What are the systems requirements?

PC Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, USB 2.0 Required.

Does the Sidekick work on Apple Mac?

Unfortunately, No!

What software is required?

The Epson printer comes with Epson CD Print software which is configured for the printer. Otherwise you can use any software that allows you to place the print image relative to where it is physically in the printer. Software such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop and Corel Draw for example.

What software comes with the Sidekick?

An application called MyNK50V is installed which causes the Sidekick to load and unload discs in concert with the printer.

What else will I need to get started?

All cables, ink etc. are supplied. You will need some inkjet printable CDs or DVD discs.

What happens where it runs out of discs?

Assuming you have more discs to print in the print queue, then when you add more discs to the Sidekick, it will start feeding and resume printing.

I found a disc tray with the printer!

The standard Epson printer includes a disc tray. You can use this tray BUT NOT WITH the Sidekick. The Sidekick comes with one tray installed and anoher spare. It will not work with the tray supplied with the printer.

The primary running costs for an inkjet printer is the ink cartridges and paper/discs. The most complex cost is that of the ink, as it is hard to calculate choices made need to take into consideration the quality of print.

What is the ink cost per disc?

The amount of ink used to print a disc can only be estimated; the area printed, colours, colour density and print settings will all affect the outcome.
To provide some idea, we have measured the ink used and estimated the costs for a specific disc face as follows:

How we did it... - We weighed the genuine Epson cartridges at the beginning and end of it's life. This told us the amount of usable ink we could get out of the cartridges. It was assumed that one litre of ink weights 1kg.

Notes: 1. Results will vary widely based on the amount of the disc surface area printed using solid colours. We would roughly guess that our sample printed on about 60% of the disc surface, compared to a full, solid print or strong colours on a full face disc. 2. The CD Print software that came with the printer was used to print. The printer settings were neutral, that is, they were not set for lighter or darker print. Normal Epson CD print quality was used (Photo). 3. The use of cheaper, compatible ink cartridges and/or continuous inking systems will substantially reduce the printing costs, however consideration should also be given to possible fading and/or different colour rendering that may also occur (Amongst other quality variables). 4. Prices were correct at the time of publishing (Sep2010) in Austalian Dollars, including GST as advertised by Office Works.

Can I save on compatible inks?

There are several aspects in using compatible (non Espon) inks.

• Often you will find compatible inks do not print the same colours as the genuine product. This may not be an issue for you if you are not worried about exact colour matching.
  
• If you buy compatible inks, you are well advised to stay with the same brand as it is more likely that replacement cartridges will produce the same colours.
  
• Saving the most money on compatible inks can be a problem. Let alone the variation in ink colour, you may also find the print changes colour over a few days or weeks AND if there are 'lumps' in the ink, you may have print head nozzles getting clogged so you may get lines across the printing.
  

In the end it may well be that the economics say it is cheaper to use comptible inks and replace the printer, than use genuine inks and have the printer last a longer time!! However, if you add print quality issues, then the formula may be somewhat different.

What about Continuous Ink Supply Systems (CISS)?

Continuous ink supply systems (CISS) are consist of larger ink tanks, with tubes that run to the cartridges in the printer. Often they take around 100ml of ink and you purchase bulk ink to refill these tanks.
Quality issues are the same as for compatible inks. Compatibility of CISS cartridges and the printer is also an issue. Potential benefits include saving perhaps 60% or more of the ink costs compared to genunie Epson ink cartridges.

What other supplies might I need?

The tray that takes the disc in the Sidekick (AKA disc caddy) is a consumable item (you are provided with an extra one with the Sidekick). Additonal disc caddies are available at low cost. You may to have to replace the caddy after a few thousand discs. Note the caddy is easily replaced without the need of any tools.

The printer is ready, but I can't print!

Most likely scenario is that either your Sidekick is not turned on and/or is not 'Started'

1. Start by ensuring the USB cable goes from your computer, to the sidekick connector marked "PC" and the cable comes out of the Sidekick connector marked "Printer" and goes to the Epson printer.
   
2. Next ensure that the Sidekick is switched on and the green light is showing on the front of the Sidekick.
   
3. You may have noted that when the Sidekick was switched on it moved the tray about a bit and the disc feeder had some movement. Now you need to go to the computer and start the program MyMK50V. You will need to have pressed the Start button on this sofware for the Sidekick to be operational.

Sometimes the Sidekick stops even with discs ready to print

If the Ink light on the printer is blinking, then you probably need to replace one or more ink cartridges or...

Check the input hopper discs. When you are placing new discs in the hopper you should:

1. Separate each disc in the original stack.
2. Ensure the bottom disc is seated correctly (using your little finger through the disc hole to place the disc and move it around to ensure it is sitting on the tree white plastic wheels.
   
3. When adding more discs, do it gently and try to keep them in a nice straight column so they are unlikely to snag on the way through the feeder.

The warranty on the Epson printer and the Sidekick are both 'return to repair center'. An important issue is that it is your responsibility to get the printer or disc feeder back to the repair centre and also once repaired (if under warranty) to pay for it's return shipping.
It is important that you keep the equipment cartons so if needed you have the packaging to ship the item to the repair centre. As you can expect, a device sent in for warranty repair will not cover shipping damage.

Can I ship you the printer / sidekick disc feeder if I have a problem?

No. We will not accept deliveries of goods without having issues an Return Authorisation. Where there is an issue with your Epson/Sidekick disc feeder (within your warranty period). You will need to contact us prior shipping anything. Whether you are returning somthing to PCX or Epson, you will need to have proof of purchase to validate the purchase date and whether the device is covered by warranty.
Purchase of equipment through non-authorised or direct imported sources may not be covered by Australian Warranties.

What do I do if I have Epson printer problems?

Firstly you are welcome to call or email us to discuss the issue. Epson provides their own warranty terms and conditions

What if I have Sidekick (disc auto feeder) issues?

Contact us!. We will review your situation and try to resolve the issue.