Please find below a list of Frequently asked questions.

If you have a question please email us at and, if useful to others, we will print it on this page.

Questions (click to jump to)

Which Printers are Supported?
What's the Mechanics of the System?
What's the CIS Installation Procedure in Simple Terms?
What Height Should the Ink Reservoirs Be?
When Should I Refill the Reservoir Bottles?
An Ink Reservoir has Run Dry - What Sould I do?
How do i Refill my ink bottles?
Can i change the ink type in my CIS?
Should I Flush the Printer Prior to Installation?
How do I Replace a CIS Cartridge?
I Have Air in my Lines - What Sould I do?
I Have Lost My CIS Installation Instructions - Can I have another set?
Why is my Printer not Recognising a CIS Cartridge What's the Refilling Procedure?

Q: What Printers are supported by this System?

A: For all the Epson and Canon printers that are supported please our continuous ink system page. Any news of printers that we will support in the future can be found by clicking here

Q: How does it work?

A: In very simple terms, robust ribbon tubing is fixed to the cartridges and travels back and forth in line with the print head. Continuous ink is drawn out of the cartridges via the 125ml bottles or containers which sit outside the pinter. The system does not touch the inside of the printer and does not affect the usual printer operation in any way.

Q: Lyson CIS Installation - simple terms

A: All of our systems come with full, illustrated, step by step instructions. Here is a very basic breakdown of the installation process: • Outside of the printer, using the funnels supplied, fill each container with the correct ink- (5 minutes approx) • Take each cartridge and using the syringe and pull the ink through for each channel (3 minutes approx) • Remove the Cartridge Cover (3 minutes approx) • Place cartridges into the print head - These are held in by friction pad(s) (2 minutes approx) • Attach the CIS arm support (2 minutes approx) • Now enjoy printing at a fraction of the cost! ( Please read the [provided instructions carefully and take your time! Any queries please do not hesitate to contact us)

Q:Does it matter at what height the ink bottles/containers are?

A: Yes, you must always keep the ink bottles at the same height as the printer! If your bottles/containers are at a higher level than the printer, you may experience ink pooling on the paper. If your ink bottles/containers are below the height of the printer, the ink may be pulled out of the nozzles due to a lack of pressure, which, may affect your printers' nozzle check. So, once again, You must always keep the ink bottles/containers at the same height as the printer!

Q: When should I refill the reservoir bottles/containers?

A: Never let your bottles/containers run out! Always make sure your bottles/containers are at least a third full and we always recommend you keep a spare set of bottles. This is one of the main reasons why photographers experience poor output. So refill your bottles when they are no less than a third full.

Q: An Ink Reservoir has Run Dry

A: If one of your bottles/containers is empty, you will first need to fill your container with the correct ink and then reprime your cartridge. For a step by step guide for how to re-prime your cartridge, please contact us

Q: How do I refill my bottles?

A: Please ensure you do this when the bottles are no less than one-third full. To refill your bottles, simply top up the container using the funnel supplied with correct ink colour.

Q: Can I change the ink type and still use my existing CIS system?

A: We do not recommend this, as it is extremely difficult to get rid of the remainder of the previous ink. In this instance we recommend you purchase a conversion kit from us (a cheaper price than the original starter system). This includes new empty cartridges and tubes. Please contact us for further details.

Q: Do I need to flush the printer before installing the CIS?

A: In most cases, no. As long as your printer is healthy (has a complete/perfect nozzle check) you can install it straight away.

Q: I have just received a replacement CIS cartridge - how do i install this?

A: Here is how to replace a cartridge: First of all, clamp all tubes.
• First, take out the cartridge that is causing problems (to do this you will need to move the carriage to the cartridge change position, if you do not know how to do this, the procedure is explained in your original CIS instructions manual) and remove the tubing from the cartridge.
• Take off the chip from the old cartridge.
• Discard the old cartridge.
• Squeeze the tube onto the top nozzle of the new cartridge.
• Take a CIS syringe.
• Insert the CIS syringe into the nozzle of the cartridge that is causing problems.
• Pull out the syringe until approximately 5ml of ink is present inside the syringe (not just foam or air).
• Take the syringe out of the nozzle
• Clean any ink around the nozzle using tissue paper then place cartridge back in the printer.
• You can then syringe the ink back into the correct ink container.
• Perform a nozzle check.
• Please note: You may need to leave the printer for 1 - 2 hours to allow the ink to settle before you obtain a perfect nozzle check.
• If the nozzle check is not complete after no more than 2 head cleans please contact us.

Q: I have air in my Lines. What should i do?

A: If you have a perfect/complete nozzle check just keep printing. The air will then disappear as it enters the cartridge. However, if you have not got a complete nozzle check, carry out up to 3 nozzle checks and head cleans. If your nozzle check is still not perfect, leave the printer for 2 hours for the ink to settle. If your nozzle check is still not perfect after 2 hours, you will need to reprime your cartridge (the cartridge with the air in the line). For a step by step guide of how to do this please contact us.

Q: I Have Lost My CIS Installation Instructions - Can I have another set?

A: Yes you can. Our instructions are on the support page for each printer. Find your printer here.

Q: Why won't my printer recognise my CIS cartridge?

A: Although a rare problem, this scenario is down to the cartridge chip (the green board with electronic markings situated on the back of a cartridge). Sometimes this chip may have dust or dirt on the surface which will cause the printer problems in recognising the cartridge. - Take the offending cartridge out - Clean the chip using a cotton bud. - It is also necessary to ensure the metal contacts/prongs where the chip rests are in place and uniform. If this is not the case there is a printer fault. - Place the cartridge back inside the printer head. Once the cartridge is placed back inside the print head, turn both the printer and your computer off for 10 minutes to reset the printer driver. It is also a good idea to take out the power lead. When you turn the printer and computer back on the printer should recongnise the cartridge.