Last week, after sifting through thousands of spammy emails, we finally saw a real question, which we thought was an excellent one.
The question was: “Hey, I just got myself a new mac laptop and I’m afraid of installing the new drivers for my Epson Workforce (7710 or 7720). I’ve always been told NEVER install new software or update firmware or your sublimation days are over!
What should I do? Do I have to keep my old computer for printing?
Let’s answer the above. And we’ll talk about the difference between a Workforce model vs an EcoTank model.
First, let’s be sure you understand the 3 things that make your sublimation printer work in the first place. They are:
- Drivers
- Firmware
- Software
Drivers vs. Firmware vs. Software
Firmware – Printer firmware is the actual program that is installed on the printer at the point of assembly. This program controls how the printer responds to your requests.
Remember all those technical specs you saw before purchasing? Factory installed firmware performs and controls all the functions it promised to deliver.
Software – Software for printers comes in the form of updates to factory installed firmware. Some software improves performance while other software, firmware updates could cause problems.
Drivers – Drivers are not installed at the point of assembly because there is no way of knowing who is buying the printer and what device they’ll be using.
So, drivers get installed by the user onto each computer or device they want to be able to sent print jobs from.
Drivers create the pathways of communication between the user’s devices and the printer.
Setting up a New Computer to Existing Sublimation Printer
When you buy a new computer and want to connect it to an existing, converted sublimation printer that uses ink cartridges, you will need to install drivers on that new computer.
WorkForce Models – Be sure to only install the drivers, and don’t do any firmware or software updates.
That’s because you are using non-Epson ink cartridges filled with sublimation ink. The firmware update could recognize this, and stop the printer from working.
Eco Tank Models – Sublimation printers that use tanks do not have the firmware, update problem.
Why does Epson Update Printer Firmware so Often?
One can only presume that it’s to make their printers operate better. In many cases, firmware updates can patch glitches or problems that have been reported through users who agreed to use the error reporting tool.
However, in doing so, the firmware update could include some code that makes it possible to detect whether or not you are using genuine epson cartridges or 3rd party, which are often cheaper.
Here is a direct quote from Epson User Manual:
“Epson periodically provides firmware updates to address issues of security, performance, minor bug fixes and ensure the printer functions as designed. These updates may affect the functionality of third-party ink. Non-Epson branded or altered Epson cartridges that functioned prior to a firmware update may not continue to function.”
WF-7720 User Manual
Why Use 3rd Party Cartridges for Sublimation
There are only a handful of printers that can be used for sublimation. If you’re using an Epson Workforce for Sublimation, you have no choice but to use 3rd party cartridges that are blank (not filled).
You will buy sublimation ink and pour it into the 3rd party cartridges and then you’ll have a printer capable of sublimation.
For this reason, sublimators with regular printers coverted into sub printers should NEVER update their firmware through a Firmware or Software Update.
Firmware Updates at the Factory -in Same Models
After printers are on the market for awhile, some makers will actually update the firmware going into new printers at the manufacturer, so they do not accept all the cheaper, off brand cartridges that came to market.
In addition, makers will suggest to owners of older models to update their firmware by downloading or allowing automatic updates.
When that happens, the new software that updates the printer’s firmware program, will often result in a your printer no longer being able to read non-genuine ink cartridges.
How to Disable Automatic Firmware Updates: Epson Printer
First, be sure you’ve installed Epson Software Updater Ap. Once installed, follow the screenshots below to permanently disable automatic firmware updates.
I know it sounds counterintuitive to download an application called “Epson software updater” but the app itself doesn’t perform an update.
It simply allows you to schedule updates or turn them off completely (that’s the part we want).
But be careful! Follow the screen shots first thing.
Don’t download the app if you’re not going take the next 2 tiny steps. Otherwise it may be set to update automatically.
The steps are super easy and can be understood by these screenshots below:
Step 1
Step 2
Be sure to click OK, then go back in and make sure it stuck.
Other Ways to Turn Off Firmware
Some printers allow you to enable or disable software firmware updates on the actual printer itself.
For good measure, you should disable updates this way as well, that way you will have created 2 ways to stop automatic firmware updates.
To see if it’s available, open your print preferences and click on the maintenance tab. If you see a software update option, make sure it is set to NOT ALLOW auto updates.
Note: you will need drivers installed in order to see many options in the print preferences. So don’t look for this setting until your drivers are installed.
Here is a video you can watch about installing drivers from epson website. You will select the right drivers for your new computer at the epson website.
Conclusion
When you buy a new computer and want to hook it up to an old sublimation printer you’ll have to take some steps.
While drivers are necessary to install, updating firmware could be disastrous if you are using off-brand ink cartridges.
Many firmware updates include a patch that recognizes 3rd party computer chips that are attached to the ink cartridge.
This can cause your printer to no longer work.
EcoTank models do not have the firmware update issue.
For more information, head back to our homepage.
Happy Sublimating!
