This guide is equally applicable to the following models:

  • RX680
  • RX685
  • RX690

I’ll use the model number RX685 for ease throughout.

 

The RX685 is yet another of the “trapdoor” printer types, however it did have a small sting in the tail in terms of the trapdoor design itself so it merits its own modification guide.

 

The RX685 hatch design points

The Trapdoor (Access hatch) design

This may seem a bit unusual but the RX685 has a different hatch design which was probably chosen because it would be very easy to see who has tried to modify their printer to accept an external waste ink tank.

The key feature is the thin, long plastic tabs that stick down (see left). These would be VERY easy to break off if you were in a hurry or not paying attention and I very nearly did this myself so hopefully this is saving you a nasty surprise.

Anyway, most of this guide will be about how to safely remove the hatch and then modify it (if you want to) so you can fit an external waste kit.

 

The external view (left) includes the exit hole you’ll drill later so ignore that bit but what the picture shows is the location of the hatch you need to remove.

External view of hatch
Stage #1 of the hatch release

Releasing the Hatch (part #1)

Your first job is to gently lever the catch at the top of the hatch so the hatch cover can be pulled about 5mm towards you.

Remember to take your time and be patient.

Stage #2 of the hatch release

Releasing the Hatch (part #2)

As you can see from the image (left), you should NOT rotate the top of the hatch cover down, because if you do that, you will break off the plastic tabs at the bottom of the hatch cover.

Instead, carefully wedge the hatch cover open using a pencil or another screwdriver to stop the catch re-engaging.

Stage #3 of the hatch release

Releasing the Hatch (final stage)

You now use a flat head screw driver to:

  1. Gently push in between the printer case and the bottom of the hatch
    .
    THEN
    .
  2. Again, gently lever the hatch cover upwards until the tabs at the bottom of the cover are released and you can pull the hatch cover free.

This should leave you with the hatch cover intact and a clear view of the inside of the printer.

RX685 inside the trapdoor/hatch

Locating the Waste Tube

The images (left) show the location of the waste tube and which part to pull loose.

Once you have located it, you need to gently pull the tube so the loose end (located towards the rear of the printer) comes free.

RX685 Which tube to release
RX685 Gently pulling the tube to release the open end
Position the tube so it can exit without folding or crimping the tube

Modifying the Hatch Cover (Trapdoor)

After you have freed the tube you then follow the standard process of connecting your waste ink kit using the barbed connector and modifying your trapdoor.

I have copied in instructions from the R240 from this point on as the RX685 used to demonstrate this was not fitted with a kit at the time the pictures were taken.

The process is more or less exactly the same so these R240 steps should still provide ample information to complete the task.

 

IMPORTANT: Any kinking or folding of the tube will restrict ink flow to the waste tank so make sure the tube bends gently and is in the correct position.

Replace trapdoor The image (left) shows how things should look* with the connector inside the printer, and the trapdoor replaced (*on the R240)

Note: On the RX685 the tube would exit from the middle/bottom of the door as that’s the best location for a notch or hole to be drilled without interfering with the hatch tabs.

All finished

Finished

Now you just connect your waste tank to the end of the tubing and then test the kit is working (if you haven’t already).

You are now ready to reset and use your printer again

Resetting the waste ink counter

The RX680 is the North American model and is supported directly by Epson which may not be available now but is worth trying if available.

The RX685 and RX690 are supported by the WICReset utility/app which requires purchase of a key/credit to use.

 

 

Please remember that Feedback and/or comments on this guide are welcome.

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