The following procedure describes all necessary steps how to switch inks from UH21/US11 to UA31 on a ValueJet VJ-1638UR/UR2 and VJ-1638UH/UH2. 

Please follow the steps below in order to properly convert these printers:

Ink switch from UH21/US11 to UA31 inks

Required Items

1. Firmware + MSA 5 tool (or higher)
   • VJ-1638UR V1.08 (or higher) for VJ-1638UR
   • VJ-1638UR2 V1.08 (or higher) for VJ-1682UR2
   • VJ-1638UH V1.15 (or higher) for VJ-1638UH
   • VJ-1638UH2 V1.15 (or higher) for VJ-1682UH2
2. Spitting box absorbent:     -VJ1638UR/UR2: "VJ-FBPAD-U3"           - VJ1638UH/UH2: "VJ16STG-FB-SO3"
3. Wiper with holder:   "VJ1638UH-WIP"
4. Optional: Valve head assy - dampers (8 pieces required): "DH-40834"
   
   It is wise to take a full complement of 8 dampers during this procedure, just in case they need to be replaced. Replacement may not always be required and should be evaluated case-by-case by the technician proceeding with the conversion. The status of the currently installed dampers depend on several parameters like:
   • How long these original dampers are in use.
   • The amount of production done on this printer.
   • Was the printer charged with or without white inks.
   • The amount of cartridge-agitations done by the operator.
   • Installed firmware version (in particular very old versions without optimized spitting & ink-circulation cycles, might require a damper-replacement).
     
     
5. Required cleaning & ink cartridges
   • UH22 220ml cleaning cartridges for removing old inks
     
     

     VJ-1638UR/UR2/UH/UH2 (MMCCYYKK or KMCYVVWW)
     Part N°	#
     UH22-CL220E	8

     
     
   • UA31 inks for ValueJet VJ-1638UR/UR2/UH/UH2 (+ adaptor VJ-HCIPADPT-UV8)
     
     

     VJ-1638UR/UR2/UH/UH2 (MMCCYYKK)		VJ-1638UR/UR2/UH/UH2 (KMCYVVWW)
     Part N°	#	Part N°	#
     VJ-UA31-BK1000E	2	VJ-UA31-BK1000E	1
     VJ-UA31-CY1000E	2	VJ-UA31-CY1000E	1
     VJ-UA31-MA1000E	2	VJ-UA31-MA1000E	1
     VJ-UA31-YE1000E	2	VJ-UA31-YE1000E	1
     		VJ-UA31-WH500E	2
     		VJ-UA31-VA1000E	2

     
     
   • UA31 1L maintenance cleaning bottle to carry out the daily maintenance: "VJ-UA31-CL1000E"
     
     

Procedure

1. Update the firmware if necessary + MSA 5 tool (or higher)
   • VJ-1638UR V1.08 (or higher) for VJ-1638UR
   • VJ-1638UR2 V1.08 (or higher) for VJ-1682UR2
   • VJ-1638UH V1.15 (or higher) for VJ-1638UH
   • VJ-1638UH2 V1.15 (or higher) for VJ-1682UH2
2. Drain the waste-bottle completely empty.
3. Start the printer in Self Diagnosis Mode.
4. Perform a nozzle check (to check the current status).
5. Perform a Longstore (> Adjustment >Longstore) using UH22 cleaning cartridges.
6. Power off
7. Optional step: Replace the 8 dampers in the print heads.
8. Replace the spitting box absorbent.
9. Replace the wiper with holder.
10. Retrieve the latest MPI file from the printer in Board manager mode with the latest MSA tool.
11. Create a new ticket through our support-desk and send the MPI file.
12. You will receive an ULK file, which will enable the UA31 smart-chip support on your VJ-1638UR/UR2/UH/UH2.
13. Install the ULK file on the printer with the latest MSA tool.
14. Power off.
15. Insert the UA31 ink and smart UA31 smart cards ==> It is important to insert these before the printer is rebooted in order to allow the printer to change the ink type into "UA31" ink type.
16. Now, reboot the printer into "Ready to print" (user) mode.
17. Perform an ink charge.

Article changes

Revision 1.0 : December 2021 - Initial release for VJ-1638UR(2) & VJ-1638UH(2)