[Misc] Toner compatability

[Mike Watson]

Hi all

Does anyone know if you can use the Kyocera Mita toners in the TA/ Utax machines, as they are the same machine to all intense and purpose.
Sorry if this question has already been asked and discussed.

Many thanks

Mike

[blackcat4866]

Re: Toner compatability

Did you have a specific model in mind? =^..^=

[copycoan]

Re: Toner compatability

I have tried it and in TA (like Taskalfa B/N) and the kyo toner do not fit well and if u can put it inside the machine, it detects the kyo toner and prompt a message to change it.

[Mike Watson]

Re: Toner compatability

Did you have a specific model in mind? =^..^=

Hi Blackcat

I was looking at all of the models, I can source the genuine Kyocera toners at approx. 20-25% cheaper than that from Utax as a dealer, I am just looking into whether they work straight away from the box, or if there is a secret service mode in which we can change what the machine thinks it is.

Many thanks

Mike

[blackcat4866]

Re: Toner compatability

There's more to it than that.

There is a service mode in which you can select what badge is displayed, and thusly, which RFID tag it will accept.

There also is a drive coupler on the rear frame that may or may not properly couple. For example the FalconI/II uses a different cartridge than the FalconIII. The coupler is different and it has a different RFID tag.

Thirdly, many of the models have a series of fins that the cartridge aligns with. Depending on the model the cartridges may have these alignment fins. If a person were to break off some of these fins, a creative enduser could install whichever color toner cartridge into whichever port they liked. You get some really interesting colors that way.

So in summary you've got some part costs to convert the drive coupler, and/or the guide fines to the proper part. You also have the risk that your customer might install the cartridges in the wrong places. You probably would also have to change all the print drivers to Kyocera brand to avoid the pop-up screen that informs you that you're using the wrong print driver. If you can do all of this and still get a cost savings, go for it.

=^..^=

[Mike Watson]

Re: Toner compatability

There's more to it than that.

There is a service mode in which you can select what badge is displayed, and thusly, which RFID tag it will accept.

There also is a drive coupler on the rear frame that may or may not properly couple. For example the FalconI/II uses a different cartridge than the FalconIII. The coupler is different and it has a different RFID tag.

Thirdly, many of the models have a series of fins that the cartridge aligns with. Depending on the model the cartridges may have these alignment fins. If a person were to break off some of these fins, a creative enduser could install whichever color toner cartridge into whichever port they liked. You get some really interesting colors that way.

So in summary you've got some part costs to convert the drive coupler, and/or the guide fines to the proper part. You also have the risk that your customer might install the cartridges in the wrong places. You probably would also have to change all the print drivers to Kyocera brand to avoid the pop-up screen that informs you that you're using the wrong print driver. If you can do all of this and still get a cost savings, go for it.

=^..^=

Hi Blackcat

Thanks for your response, I did wonder whether the physical cartridges were different, a bit like Konica and Olivetti, but as I am relatively new to the Utax brand I thought it worth asking the question.

It would certainly appear to be not worth while on this occasion, as the work involved would be more than the savings made.

Many thanks for your input.

Mike

[copycoan]

Re: Toner compatability

im using kyo toner in one B/W TA, we have no TA dealer, by removing the rfid pwb and some fin, it would be interesting change toner area code ir order to have the toner level working fine but the two service modes i know dont have the chance to do it....what service mode is that Blackcat?

[blackcat4866]

Re: Toner compatability

What model?

[copycoan]

Re: Toner compatability

It is a TA DC2445 aka TASKalfa 4500i.

[ATSBMCO]

Re: Toner compatability

It is a TA DC2445 aka TASKalfa 4500i.

I'm looking for the same solution.

We have plenty of Kyocera TA3501i and TA3500i's out there, and one customer has asked for us to look after their UTAX CD1435.

Did you ever work out if there was a way to get the RFID to utilize both or even just the Kyocera brand Type?

[Mike Watson]

Re: Toner compatability

I'm looking for the same solution.

We have plenty of Kyocera TA3501i and TA3500i's out there, and one customer has asked for us to look after their UTAX CD1435.

Did you ever work out if there was a way to get the RFID to utilize both or even just the Kyocera brand Type?

Hi, sorry but it would appear that you would have to change all of the drive gears and rfid chips as well as cutting off the fins, it was just to much work for little savings.

Cheers Mike