v2014.228 includes a nozzle unclog pattern in the "File" menu that can be printed to clear (or prevent) minor clogs.
Well, I think this new feature is priority High, even though Mike labeled it Priority Low.
First! What is it?
It's a special sort of "target" image, which when printed, will force your printer to high pressure pulse print and clean your nozzles.
If you see any banding or color casts, it's probably time to UNCLOG your nozzles.
This theory and a few attempts have floated around the internet from time to time. But leave it to our Mike to write his own "target" image and test it thoroughly to assure us that it really works.
How to implement the new feature?
FILE and click PRINT UNCLOG PATTERN.
A dialogue box opens with FULL instructions... which boil down to this.
1) You should use plain cheap LETTER SIZE paper because it wont waste your good paper.
2) Set the driver to the best quality it will allow with plain paper selected.
3) Don't worry about profiles or color settings of any kind. It makes no difference.
4) Just a note! Setting paper type to plain paper is a non glossy type and will activate the MK, Matte Black for cleaning.
If you need to run an Unclog to clean the PK, Photo Black, simply "lie" to the driver and set the paper type to a glossy type.
This will activate the use of the Photo Black. You can still use the plain cheap paper for this also.
Reason for high optimism!
I have been printing a long time, and clogged nozzles or heads are part of the process, exacerbated by inactivity.
The fix was to run a Nozzle check which wasn't that accurate, and then run one, maybe two, maybe three cleaning cycles.
You know the sound that sucking on a soda straw makes as you reach the bottom of the glass?
That's the sound my ink cartridges made as they went through the cleaning cycle.
Now, you can try the built in UNCLOG and use much less ink to get the job done.
You can even use it periodically as maintenance especially when you haven't run the printer in a few days.
Bonus! The output prints are really colorful and attractive. Don't throw them away. Save them and wall paper the bathroom!!
Good Job, Mike