink to switch to:
• Photo Black to Matte Black; switching takes about 1.5 minutes
• Matte Black to Photo Black; switching takes about 3.5 minutes

[Mark D Segal]

You are welcome. Glad you're sorted out now.