Datacard UltraGrafix User Manual

User’s Guide for the Magna™ Class Printer
ImageCard® and UltraGrafix™ Series
May 2000
Part No. 539043-001
Please note and heed the WARNING and CAUTION labels that have been placed on the equipment for your safety. Please do not attempt to operate or repair this equipment without adequate training.
Liability statement
This Datacard® product has been built to the high standards of Datacard Corporation. See “Safety and compliance” on page A-1 for the statement of liability.
Regulatory compliance
This Datacard product conforms to regulatory requirements as speci­fied in North America and Europe. See “Safety and compliance” on
page A-1 for detailed regulatory compliance information.
Trademark acknowledgments
Trademark, service mark, and copyright acknowledgments are listed in “Safety and compliance” on page A-1.
Proprietary Notice
ii
All drawings and information herein are the property of Datacard Cor­poration. Copyright © 2000 Datacard Corporation. All rights reserved.
Revision Log: User’s Guide for the Magna™ Class Print er
Revision Date Affected Pages Description of Changes
A Sept. 99 All Initial release B May 2000 Many, especially 1-6—1-11,
2-5—2-10, 3-7—3-1 1, 4-9— 4-10,
5-12—5-20, 6-3—6-18, &
B-2—B-11
Datacard 11111 Bren Road West Minnetonka, MN 55343-9015 www.datacard.com
952.933.0333 Fax: 952.935.2314
© 1999-2000 Datacard Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Updated unpacking, cleaning,
operation, and part number
information

Contents

Chapter 1: Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
About the Magna Class printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Printer models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Printer features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
How options are identified in this manual . . . . .1-10
PC and software specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Chapter 2: Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
General requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Selecting the site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Electrical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Physical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Environmental requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Unpacking the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Who to call for assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Connecting the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Loading cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Loading the print ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Loading the overlay material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Removing the overlay cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Loading overlay in the cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Replacing the overlay cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Verify the debower position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Powering on the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Installing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Setup tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
Making and evaluating test cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
Printer test card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
iii
Chapter 3: Using the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Working with printer settings and data . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Settings and data for Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Settings and data for Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Using the Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Opening and using the Status dialog box . . . . . . 3-8
Viewing Status Monitor information . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
iv
Exiting the Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Starting or quitting diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Starting or quitting advanced setup . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Making cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Removing cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Responding to messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Shutting down the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Chapter 4: Maintaining the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Using the printer cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Using the duplex/overlay cleaning card . . . . . . . . 4-3
Using the magnetic stripe cleaning card . . . . . . . . 4-5
Cleaning the printhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Cleaning the supply tracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Cleaning the overlay heated roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Replacing the printhead cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Chapter 5: Advanced Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Reinstalling the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Network printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Requirements for local printer sharing . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Printer and PC setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Setting up printing over the network . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Installing the printer driver on the client PC . . . . . 5-9
Perform management tasks at the host PC . . . . 5-10
Using the printer from the client PC . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Changing the type of print ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Change the print ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Change the Print Ribbon Type setting . . . . . . . . 5-13
Change the card design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Change the printhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Change printhead settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Print sample cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
When to change what . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Changing operational settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
If you think the printer is not working . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Problems with card appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Print station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Topcoat applied using the print ribbon . . . . . . . . 6-8
Optional overlay station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Obtaining service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
When to obtain service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
Packing the printer for shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
Appendix A: Safety and compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Regulatory compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Notice for USA (FCC notice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Notice for Canada (CSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Notice for Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Notice to Users of Printers Equipped with
Contactless Smart Card Coupler . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
Liability statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
Safe environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
Safe human interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
Appendix B: Supplies and cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
Personalization supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
Print ribbons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
Overlay material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4
Supply roll storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5
Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5
Card specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5
Card size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6
Card material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6
Pre-punched cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7
New cards preferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7
Card quality guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7
Card storage specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8
Cleaning supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9
Printer cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9
Duplex/overlay cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9
Magnetic stripe cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
Printhead cleaning pen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
Overlay roller cleaning stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
Printer driver CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
Anti-static wrist strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10
Printer components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-11
Printhead cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-11
Interface cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-12
Power cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-12
v
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
vi
Smart card serial cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13
Print ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13
Card cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-14
Card output stacker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-14
Overlay cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-15
Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-15
Related publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-16
Appendix C: PC settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
PC settings for all operating systems . . . . . . . . . .C-1
Configuring the ECP parallel port . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
PC settings for Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-4
Setting port values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-4
Setting printer permissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-5
Setting a smart card serial portWindows NT . .C-6
PC settings for Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-7
Setting port values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-8
Setting a smart card serial portWindows 98 . .C-9
Appendix D: Magnetic stripe encoding . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1
IATA, ABA, and TTS character sets . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1
NTT character set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-2
Magnetic Stripe settings used by
the Magna Class printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-3
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Declaration of confo rmity
Overview
1
This chapt er presents the following:
The purpose of this manual
Who should use this manual
The Magna Class printer, including a description of the printer,
How information about optional features is identified in this
Specifications for the PC used with the printer and the software
1
the models available, and their components
manual
that runs on the PC
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
1-2

About this manual

This manual provides detailed information about the Datacard® Magna Class photo ID printer. It also explains how to install, use, and maintain the printer and its printer driver.

Audience

This manual is intended for persons using a Magna Class printer. To perform the procedures in this manual, you must have the
following skills:
Ability to read and understand written and graphical instructions
Ability to operate a personal computer (PC)
Experience with Microsof t® Windows® 98 or Windows NT®
Ability to load supplies
Ability to perform simple troubleshooting using written and graphical instructions
Datacard-authorized service personnel also use this manual.
Overview

About the Magna Class printer

The Magna Class photo ID printer includes the printer and a printer driver which runs on a PC. The printer uses supplies such as print ribbon and blank cards when printing cards.
The Magna Class printer prints full-color or monochrome images on one or both sides of PVC cards. The images printed can include photos, text, logos, barcodes and digitized signatures. The printer can perform additional personalization tasks, such as encoding magnetic stripe data and sending data to smart card chips. With the optional overlay module, the printer can apply a durable polyester patch (overlay) to one or both sides of the personalized card.
The printer driver receives digital information from a card creation application and processes the data to send to the printer. When the printer receives the data, it prints the card. The driver keeps track of the progress of the card in the printer, and sends data for the next card as soon as the printer is ready and the data is available.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Overview
See “PC and software specifications” on page 1-10 for more information about the printer driver and the PC on which it runs.

Printer models

Several models of the printer are available. A printer can be ordered with the following optional modules:
Magnetic stripe module, for either 3-track encoding or single-
Smart card module. The smart card module is available with a
Duplex module, which can automatically print on both sides of the
Overlay module, to apply a durable polye ster patch (overlay) to
Table 1-1 lists the models and their features.
1-3
track NTT encoding. The module is installed in-line with the print operation. It encodes data on the magnetic stripe and then verifies the data.
contact coupler, a contactless (RF) coupler, or with a contact station with external coupler. A custom smart card application can use the module to initialize and program the smart card chip on a card.
card, and is required if a smart card module is present.
one or both sides of the personalized card.
Table 1-1: Magna Class printer features
Model name Colors printed Overlay module Duplex module
ImageCard M Full color or monochrome No No ImageCard M2 Full color or monochrome No Yes ImageCard ML Full color or monochrome Yes No ImageCard M2L Full color or monochrome Yes Yes UltraGrafix M Monochrome only No No UltraGrafix M2 Monochrome only No Yes UltraGrafix ML Monochrome only Yes No UltraGrafix M2L Monochrome only Yes Yes
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
1-4
Overview
i
Monochrome printing uses a ribbon with a single color, such as black. To optimize monochrome printing, use a monochrome printhead cartridge.
Figure 1-2 shows the M and M2 models of the Magna Class printer.
The ImageCard and UltraGrafix printers have the same appearance.
Figure 1-2: M and M2 models of the Magna Class printer
Figure 1-3: ML and M2L models of the Magna Class Printer
Figure 1-3 shows the ML and M2L models of the Magna Class printer.
The ImageCard and UltraGrafix printers have the same appearance.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Overview
The ML and M2L models of the printer include the overlay module which applies a durable polyester patch (overlay) to one or both sides of the personalized card. You can select the type and thickness of the overlay to use.

Printer features

Use the information in this section to identify the features and controls you use on the printer.
1-5
Top cover supp ort
Front of the printer
Find the following on the outside of the printer:
Card cartridge
Card cartridge
Exception card slot
Ready button
Figure 1-4: Front of the Magna Class printer
Duplex module
Swing arm
Cover
Status light
Overlay module
Overla y su p ply cartridge
Card output stacker
Overlay card feed k nob
Print ribbon cartridge
Printhead cartridge
Manual card feed k nob
The card cartridge holds blank cards to print. It holds about 100 cards (with a nominal thickness of 0.030 inches (0.76 mm)). At the bottom of the card cartridge, the exception card slot allows you to insert a single card that is different from the cards in the card cartridge.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
1-6
Card output stacker
Cover
Overlay module
Ready button
Overview
The card output stacker holds the cards after they have been processed. Both completed cards and rejected cards go to the card output stacker.
The cover protects the internal parts of the printer from dust and debris. It also lessens the sound from the printer.
The overlay module is part of all ML and M2L printer models. The overlay module applies a die-cut polyester patch to one or both sides of the card after it has been personalized. You can choose the DuraGard protective overlay or a holographic overlay. Both provide a durable and long-lasting protective surface to the card. The holographic overlay includes a tamper-evident image.
The Ready button allows you to pause the printer while printing a card, to clear an error condition, to cancel a print job and delete all data for the job, or to create a printer test card.
To pause the printer, press and hold the Ready button for three seconds or less. Any cards being printed complete the current operation and stop. The status light continues to blink green while the printer is paused.
i
If the printer is paused and a message box is displayed on the PC, use the buttons on the message box to clear the message. If you press the Ready button to clear the error, the current print job is cancelled. If you press the Ready button to clear a pause condition, the job is not cancelled.
To cancel and clear the current print job, press and hold the Ready button for between three and ten seconds. When the sound changes tone, release the Ready button. The job is cleared from printer memory and the card is ejected.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Overview
Status light
Top cover support
1-7
You can verify that the printer is working correctly by making a printer test card. See “Making and evaluating test cards” on
page 2-29 for more information.
The status light indicates that the printer is processing data, ready to receive data, or in an error condition.
When the status light is steady green, the printer is on and ready to print cards.
When the status light blinks green, the printer is receiving data from the PC, is printing, or is paused.
When the status light blinks yellow, the printer has identified a problem and stopped.
The status light can turn red on rare occasions. If this happens, contact your service prov ide r promptly for assistance.
The top cover support holds the top cover in the open position while you perform tasks with the printer, such as changing the print ribbon or optional overlay material, or clearing a card jam. Use the top cover support whenever you work inside the printer.
Inside the printer
Duplex module
On all M2 and M2L printer models, this area contains the duplex mechanism, which turns the card over for printing on both sides or applying overlay on both sides.
Manual card feed knob
The manual card feed knob turns to move a card along the card transport track. Use it to release stuck cards in the print module.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
1-8
Overlay supply cartridge
This cartridge holds the overlay supply and can be removed for easy reloading.
Overlay card feed knob
The overlay card feed knob turns to move a card along the card transport track. Use it to release stuck cards in the overlay module.
Print ribbon cartridge
The print ribbon cartridge holds the print ribbon.
Printhead cartridge
The printhead, contained in the printhead cartridge, uses heat and pressure to transfer dye and other material from the print ribbon to the card. The printhead cartridge is replaceable.
Swing arm
Overview
The swing arm opens to give you access to the printhead cartridge and print ribbon cartridge. Push down on the left (curved) end of the swing arm to open it.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Overview
Back of the printer
1-9
Figure 1-5 shows the back of the printer:
ECP parallel port
USB port (for futur e use)
Contactless smart card serial port
Contact smart card serial port
Power button
Power receptacle
Figure 1-5: The back of the printer
Find the following on the back of the printer:
ECP parallel port
Use the ECP parallel port to connect the printer's interface cable to the PC.
Power button
Use the power button to power on or power off the printer.
Power receptacle
This is the receptacle for connecting the power cable.
Smart card serial port(s)
On printers equipped with the smart card option, use these connectors for the serial cable from the PC or contact station that carries the data to encode on the smart card chip.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
1-10

How options are identified in this manual

This manual describes all of the features of the Magna Class printer, including all the options. Because many printers do not have all options, the following method is used to help you identify information that applies to an option.
The icons for each option are:
Magnetic stripe encoding module
Smart card module
Overlay station
Overview
When you see the icon for an option, use the section or follow the step if you have the option installed in your printer. If your printer does not have the option, you can ignore the section or step.

PC and software specifications

The Magna Class printer must be used with a PC that runs the printer driver. The PC also runs a card creation application that captures and organizes the data to appear on each card.
To support the printing speed that the Magna Class printer can deliver, the PC must meet the following requirements:
Have a 233 MHz (or faster) Pentium MMX-compatible processor
i
The PC resources, including processor speed, memory, and available hard disk space, can have a dramatic effect on card processing speed. For faster card printing, use a 450 MHz or faster processor with 128 MB of RAM.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Overview
1-11
Have an enabled ECP parallel port
Have at least 64 MB of memory (RAM)
Have a CD-ROM drive to install the printer driver
Have 50 MB or more of hard disk space available to store the
printer driver and provide working space for preparing card data
Have one of the following operating systems:
Windows 98 Windows NT 4.0 with service pack 5 or 6
i
The Windows 98 printer driver is designed to work on Windows 98 or Windows 98 Second Edition. The printer driver can be installed and used on Windows 95; however it is possible that some unexpected results could occur. If you experience problems, consider upgrad ing the PCs operating system to Windows 98.
The PC must also have a card creation application that formats and prepares the card data. For the PC requirements of your card creation application, see the application's documentation.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2
This section describes how to install the Datacard® Magna Class photo ID printer. It describes:
General requirements for using the printer
Selecting the site
Unpacking the printer
Who to call for assistance
Connecting the cables
Loading supplies, including cards, print ribbon, and optional
overlay material
Powering on the printer
Installing the printer driver
Printing test cards

General requirements

2
When choosing a site for the Magna Class printer and its supplies, consider the following general requirements:
Keep all dust, dirt, food, liquids, etc. away from the Magna Class printer at all times.
Keep the top cover closed at all times, except when changing supplies, fixing problems, or performing maintenance.
Do not use supplies or cards that have been dropped on the floor or have otherwise become contaminated.
Keep paper and foreign materials off the Magna Class printer.
Do not block the back, left- and right-side air vents on the Magna
Class printer.
Place the Magna Class printer on a stable platform; keep it off the floor.
Place the Magna Class printer away from direct sunlight.
Place the Magna Class printer away from heating ducts, blowers,
or other air vents.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-2
Do not use the Magna Class printer for purposes other than its intended use.
When cleaning around the Magna Class printer, prevent debris from entering the printer.
Place the Magna Class printer in a clean office environment, protected from any type of construction.
Store all supplies (ribbons, cards, etc.) in the original packaging until loaded in the cartridges. Keep the original packaging closed.
Store all supplies in a clean, cool, dry location. See “Supply roll
storage on page B-5 for information about the storage
environment for Magna Class supplies.

Selecting the site

After meeting general requirements, the site for the Magna Class printer should meet the electrical, physical, and environmental requirements of the printer. Finally, be sure to select an appropriate site for printer supplies.

Electrical requirements

Getting started
The Magna Class printer requires the following electrical conditions for optimal performance:
90-254 VAC at 50/60 Hz (The Magna Class printer automatically adjusts to any power within this range.)
Single phase, 3-wire grounded receptacle only
The maximum input current for the Magna Class printer is 3 amps at 100 VAC applied.

Physical requirements

The Magna Class printer requires an environment that accommodates its physical dimensions and weight.
The printer weighs between 36 and 44 pounds or 16.4 and 19.5 kilograms. The weight varies depending on the options installed in the printer.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
i
The surface holding the printer might also need to bear the
weight of other equipment such as a PC and camera.
The dimensions are:
Width of 26.75 inches (67.9 cm) for M and M2 models
Width of 34.75 inches (88.3 cm) for ML and M2L models
Depth of 10.25 inches (26.1 cm)
Height of 13.25 inches (33.7 cm)
10.5 in
(26.7 cm)
10.25 in (26.1 cm)
13.25 in
(33.7 cm)
2-3
3 in
(7.5 cm)
6 in
(15.3 cm)
Figure 2-1: Magna Class M and M2 models dimensions and
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2 in
(5.1 cm)
26.75 in
(67.9 cm)
clearance
2-4
Getting started
10.5 in
3 in
(7.5 cm)
6 in
(15.3 cm)
(26.7 cm)
34.75 in
(88.3 cm)
10.25 in (26.1 cm)
13.25 in
(33.7 cm)
2 in
(5.1 cm)
Figure 2-2: Magna Class ML and M2L models dimensions and
clearance
The clearance required is:
3 inches (7.5 cm) in back of the printer, for an overall depth of
13.25 inches (31.1cm)
6 inches (15.3 cm) on the left end of the printer and 2 inches (5.1 cm) on the right (output) end to remove the card cartridge and card output stacker. The overall width needed for the M and M2 models is 34.75 inches (88.3 cm) and the overall width for ML and M2L models is 42.75 inches (109.7 cm).
10.5 inches (26.7 cm) above the printer to allow the cover to open, for an overall height from the work surface of 23.75 inches (60.3 cm).

Environmental requirements

The Magna Class printer requires the following environmental conditions for optimal operation:
Operating relative humidity: 20% to 80% non-condensing
Operating temperature range: 55° F to 95° F (13° C to 35° C)
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
If you store the Magna Class printer, provide an environment with the following conditions:
Storage relative humidity: 20% to 80% non-condensing
Storage temperature range: 0° F to 100° F (-17.8° C to 37.8° C)

Unpacking the printer

Follow these steps to unpack the printer. Be sure to select a location that meets the site requriements for the Magna Class printer. See
Selecting the site on page 2-2 for more information.
You need scissors or another cutting device to unpack the printer.
i
Make sure you have one or more people to assist with unpacking the printer. One or two people can lift the printer while another person assists with removing packaging.
Unpack the printer
1 Place the shipping carton on a firm level surface.
2-5
2 Use a scissors to open the taped area on top of the shipping
carton.
3 Open the shipping carton (step 1 in Figure 2-3).
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2-6
Getting started
2
1
4
1
3
Figure 2-3: Unpack the printer
4 Remove the accessories box (step 2 in Figure 2-3). 5 Open the top of the packing material (step 3 in Figure 2-3).
The printer weighs 36 to 45 pounds (16.4 to 19.5 kilograms). Use proper lifting techniques. Make sure you have enough people to lift the printer comfortably.
6 Lift the printer from the carton (step 4 in Figure 2-3) and place it
on a counter or other solid surface.
7 If the end of the packing material comes out of the box, slide it off
the end of the printer and place the entire printer on a counter or other solid surface.
Save all packing material, including the plastic bag, shipping
i
carton, shipping cushions, and accessories box.
8 Open the accessories box and remove the contents. The
accessoris box contains:
Card output stacker Power cable Interface cable Warranty and declaration of conformity
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-7
Users Guide Printer driver Supplies kit if one was ordered with this printer
Figure 2-4: Place the card output stacker on the printer
9 Place the card output stacker on the right end of the printer
(Figure 2-4). The card output stacker hooks into the printer.
10 Make sure the card cartridge is securely seated in the printer. If
needed, move it gently to seat it.
11 Remove the printhead packing tape.
a Lift the top cover and then move the support down so it rests
on the internal frame, as shown in Figure 2-5.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-8
Getting started
2
1
Figure 2-5: Move the top cover support down
b Lift an edge of the packing tape and pull it off the swing arm
and chassis (Figure 2-6). Discard the tape.
Figure 2-6: Remove the printhead packing tape
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started

Who to call for assistance

If you work with a Datacard-authorized distributor or value-added reseller, contact your reseller for assistance. A value-added reseller provides the Magna Class printer as part of an overall system.
If any contents of the box are missing, contact your distributor or reseller. If you purchased your printer directly from Datacard, contact Datacard. Make sure you have the serial number, located on the bottom of the printer, when you call.

Connecting the printer

This section explains how to connect the printer to a power source and to the PC that runs the printer driver. It also explains how to connect the optional smart card cable.
Connect the printer
1 Attach the interface cable to the ECP parallel port on the PC.
Attach the other end of the interface cable to the printer (step 1 in
Figure 2-7).
2-9
i
The interface cable must be a shielded, Type C, IEEE 1284
parrallel port cable, up to a maximum of 2 meters long.
!
If the PC has more than one parallel port, make sure you use the ECP capable parallel port on the PC. Also, note whether the port is LPT1 or LPT2, so you can specify the port when installing the printer driver.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-10
Getting started
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 2-7: Connect the printer cables
2 If your printer has a smart card module, the ports to use
correspond to the module installed: – The lower port (step 3 in Figure 2-7) is for a contact smart
card module or a contact station.
The upper port (step 2 in Figure 2-7) is for a contactless
module.
Both ports are installed for a module containing both
contactless (upper port) and contact couplers (lower port).
i
If the printer includes a smart card module, the printers smart card serial port is connected to the PC using a smart card serial cable. The cable must be a shielded DB9 serial cable, up to a maximum of 3 meters long.
!
If the PC has more than one serial port, attach the serial cable to the serial port for the smart card application. See information with your smart card application for the correct port to use.
Verify that serial port settings are correct using the steps in “PC
settings on page C-1.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
3 Attach the power cord to the power receptacle on the back of the
printer (step 4 in Figure 2-7).
4 Plug the other end of the power cord into a single phase, 3-wire
grounded receptacle with 90-130V AC or 195-254V AC at 50 or 60 Hz (step 5 in Figure 2-7).
i
The printer power supply automatically adjusts to the voltage of the input power.

Loading cards

Load cards when beginning work or when the card cartridge is low on cards or empty. You can load cards when the printer power is on or off. You can also load cards while the printer is printing.
To order more cards, contact your card vendor. For information on card requirements, see “Supplies and cards” on page B-1.
Load cards
2-11
1 Lift the card cartridge up and out of the card cartridge cavity (see
Figure 2-8).
i
Pull up on the lower, rounded edge of the card cartridge to release the card cartridge.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-12
Getting started
2
1
Figure 2-8: Remove the card cartridge
2 Fan cards (see Figure 2-9). Do not touch the surface of the cards.
74030c9
Figure 2-9: Fan cards
3 Place up to 100 blank cards into the card cartridge. Do not touch
the surface of the cards. For magnetic stripe cards, the magnetic stripe faces down and is
positioned toward the front of the printer (see Figure 2-10). If your card design requires a different orientation, position the magnetic stripe up and toward the front of the printer.
For smart cards, position the card so the chip is up and toward the right side of the printer.
i
If your cards are thicker or thinner than 0.030 inch (0.76 mm), the maximum number of cards you can load varies.
!
If you use an overlay station, use composite cards with a nominal thickness of at least 0.030 inch (0.76 mm).
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-13
Magnetic Stripes
Figure 2-10: Load cards into the card cartridge
4 Replace the card cartridge into the card cartridge cavity. Push the
bottom of the card cartridge toward the printer until it clicks into place (see Figure 2-11.).
2
Figure 2-11: Replace the card cartridge
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
1
2-14

Loading the print ribbon

The printer uses print ribbon with color panels, continuous color, or color and topcoat. To order new ribbon, contact your service provider. See “Supplies and cards” on page B-1 for ordering information.
Remove the print ribbon cartridge
1 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on
the internal frame, as shown in Figure 2-12.
Getting started
2
1
Figure 2-12: Open the cover
2 Press down on the swing arm (see Figure 2-13). The push latch
releases the swing arm. Lift the swing arm until it is fully open.
Figure 2-13: Open the swing arm
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-15
3 Grasp the ribbon cartridge handle, and lift up to remove the
ribbon cartridge (see Figure 2-14).
Ribbon supply
Figure 2-14: Remove the print ribbon cartridge
Ribbon take-up
Load the print ribbon
1 If used print ribbon is in the printer, remove the used ribbon and
used ribbon spool from the ribbon cartridge shafts.
i
The print ribbon has a negative image of the information printed on the card. Dispose of print ribbon according to your policy for protecting the data that might be visible on it.
2 Unwrap the new print ribbon. 3 Slide the full supply roll onto the left ribbon cartridge shaft (see
Figure 2-15).
4 Slide the empty take-up ribbon spool onto the right ribbon
cartridge shaft. Leave very little slack in the ribbon between the ribbon cartridge shafts (see Figure 2-15).
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-16
Getting started
Ribbon supply
Figure 2-15: Load new print ribbon on the ribbon cartridge
Ribbon take-up
Replace the print ribbon cartridge
1 Place the ribbon cartridge onto the ribbon cartridge supports, and
press down until it clicks into place (see Figure 2-16).
Print ribbon supply
Ribbon take-up
Figure 2-16: Replace the print ribbon cartridge
2 Close the swing arm, pressing it down until the push latch clicks
into place.
3 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is
parallel with the hinges, and lower the cover.
4 If you are installing the print ribbon for the first time be sure to
print a printer test card after installing the printer driver. (See
Making and evaluating test cards on page 2-29 for more
information.)
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
i
Set the print ribbon type or select autodetect. See “Working with
printer settings and data on page 3-1 for steps to follow.

Loading the overlay material

If the optional overlay module is installed, the printer uses overlay material. To order more overlay material, contact your service provider. See “Supplies and cards” on page B-1 for ordering information.
This section describes the three steps of changing the overlay material:
Remove the overlay cartridge
Load overlay in the cartridge
Replace the overlay cartridge
E
If you change the type of overlay material you use, see
Changing operational settings on page 5-18 for more
information.
2-17

Removing the overlay cartridge

Remove the overlay cartridge when an "Overlay empty" message appears or when setting up the printer.
Remove the overlay cartridge
1 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on
the internal frame, as shown in Figure 2-12.
The overlay st ation is HOT to the touc h and rema ins HOT for up to 30 minutes after the printer is powered off.
2 Lift the supply tracker until it stops (step 1 in Figure 2-17).
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-18
Getting started
1
2
3
Figure 2-17: Remove the overlay cartridge
3 Pull out on the cartridge lock to release the overlay cartridge
(step 2 in Figure 2-17).
4 Pull the overlay cartridge out until the cartridge is out of the
printer (step 3 in Figure 2-17).

Loading overlay in the cartridge

After removing the overlay cartridge from the printer, remove the used overlay material and load new overlay material.
Load overlay in the cartridge
1 Place the overlay cartridge upside down on a level surface, such
as a table, with the wide side away from you.
2 Pull up firmly on the full take-up spool to remove it. 3 Remove the end of the supply material from the empty supply
spool if needed. Dispose of the used supply according to your policy.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-19
4 Remove the empty spool from the supply spool holder and press
the spool into place on the take-up spool holder of the cartridge (step 1 in Figure 2-18). Make sure the ribs inside the spool align with the grooves in the spool holder.
5 Press on the spool and turn the spool slightly (if needed) until the
spool fully covers the spool holder ribs.
6 Unwrap the new overlay supply material. 7 Place the full supply roll on the right spool holder as you face the
open side of the cartridge (step 2 in Figure 2-18). Make sure the supply will unroll counterclockwise , as shown.
Take-up spool
4
1
3
Supply roll
2
Figure 2-18: Load overlay in the cartridge
8 Make sure the ribs inside the spool align with the grooves in the
spool holder. Press on the spool and turn the supply roll slightly (if needed) until the spool fully covers the spool holder ribs.
9 Lift the label on the supply roll and unroll about 8 inches from the
supply roll.
10 Wind the supply material in front of the guides and around the
take-up spool (step 3 in Figure 2-18). Make sure that the material will wind counterclockwise .
11 Press the label onto the take-up spool to secure the supply
material, as shown (step 4 in Figure 2-18).
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-20
12 Pick up the overlay cartridge and turn it over. Turn the overlay
take-up knob clockwise to remove any slack in the supply material.
The overlay cartridge is ready to be replaced in the printer.

Replacing the overlay cartridge

When replacing the overlay cartridge, begin with the top cover open.
Replace the overlay cartridge
E
Make sure the supply tracker is rais ed and out of the way. See
Figure 2-17.
1 Hold the loaded overlay cartridge next to the overlay station, with
the cartridge handle toward you.
2 Align the overlay cartridge so the spools in the cartridge are even
with the spindles in the station.
Getting started
3
2
1
Figure 2-19: Replace the overlay cartridge
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-21
3 Push the overlay cartridge into the printer (step 1 in Figure 2-19).
Make sure the supply material passes between the heated roller and the platen roller. Turn the supply knobs if needed to take up slack so the material does not wrinkle as the cartridge is pushed in place.
4 Hold the back of the printer and push firmly on the overlay
cartridge to seat it in the printer.
E
If the cartridge becomes stuck part of the way into the station, turn the supply and take-up knobs clockwise slightly so the
spindle ribs fit between the spool ribs.
5 Press the cartridge lock to secure the overlay cartridge in the
printer (step 2 in Figure 2-19).
6 Lower the supply tracker until it rests on the supply material (step
3 in Figure 2-19).
7 Verify that the cartridge is replaced correctly by making sure the
locating posts come through the locating holes in the cartridge (Figure 2-19).
E
If needed, release the cartridge lock and seat the cartridge completely. Press the cartridge lock again.
8 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is
parallel with the hinges and lower the cover.

Verify the debower position

The debower in the optional overlay module should be set for the type of cards you print. The debower assures that the heat used to apply the overlay does not leave cards bowed or curled.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-22
Getting started
Set the debower
Do not use the debower in the On position with proximity cards or smart card s.
E
Make sure power to the printer is off.
1 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on
the internal frame, as shown in Figure 2-12.
The overlay module is HOT to the touch and remains HOT for up to 30 minutes after the printer is powered off.
2 Pull out the handle for the debower and move it to the desired
position for the card type. Figure 2-20 shows the on and off positions for the debower.
Card type Debower position
0.030 inch (0.76 mm) card on
0.050 (1.27 mm) cards off Smart card off Proximity card off
If you use an overlay station, you must use cards that are at least 0.030 inch or 0.760 mm thick.
E
Make sure the debower is seated in the latch.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-23
Off
On
Figure 2-20: Lift the handle, move the debower, and lower it
3 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is
parallel with the hinges, as shown in Figure 2-12.
E
If you are setting up the printer, check the bow on the test card when you make it. If you are returning to this procedure after running the printer with other cards, make several test or sample cards to be sure the setting produces the desired result.
E
If you are switching to proximity cards or use smart cards, be sure to test the function of the card after applying the overlay or topcoat.

Powering on the system

Before installing the printer driver and before using the printer, follow these steps to power on the printer.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-24
Getting started
Power on the printer
1 Make sure cards and all other supplies are loaded. See other
sections of this chapter for more information.
2 Remove any printed or rejected cards from the output tray. See
Removing card s on page 3-13 for more information.
3 Make sure the power cord and interface cable are connected. If
needed, see “Conne cti ng the print er ” on page 2-9 for more information.
4 Press the printer Power button to turn on power. Observe the
printer panel light. See “Printer features on page 1-5 for more information. The printer initializes all components and makes audible sounds.
Figure 2-21: Turn on power to the printer
E
i
After model ML and M2L printers are powered on, the overlay module requires about 10 minutes to heat up from room temperature before printing a card. If a card was sent to print before the overlay module has heated up, the printer will pick the card but will not print or apply overlay until the overlay module has heated up. If the printer power was on recently, warm-up time
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
is shorter. The overlay module makes a series of beeps while it is warming up.
5 Press the PC Power button to turn on the power to the PC. Turn
on power to any other equipment needed.
E
i
The PC can be powered on before the printer; however, you should wait a few minutes for the PC to obtain information from the printer. The PC power can also remain on if the printer is powered off.

Installing the printer driver

The Magna Class printer comes with a CD-ROM that contains the printer drivers for the Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 98 operating systems. Use the following steps to install the printer driver on a PC running one of the following operating systems:
Windows 98 (Second Edition recommended)
E
The printer driver for Windows 98 can be installed on a PC with the Windows 95 operating system; however, unexpected results might occur. If you use Windows 95, follow procedures in this guide and in help for Windows 98.
2-25
Windows NT 4.0, with Service Pack 5 or 6. The Magna Class printer driver is not supported for PCs with Alpha, MIPS, or PowerPC processors.
E
i
If the PC does not have a CD-ROM drive, request installation
diskettes from your service provider. You also can download the printer driver from the Datacard Web site, at www.datacard.com.
E
If you have installed the printer driver and want to update to the most recent driver, delete the existing printer driver following the steps in “Reinstalling the printer driver” on page 5-1. Then, use the following steps to install the new printer driver.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-26
Getting started
Install the printer driver
E
i
For the latest information about installing the printer driver, see the
MagnaReleaseNotesNT.rtf or MagnaReleaseNotes98.rtf file in the folder for the driver. Be sure to select the folder for the operating system you use.
1 Make sure the printer is connected to the PC. 2 Press the Power button on the printer to power on the printer. 3 For Windows NT, make sure you are logged in as the
Administrator when you install the printer driver.
4 Close all applications. Do not close Windows. 5 With Windows running, insert the CD-ROM in the PC's drive. The
installation program starts automatically. – If you are using diskettes, insert Disk 1 in the PCs drive.
Select Run from the Start menu, type A:\setup, and click OK.
Figure 2-22: Driver installation program
6 Click Next in the first Printer Driver Setup dialog box.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-27
E
The installation program automatically detects the operating system on your PC and selects the driver for that operating system.
7 Use the default name for the printer or enter a name of your
choice.
8 The installation program displays a question asking whether you
would like to view the Release Notes. Click Yes to open the Release Notes in WordPad and view more information about this
driver. 9 Close the Release Notes when you have viewed the information. 10 Select the port to which the printer is connected and click Next. 11 Select whether this printer should be the default printer.
E
The small page size for cards might cause unexpected results with some applications if the Magna Class printer is the default.
12 Click Next. 13 The installation program copies files to the PC and updates
entries to enable the printer. The Setup Complete dialog appears.
14 You must restart the PC before the driver can work with the
printer. Click Finish to close the installation and restart the computer.
After installing the printer driver, there are several other tasks you might need to perform. They are:
For Windows NT, change permissions to the printer for other users of the PC. See “PC settings” on page C-1 for steps to follow. Also make sure that users of the printer have permission to write files to the temp file location specified in the PC configuration. If the temp file location is not specified, the driver uses the root location, WINNT.
View and change settings in the printer Properties or Default Document Properties dialog box . See “Working with printer
settings and data on page 3-1 for steps to follow.
Select whether to print on two sides (duplex printing). A
duplex module is required to print on two sides.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-28

Setup tips

Getting started
Select the print ribbon type before printing a test card. If you use a print ribbon with a topcoat (T) panel, select the
topcoat pattern for the front of the card, back of the card, or both.
If the printer has an overlay module, select whether to apply
the material to the front of the card, the back of the card, or both. A duplex module is required to apply overlay to the back of the card or to both sides of the card.
If the printer has a magnetic stripe module, select the
magnetic stripe coercivity and encoding format.
Make sure that:
The card cartridge is in place and contains cards.
The interface cable is connected to the parallel port of the printer and the ECP parallel port of the PC.
If the PC has more than one parallel port, the port to which the printer is assigned is the same as the port to which it is connected.
The parallel port is configured as an ECP parallel port in the PC’s BIOS. See “PC settings” on page C-1 for more information.
Supplies are installed in all cartridges that you plan to use, and cartridges are loaded correctly. See “Getting started” on page 2-1 for more information.
The printer is ready to print. The panel light on the printer should be steady green when you send a test card. See “Using the
printer on page 3-1 for more information.
Use the Windows test page, not a card from a card creation application, to verify that the printer and driver are working together.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started

Making and evaluating test cards

You can make two types of test cards.
Printer test cards verify the function of the printer. You print them using controls on the printer. The appearance of the card is determined by the printer and the modules installed in it.
The Windows test page, which you can print on a card, verifies that the PC and printer work together. You print them using the printer Properties dialog box on the PC. The appearance of the card is determined by Windows.
E
You can also make sample cards, using your card creation application, to test print quality and card design. Do not make sample cards until you make sure the printer and driver work properly (by making a printer test card and Windows test page).
E
Follow these steps to make printer test cards on both the Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 98 operating systems.
Make a Printer test card
2-29
E
The Magna Class printer does not need to be connected to a PC to print this type of test card.
1 Power off the Magna Class printer. 2 Confirm that all supplies are loaded; cards, print ribbon, and
optional overlay material. See “Getting started” on page 2-1 if needed.
E
If the printer has a magnetic stripe module, the cards for a
printer test card must have a magnetic stripe.
3 Power on the Magna Class printer (2) while pressing and holding
the Ready button (1), as shown in Figure 2-23. Hold the button until the sound from the internal components stops, usually about 30 seconds.
4 Release the Ready button. You hear a series of tones.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
2-30
Getting started
Allow 30 to 60 seconds for the printer to begin printing the test card. The status light will flash green while the Magna Class printer is processing the data.
2
1
Figure 2-23: Press the Power button (2) while pressing and
holding the Ready button (1)
E
i
After model ML and M2L printers are powered on, the overlay module requires about 10 minutes to heat up from room temperature before printing a card. If a card was sent to print before the overlay module has heated up, the printer will pick the card but will not print or apply overlay until the overlay module has heated up. If the printer power was on recently, warm-up time is shorter. The overlay module makes a series of beeps while it is warming up.
5 Remove the card from the card output stacker.
The printer test card is shown in Figure 2-24 on page 2-31. If the printer test card did not print successfully, see “Setup tips”
on page 2-28. If needed, turn to “Troubleshooting” on page 6-1.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started

Printer test card

The printer test card is designed to perform most of the functions available in the printer.
Check the following:
The test card has the pattern shown on the front of the card. The back of the card is unprinted.
If a topcoat (T) panel is included in the ribbon and you select a ribbon type that applies topcoat to the front of the card, the front of the card has topcoat applied.
If a magnetic stripe module is installed in the printer and enabled, the following data is encoded on the card:
2-31
icivtc
Figure 2-24: Printer test card
Track Format Data
Track 1 (IATA) TEST PATTERN IATA CHARACTER
Track 2 (ABA) 012345678012345678990123456789 Track 3 (NTT) 0123456789=9876543210 Track 3 (TTS) 0123456789=9876543210
See “Magnetic stripe encoding” on page D-1 for more information about magnetic stripe tracks.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
SUBSET 0123456789
2-32
Getting started
The tracks available depend on the type of module installed.
If an overlay station is installed in the printer and enabled, overlay is applied to the front of the card.
If you are not satisfied with the appearance of the test card, see
Troubleshooting on page 6-1 to identify the problem and possible
solutions. Follow these steps to print a Windows test page on both the Windows
NT 4.0 and Windows 98 operating systems.
Print the Windows test page
E
i
The Magna Class printer must be connected to the PC with the driver installed, and both printer and PC must be running.
1 Select Start from the Windows taskbar. 2 Select Settings and then Printers from the Windows Start menu.
The Printers window appears.
3 Click once on the Magna Class printer icon. 4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select
Properties. The Magna Class Properties dialog box appears.
5 Select the Print Test Page button on the General tab. The card
should print.
6 Remove the card from the card output stacker.
The card should look similar to the cards shown in Figure 2-25 and Figure 2-26. If it does not print, see “Setup tips” on
page 2-28.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Getting started
2-33
Microsoft
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98
win98tp
Figure 2-25: Windows test page, portrait orientation
Win
Microsoft
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NT
NT Print
winNTtp
Figure 2-26: Windows test page, landscape orientation
The Windows test page is generated by Microsoft Windows. The small size of the card, compared to printer paper, means that some of the text is not printed on the card.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer
3
This chapter provides information to help you run the Magna Class printer effectively and efficiently. It describes:
How to work with printer settings and data
How to make cards
How to remove completed cards and reject ed cards
How to respond to messages
How to shut down the system
3

Working with printer settings and data

E
At installation, the Magna Class printer driver uses default settings for the printer. At setup, you need to view, change, and save printer and driver settings. As you use the printer, you might change the card design and need to change settings to reflect that, or you might need to view settings or data about the printer.
E
If you use a card creation application specifically designed to create cards, that application might include card settings that override driver settings.
Printer driver settings and data are organized differently for Windows NT and Windows 98. Use the section that applies to the operating system you use.

Settings and data for Windows NT

Settings that control the printing and personalization of the card are in the Default Document Properties dialog box for the printer. These settings include:
Card design settings, such as landscape or portrait orientation
Topcoat pattern during the print cycle
Printer supplies used
Cleaning interval
Magnetic stripe encoding formats and coercivity
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
3-2
Using the printer
The Default Document Properties dialog box also provides access to the About dialog box, which shows the printer driver version.
Settings that control the non-printing operation of the printer are in the Properties window for the printer. These settings include:
Port to which the printer is attached
Permissions for other users of the PC
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The Magna Class printer driver provides help for the Default Document Properties dialog box and Windows NT provides help for the Properties dialog box. Help provides information about specific settings of the Magna Class printer driver. Help does not include step­by-step procedures or detailed conceptual information.
Use the Properties dialog box
Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.
1 Select Start from the Windows NT taskbar. 2 From the Windows NT Start menu, select Settings and then
Printers. The Printers window appears.
3 Click once on the Magna Class printer driver icon. 4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select
Properties. The Magna Class Properties dialog box appears.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer
3-3
Figure 3-1: Magna Class Properties dialog box, Windows NT
5 Select the tab that contains the information you want to view or
change.
6 If you make changes, click OK to save the settings and close the
dialog box. If you do not want to make changes, click Cancel to close the Properties dialog box.
7 If you change the port, reboot the PC and power cycle the printer.
Use the Default Document Properties dialog box
Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.
1 Select Start from the Windows NT taskbar.
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3-4
Using the printer
2 From the Windows NT Start menu, select Settings and then
Printers. The Printers window appears.
3 Click once on the Magna Class printer driver icon. 4 Select File from t he Pr inter s menu bar, and then sel ect Do cum ent
Defaults. The Magna Class Default Document Properties dialog box appears.
Figure 3-2: The Magna Class Default Document Properties
dialog box for Windows NT
5 Select the tab that contains the information you want to view or
change. On the Advanced tab, click the plus sign (+) if needed to see all selections available. When you click a selection, choices appear in the "Change
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If the selections you want to use are not available (are grayed out), make sure the feature is available in the printer. Also make sure that the printer is powered on and connected to the PC and resume the Status Monitor. See “Opening and using the Status
dialog box on page 3-8.
. . .
" box. Click the value you want.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer
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To view help for settings, click on the What's This help button and then click any setting in the Printer Features list. A list of settings is displayed. Select the setting for which you want help.
6 If you make changes, or if this is the first time you have viewed
the Document Default Properties dialog box, click OK to save the settings and close the dialog box.

Settings and data for Windows 98

Settings that control the printing and personalization of the card include:
Card design settings, such as landscape or portrait orientation
Topcoat pattern during the print cycle
Printer supplies used
Cleaning interval
Magnetic stripe encoding formats and coercivity
Data about the printer is available, including the "About" dialog box which shows the printer driver version.
3-5
Use the Properties dialog box
Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.
1 Select Start from the Windows taskbar. 2 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings and then Printers.
The Printers window appears.
3 Click once on the Magna Class printer driver icon. 4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select
Properties. The Magna Class Properties dialog box appears.
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Using the printer
Figure 3-3: Magna Class Properties dialog box, Windows 98
5 Select the tab with the information to view or change.
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Select the Print on Both Sides setting before selecting the Print Ribbon Type and Topcoat Pattern.
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To view help for settings, click on the What's This help button .
6 If you make changes or if you have just installed the printer driver,
click Apply to save the settings. Click OK to close the dialog box. If you do not want to make changes and have saved settings once, click Cancel to close the Properties dialog box.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer

Using the Status Monitor

The Status Monitor tracks communication between the Magna Class printer and its printer driver. The Status Monitor icon shows the state of communication between them, lis ted in Table 3-4.
Table 3-4: Status Monitor icons
Icon Description Indicates
3-7
This Status Monitor icon is white.
This Status Monitor icon is gray.
This Status Monitor icon is white with a white excl amation point in a red circle.
This Status Monitor icon is white with a blue magnifying glass.
The Status Monitor icon is white with a yellow arrow.
The Status Monitor is active and communicating with the printer.
The Status Monitor is suspended and not monitoring the printer for status, including errors. The Status Monitor automatically suspends when the Magna Class printer has not printed a card for 30 seconds or more.
The Status Monitor is active but is not communicating with the printer. The printer might be off, cables might be loose, or a problem might exist.
The Status Monitor is in diagnostics mode.
Use diagnostics when your
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service representative asks you to do so.
The Status Monitor is in advanced setup.
Use advanced setup when
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changing the shade count or intensity, or when selecting a new overlay material.
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3-8
Use the Help button on the Status dialog box for more information about each window.

Opening and using the Status dialog box

You can use the Status dialog box to do the following:
View Status Monitor information
Exit the Status Monitor
Start or quit diagnostics
Start or quit advanced setup
Open the Status dialog box
Double-click on the Magna Class Status Monitor icon. The Status dialog box appears.
Using the printer
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer
3-9
Figure 3-5: Status dialog box

Viewing Status Monitor information

The Status dialog box displays the following status information:
The top line displays the current state of the Status Monitor or printer.
The second line displays any messages.
The third line displays the current parallel port mode.
The lower half of the dialog box shows the driver version number.
Exiting the Status Monitor
Exiting the Status Monitor stops the Status Monitor (program) and closes the Status dialog box.
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To exit or stop the Status Monitor, double-click on the Status Monitor icon and select Exit. You should exit the Status Monitor when you receive instructions to do so.
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You cannot exit the Status Monitor while printing a card.
Starting or quitting diagnostics
The Start Diagnostics button on the Status dialog box changes the Magna Class printer driver from printing mode to diagnostics mode. When you select this button, a message appears informing you that printing of cards will stop in diagnostics mode.
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You cannot start diagnostics mode while printing a card. Wait until all cards are printed and then click the Start Diagnostics button.
When you start diagnostics mode, additional tabs appear on the Status dialog box.
The Quit Diagnostics button on the Status tab changes the Magna Class printer driver from diagnostics mode to printing mode. When you select this button, a message appears informing you that the printer will reset; you can resume printing cards. The internal components will move into the position for printing cards.
Using the printer
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If you have entered diagnostics mode and selected the Close button in the Status dialog box, a message appears that allows you to quit diagnostics before closing the Status dialog box.
Starting or quitting advanced setup
The Advanced Setup button on the Status dialog box changes the Magna Class printer driver from printing mode to advanced setup. After you start advanced setup, additional tabs appear on the Status dialog box.
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You cannot start advanced setup while printing a card. Wait until all cards are printed, and then click Advanced Setup.
In advanced setup, you can change printing intensity, position of printing, and select a new overlay mater ial type.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer

Making cards

This section describes several ways to make cards using the Magna Class printer.
Usually, cards are sent from a card creation application, which captures, organizes, and formats the information on the card. A card creation application is specially designed software that handles the types of information used on cards. See “Use a card
creation application” for the steps to follow.
If you do not have a card creation application, you can use another PC application to format the information to print on cards. If you are encoding magnetic stripe data, be sure to use an application in which you can save the result and edit it again, such as Windows WordPad. See “Print from a PC application” for the steps to follow.
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With any application, test your card design to verify the results.
Use a card creation application
3-11
1 Follow the instructions for the card creation application to
capture, format, and save the data for the card.
2 In the card creation application, send cards to the printer.
The printer driver receives data for each card, prepares the card for printing, and sends each card to the printer in the order received. The printer driver keeps cards in a queue if the printer is busy.
Print from a PC application
1 Select the printer settings that correspond to the cards to print.
See “Working with printer settings and data” on page 3-1 for more information. Settings might include the following:
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3-12
Using the printer
Enable two-sided printing if you plan to print the front and
back of the card.The printer must have a duplex module to print on both sides of the card.
Set the margins for the area to print on the card. A setting of
Edge-to-Edge is the same as a margin of 0.
Set the magnetic stripe format and coercivity if you plan to
encode magnetic stripe data.
Enable or disable overlay, depending on the options in your
printer and features you want for this card.
2 In the application, select the Magna Class printer as the current
printer.
3 Using the application's page setup feature, set the paper size to
CR80 Card 2.13" x 3.38." Set all the margins to the same value as the driver. (You can set the margins in the application wider than the driver, if desired.)
4 Select the orientation for the card designeither portrait or
landscape.
5 Format the text to print using a TrueType ( ) font. To print using
the true black (K) panel of the print ribbon, use the Black color selection. All other colors are printed using the color panels of the print ribbon.
6 To print on the front of the card, keep data on one page. To print
the front and back of the card, send a two-page document. (Make sure printing on both sides is enabled.)
7 Also on the front of the card, enter the information to be encoded
on the magnetic stripe and format the text using one of the following fonts:
Track 1Magnetic Stripe Track 2Magnetic Stripe Track 3Magnetic Stripe Track NTTMagnetic Stripe
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Windows must be set to display all fonts. (Some PCs are set to display TrueType fonts only.) See Windows help for more information.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer
The text for one magnetic stripe track must be on one line. The text must use the default type size of 3.5 or 4 points to keep characters on the same line. To view the characters, zoom in on the text. Also, follow these guidelines:
Do not use typographic features, such as letter spacing, on
magnetic stripe text.
The paragraph style must be Normal. The magnetic stripe text, along with graphics and text to print
on the front of the card, must be on the first page.
8 When the card data is captured and formatted correctly, select
the applications print function to send the card to print.

Removing cards

The card output stacker holds both completed cards and rejected cards. Remove completed cards from the output tray to distribute printed cards. The output tray holds up to 100 cards with a nominal thickness of 0.030 inch (0.76mm).
3-13
Remove rejected cards as soon as they are ejected from the printer so you do not need to sort though all cards to locate them. Cards are rejected when a print job is cancelled or when a problem occurs with personalizing a card.
You can remove cards when the printer power is on or off. You can remove cards while the printer is printing. Completed and rejected cards are removed in the same way.
Remove cards
1 Lift the cards from the card output stacker.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
3-14
Figure 3-6: Remove cards
2 Dispose of partly processed cards according to your policies for
handling the confidential data that might be on the cards.

Responding to messages

The Magna Class printer provides information to the printer driver about the status of cards being processed. If the printer is not able to process and print a card, the printer driver displays a message on the PC in response to this situation.
Using the printer
Most messages describe situations from which the operator can recover. These messages include a Help button, where information about recovering from the situation is available. Typical messages might indicate that print ribbon needs to be replaced or that a card is stuck. See the “Fix a printer problem” procedure that follows.
Figure 3-7: Typical message
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Using the printer
3-15
If a message appears repeatedly and you cannot reliably correct the situation, service might be required.
Service is required if an error such as the following occurs.
Figure 3-8: Service-required message
If the Magna Class printer driver displays a message that begins with Service required, con tact your service represen tative f or assist ance. Do not attempt to fix the error without the assistance of your service representative because you might damage the printer.
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Before you call your service representative, write down the following:
The message and message number. The serial number of your Magna Class printer, located on
the bottom panel.
The driver version, described in “Working with printer settings
and data on page 3-1.
For more information about obtaining service, see “Obtaining service”
on page 6-15.
Fix a printer problem
1 When a message is displayed on the PC, follow the suggested
action. Click the Help button to identify the likely cause of the problem and the possible solution.
2 Follow the procedure provided in help or in this guide to fix the
problem. For example, to fix a broken ribbon or supply roll, follow the procedures in help.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
3-16
Using the printer
Most parts of the printer designed to be used by the operator are colored green. These parts include knobs for clearing jams and handles of supply cartridges.
3 After fixing the problem, close the cover of the printer. 4 Depending on the situation, the message box might be removed
automatically or you might need to respond. Cards still in the printer might be ejected. Message responses include:
If a Retry button is available, the driver sends the card or
cards to the printer again. If the problem is corrected, normal operation resumes.
If a Cancel button is available, the card is not sent to print
again. If the problem is corrected, normal operation resumes.
If only an OK button is available, the message occurred when
no card was being printed or the problem requires service. If the problem is corrected, normal operation resumes.
If the message box disappears automatically, decide whether
to return to the card creation application to send the card to print again.

Shutting down the system

Shut down the Magna Class printer and the PC to which it is attached when you are done making cards for the day or will be away from the system for an extended period of time. The printer and PC can be left on during lunch time and other short breaks. Follow your security procedures when leaving the printer.
Shut down the printer and system
1 Make sure all cards have completed processing before turning off
the power.
2 Press the Power button to turn off power to the printer.
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Using the printer
3-17
Figure 3-9: Press the power button to power off the printer
3 Follow your policy to secure unprinted card stock, supplies, and
printed cards.
4 Close PC applications and power off other equipment (including
the PC) following the procedure established.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Maintaining the printer
4
This chapter provides information to help you maintain the Magna Class printer for optimal performance. It describes:
How to use the printer cleaning card
How to use the duplex/overlay cleanin g card
How to use the magnetic stripe cleaning card
How to clean the printhead
How to clean the supply tracker and heated roller in the optional
overlay module
How to replace the printhead cartridge

Using the printer cleaning card

The printer requires regular cleaning, and prompts you when it is time to clean. By default, you are prompted to run the printer cleaning card after every 40 cards. You can change the number of cards between cleaning in the printer Properties or Default Document Properties dialog box. You might want to clean more often if:
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The cards, especia l ly m agn eti c st ri pe ca rd s, mi gh t ha ve part i cle s on them
A monochrome ribbon is used
The printer is operated in a relatively dirty environment
You can run a printer cleaning card at any time, whether or not you have been prompted. See “Supplies and cards” on page B-1 for information about ordering the printer cleaning card.
Run a printer cleaning card
1 Remove the card cartridge and set it aside.
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If the print ribbon sticks to the printer cleaning card, remove the print ribbon and repeat this procedure with a new printer cleaning card.
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4-2
Maintaining the printer
2 Peel the protective paper packing from both sides of the printer
cleaning card.
Figure 4-1: Printer cleaning card
3 Insert the printer cleaning card near the bottom of the card
cartridge cavity (see Figure 4-2).
Figure 4-2: Insert the printer cleaning card
4 Start a cleaning cycle by doing one of the following:
Click the OK button when the printer driver displays the
printer requires cleaning message. (If you do not click OK,
the message appears each time you print a card, until you use the printer cleaning card.)
Open the Status dialog box by double-clicking the icon. Click
the Printer button in the Clean area.
5 The printer cleaning card is ejected on the left side of the printer,
under the card cartridge. 6 Discard the used printer cleaning card. 7 Replace the card cartridge. Push the bottom of the card cartridge
until it clicks into place.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Maintaining the printer
The printer module is cleaned and the printer is ready to resume
normal operation.

Using the duplex/overlay cleaning card

If the model of your printer is M2, ML or M2L, use the duplex/overlay cleaning card to maintain card quality and reduce the likelihood of jammed cards in the duplex and/or overlay modules.
Use the duplex/overlay cleaning card once a month or when problems occur, such as repeated card jams in the duplex or overlay modules. See “Suppl ie s and cards” on page B-1 for ordering information.
Use the duplex/overlay cleaning card
1 Remove the card cartridge and set it aside.
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If the print ribbon sticks to the duplex/overlay cleaning card, remove the print ribbon and repeat this procedure with a new duplex/overlay cleaning card.
4-3
2 Peel the middle strip of protective paper from both sides of the
duplex/overlay cleaning card. The outside protective paper strips must stay on the card.
Figure 4-3: Duplex/overlay cleaning card
3 Insert the duplex/overlay cleaning card near the bottom of the
card cartridge cavity (see Figure 4-4).
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Keep
Remove
Keep
4-4
Maintaining the printer
Figure 4-4: Insert the duplex/overla y clean ing card
4 Open the Status dialog box by double-clicking the icon. 5 Click the Duplex/Overlay button in the Clean area.
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The name of the button changes to match the options installed in the printer. For example, if the printer has a duplex module but not an overlay module, the button is the Duplex button.
The printer automatically runs the duplex/overlay cleaning process and ejects the card in the output stacker when it is complete.
6 Remove the used cleaning card and discard it. 7 Replace the card cartridge. Push the bottom of the card cartridge
until it clicks into place. The duplex and/or overlay modules are cleaned and the printer is
ready to resume normal operation.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Maintaining the printer

Using the magnetic stripe cleaning card

The printers magnetic stripe module should be cleaned when the printer has displayed several magnetic stripe errors that list running the magnetic stripe cleaning card as a solution.
!
Do not use the magnetic stripe cleaning card more than once every 2000 cards or excessive wear can result.
See “Supplies and cards” on page B-1 for information about ordering magnetic stripe cleaning cards.
Run the magnetic stripe cleaning card
1 Insert a magnetic stripe cleaning card into the exception card slot.
Make sure the arrow is on top and pointing into the printer. (You can also remove the card cartridge and place the cleaning card on the card input rollers.)
4-5
Figure 4-5: Insert the magnetic stripe cleaning card
!
Do not peel off the blue stripe on the back of the card. 2 Open the Status dialog box by double-clicking the icon. 3 Click the Magnetic Stripe button in the Clean area.
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4-6
The printer automatically runs the magnetic stripe cleaning process and ejects the card in the output stacker when it is complete.
4 Remove the used magnetic stripe cleaning card.

Cleaning the printhead

The printhead can have contamination stuck to it. You might notice it as unprinted lines on printed cards. Clean the printhead only when needed, such as:
The printhead has been accidently touched, such as when changing supplies or cleaning a card jam
Replacing the printhead
Your observe problems with card appearance, as described in
Troubleshooting on page 6-1
!
Do not touch the printhead with your fingers. The oils on your fingers can damage the printhead.
Maintaining the printer
Use the cleaning pen to clean the printhead. You can also use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean the printhead. Do not use a cotton swab. The fibers from the cotton can stick to the printhead.
Clean the printhead
1 Power off the printer, and disconnect it from the power source. 2 Press down on the swing arm. The push latch will release the
swing arm. Lift the swing arm until it is fully open. 3 Open the cleaning pen. 4 Using gently pressure, move the cleaning pen back and forth
along the full length of the printhead edge. Be sure to clean the
rounded edge of the printhead complete ly.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Maintaining the printer
5 Close the swing arm, pressing it down until the push latch clicks
6 Connect the power cable to the power source and power on the
4-7
Figure 4-6: Clean the printing surface of the printhead
into place.
printer. 7 Print a card to verify the quality of printing. You can print a
Windows test page or a card using your card creation application.
If card quality is still inadequate, see “Troubleshooting” on
page 6-1.

Cleaning the supply tracker

The supply tracker in the optional overlay module can become slippery, which might cause messages to appear. Clean the supply tracker weekly or when needed.
Use a printer cleaning card to clean the supply tracker. You can also use a duplex/overlay cleaning card; however, it is more difficult to clean the full width of the supply tracker.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
4-8
Maintaining the printer
Clean the supply tracker
1 Power off the printer. 2 Prepare a printer cleaning card.
If you just used a printer cleaning card in the printer, you can
use that card to complete this procedure.
If you have not run a printer cleaning card, remove the
protective paper from one side of the card.
Figure 4-7: Remove the protective paper from the cleaning card
3 Lift the supply tracker until it stops and holds it in place.
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Remove the overlay cartridge for easier access to the supply tracker. See “Removing the overlay cartridge” on page 2-17 for steps to follow.
4 Roll the sticky surface of the cleaning card against the overlay
supply tracker. Rotate the supply tracker to clean all sides.
!
Do not touch the surface of the supply tracker with your fingers. Oils from the skin can cause the supply tracker to slip or can affect card quality.
Figure 4-8: Clean the supply tracker
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Maintaining the printer
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Replace the overlay cartridge if it was removed. See “Replacing
the overlay cartridge on page 2-20 for steps to follow.
5 Lower the supply tracker. 6 Dispose of the used cleaning card.

Cleaning the overlay heated roller

At times, the heated roller in the optional overlay module can have deposits that affect card appearance. Clean the heated roller to remove deposits and improve card appearance.
Clean the heated roller
1 Power off the Magna Class printer. The heated roller in the
overlay module operates at 400° F or 200° C. Wait 30 minutes or
until the heated roller area is cool.
4-9
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The cleaning stick can withstand the operating temperature of the heated roller. However, your hands will be close to the heated roller. Wait until the heated roller is cool to avoid burning your hands.
2 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on
the internal frame. 3 Remove the overlay cartridge to access the heated roller. See
Removing the overlay cartrid ge on page 2-17.
4 Use the cleaning stick to remove deposits from the heated roller.
!
Use only the cleaning stick on the heater roller. Tools and sharp
objects can permanently scratch the heated roller and reduce
card quality.
a Push the cleaning stick back and forth on the heated roller
(step 1 in Figure 4-9).
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Maintaining the printer
b Use the cleaning stick to move the heated roller
counterclockwise and make another area available for cleaning (step 2 in Figure 4-9).
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If the heated roller does not move, clean the visible area and continue with step 5.
c Repeat steps a and b to clean the entire area of the heated
roller.
1
2
Figure 4-9: Clean the heated roller
5 Replace the overlay cartridge. See “Replacing the overlay
cartridge on page 2-20.
6 Close the cover by lifting the top slightly. Move the cover support
up so it is parallel with the hinges. Close the cover of the printer. 7 Power on the printer to resume card production. 8 Repeat if needed.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Maintaining the printer

Replacing the printhead cartridge

The Magna Class printer uses an operator-replaceable printhead cartridge. For more information about printhead cartridges, see
Supplies and cards on page B-1.
Remove the printhead cartridge
!
Do not touch the printing edge of the printhead cartridge. If you do, clean it using the cleaning pen, as described earlier in this chapter.
9 Power off the printer. 10 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on
the internal frame. 11 Push down on the swing arm. The push latch will release the
swing arm . Lift the swing arm up until it is fully open. 12 Put on the ESD strap and ground it. Follow the instructions with
the strap.
4-11
13 Press down on the green printhead cartridge latch to release the
printhead (step 1 in Figure 4-10).
Figure 4-10: Printhead cartridge latch lever
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
4-12
Maintaining the printer
14 Lift the printhead cartridge up and off the swing arm (step 2 in
Figure 4-10).
15 Push the locking tabs to the side. Remove the printhead cable
from the printhead cartridge (see Figure 4-11).
Figure 4-11: Remove or replace the printhead cable
Replace the printhead cartridge
1 Push the printhead cable into the new printhead cartridge (see
Figure 4-11). Make sure the locking tabs are in place.
!
Do not press on the wires of the printhead cable. 2 Align the printhead cartridge pins with the printhead cartridge
slots on the swing arm (see Figure 4-12). 3 Slide the new printhead cartridge onto the swing arm, so the pins
slide into slots (step 1 in Figure 4-12). 4 Hold the printhead cartridge latch lever down (step 2 in
Figure 4-12) and pivot the printhead cartridge down toward the
swing arm (step 3 in Figure 4-12).
Be sure that the tabs on the back of the printhead cartridge fit into
the notches on the swing arm spring bar securely (location A in
Figure 4-12). Release the latch lever when the printhead
cartridge is in place.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Maintaining the printer
5 Clean the printhead. Move the cleaning pen up and down along
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2
Figure 4-12: Replace the printhead cartridge
the length of the printhead edge. Be sure to completely clean the
rounded edge of the printhead. 6 Close the swing arm, pressing it down until the push latch clicks
into place. 7 Gently pull the excess printhead cartridge cable out of the top of
the swing arm. 8 Remove the ESD strap. 9 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is
parallel with the hinges and lower the cover. 10 Power on the printer. 11 Print a card to verify the quality of printing. You can print a
Windows test page or a card using your card creation application.
If card quality is still inadequate, see “Troubleshooting” on
page 6-1.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information
5
This chapter describes advanced tasks you might perform using the printer driver. To perform the procedures in this chapter, you should know how to use the printer to print cards and be comfortable using the Windows NT or Windows 98 operating system. It describes:
How to reinstall the printer driver
How to print over a network
The operational settings in the printer that you can change

Reinstalling the printer driver

After you have installed the printer driver for the first time, you might want to remove the current driver and install the driver again. Typical reasons for reinstalling the printer driver include:
To fix a problem at the PC
To install a more recent version of the driver
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See “Use the Default Document Properties dialog box” on
page 3-3 (Windows NT) or Use the Properties dialog box on
page 3-5 (Windows 98), for information about viewing the version
of the printer driver. You can obtain the current printer driver from your reseller or service
provider. You also can download the driver from the Datacard web site, at www.datacard.com. Go to the resource center, find the printer driver selection, and follow the directions provided.
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Be sure to download the correct printer driver for your operating
system. The following lists the operating systems supported and provides
additional information about limitations for each operating system:
Windows NT 4.0
Windows NT 4.0 requires Service Pack 5 or 6. The Magna Class
printer driver is not supported for PCs with Alpha, MIPS, or
PowerPC processors.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-2
Advanced Information
Windows 98
Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) is recommended.
The printer driver for Windows 98 can be installed on a PC with
the Windows 95 operating system: however, unexpected results
might occur. If you use Windows 95, follow procedures in this
guide for Windows 98. The Magna Class printer driver cannot be used on a PC that also has
an Express Class, Select Class, or ImageCard IV printer installed on it. Delete the other printer driver, following the instructions that came with the driver, before installing the Magna Class printer driver.
Use the following steps to remove and then install the printer driver on the PC.
Remove the existing printer driver
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Make sure all jobs have been printed or deleted from the Print
Manager before removing the existing printer driver. See
Windows help to use the Print Manager.
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For Windows NT only, the Administrator and users with "full
control" permission can delete the printer driver.
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The printer name and printer settings are deleted when you delete
the printer driver. If needed, you can record the name and
settings you use before you delete the driver.
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If an Express Class, Select Class, or ImageCard IV printer is
installed on the PC, see the instructions that came with the driver
to delete it before installing the Magna Class printer driver. 1 Close all applications. Do not close Windows. 2 Select Settings and then Printers from the Windo ws Sta rt menu. 3 In the Printers window, click once on the Magna Class icon to
select it. Press the Delete key.
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The printer icon has the name given when it was installed.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information
4 When the confirmation prompt appears, select Yes or OK to
delete the printer driver. 5 Close the Printers window and close all applications. 6 When the Restart Windows prompt appears, select Yes. 7 Restart Windows. For Windo ws NT, make sure you have
permission to boot the PC and then login as the Administrator.
Reinstall the printer driver
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If the PC operating system is Windows NT 4.0, use the printer
driver only with a PC running Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack
5 or 6. The Magna Class printer driver is not supported for PCs
with Alpha, MIPS, or PowerPC processors.
E
If you have User Profiles on Windows 98, view the User Profiles
tab of the Passwords Properties window. Make sure "Include
Start Menu and Program groups in user settings" is not selected
while you are installing the printer driver.
5-3
E
Locate the MagnaReleaseNotes98.rtf or
MagnaReleaseNotesNT.rtf file. A CD-ROM might have several
driversmake sure to locate the correct folder for your printer
and operating system. The Release Notes file contains the latest
information about the printer driver and its use. 1 Make sure the printer is powered on and connected to the PC. 2 For Windows NT, make sure you are logged in as the
Administrator before installing the printer driver. 3 Close all applications. Do not shut down Windows. 4 Start the setup program.
If the driver is on CD-ROM, insert the CD in the PC's drive.
The setup program starts automatically.
If the driver was downloaded, do the following:
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-4
Advanced Information
Make sure the downloaded driver is in a folder where you can extract it.
In Windows Explorer, double-click the downloaded file.
The extract program creates a folder in the current
location and extracts the files.
If the driver is on diskette, do the following:
Insert the diskette in the drive.
Select Run from the Start menu.
Type A:\SETUP.EXE and click Ok to start the setup
program.
Figure 5-1: Magna Class Setup Program
5 Click Next in the first Printer Driver Setup dialog box. 6 From the Printer Selection list, select the printer driver for your
printer. The Description box contains additional information about each driver and the printers that it supports. Click Next when you have selected the driver.
7 Use the default name for the printer or enter the same name you
used previously.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information
5-5
E
If you use a different printer name than in the previous installation, you will need to select the printer again in any applications that used the printer.
8 The installation program displays a question asking whether you
would like to view the Release Notes. Click Yes to open the Release Notes in WordPad and view more information about this
driver. 9 Close the Release Notes when you have viewed the information. 10 Select the port to which the printer is connected and click Next. 1 1 Select whether this printer should be the default printer. The small
page size for cards might cause unexpected results with some
applications if the printer is the default. Click Next.
The installation program copies files to the PC and updates
entries to enable the printer. The Setup Complete dialog box
appears.
E
If you removed a printer driver but did not reboot the PC, you will see file access errors and the installation will stop. Reboot the PC and repeat this procedure.
12 You must restart the PC before the driver can work with the
printer. Click Finish to close the installation and restart the printer.
E
For Window NT, you must have permission to boot the PC.
13 Follow instructions to update the printer firmware if prompted.
Make sure the printer is connected to the PC and powered on
before running the update utility. After installing the printer driver, there are several other tasks you
might need to perform. They are:
For Windows NT, change permissions to the printer for other
users of the PC. See “PC settings” on page C-1 for steps to
follow. Also make sure that users of the printer have permission
to write files to the temp file location specified in the PC
configuration. If the temp file location is not specified, the driver
uses the root location, WINNT.
View and change settings in the printer Properties or Default
Document Properties dialog box. For Windows NT, see “Settings
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-6
Advanced Information
and data for Windows NT on page 3-1. For Windows 98, see
Settings and data for Windows 98 on page 3-5.
Select whether to print on two sides (duplex printing). A
duplex module is required to print on two sides.
Select the print ribbon type before printing a test card.
If you use a print ribbon with a topcoat (T) panel, select the
topcoat pattern for the front of the card, the back of the card, or both.
If the printer has an overlay station, select and whether to
apply the material to the front of the card, the back of the card, or both. A duplex module is required to apply overlay to the back of the card or to both sides of the card.
If the printer has a magnetic stripe module, select the
magnetic stripe coercivity and encoding format.
Make sure the Disk free space is 40 MB or greater. If the cards
you print include printing over most of the card surface, Disk free
space of 50 MB or greater is useful. See Windows help for
information on determining disk free space.
Print a Windows test page from the PC to verify that the drive is
installed correctly:
a With the printer Properties dialog box open, select the
General tab.
b Make sure the printer is connected to the parallel port and is
powered on.
c Click the Print Test Page button. Windows prepares a test
page and the driver sends part of it to the printer.
d If the card prints, you have successfully installed the printer
driver.
E
If you downloaded the driver from the Internet, you can delete the
Magna. folder and the folders for the disks (disk1 and so on)
from your hard drive after installing the printer driver. You can
also delete the downloaded Magna....exe file.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information

Network printing

This section describes how you can print to a Magna Class printer over a network using Microsoft File and Printer Sharing.
The Magna Class printer drivers provide support for local printer sharing. When a printer is locally shared, the printer is attached to one PC (host) on a network. Users at other PCs on the network (clients) can print to the shared printer over the network. Up to 10 client PCs can share the printer at one time. Users at client PCs do not have the same level of access to the printer driver as a user at the local PC.
Two operating system configurations are supported:
Both the client and host PCs run Windows NT 4.0 Workstation
with service Pack 5 or 6 installed.
Both the client and host PCs run Windows 98 (Second Edition).

Requirements for local printer sharing

Before sharing a printer over the network, meet the following requirements:
5-7
A network card is installed and working on each PC.
The same Windows operating system is installed and operating
on each PC.
E
If you are installing both a network card and a service pack or
Windows upgrade, install the network card first and then install
the service pack or upgrade. If you installed a service pack or
upgrade before installing a network card, you must install th e
service pack or upgrade again.
The printer must be enabled for sharing. See Windows help for
information on enabling printer sharing.
The PC with the printer attached must remain on, and the
Windows operating system must be running. For Windows NT, a
user with Full Control permission to the printer must be logged on
at the host PC so that other users can print.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-8
For Windows NT, you must set up user permission to the client
PC and user permission to the host PC. See administrator
information for Windows NT for more information.

Printer and PC setup

This section shows the components you need to use the Magna Class printer with local printer sharing.
Advanced Information
Network
Client PC
Network:
This document does not address network setup or requirements.
Host PC:
must be connected to the network. For Windows NT, you need to set up users and access.
Parallel port connection:
capable parallel port of the host PC as though you were using it just from the host PC.
Client PC:
network.
A network must be set up and working before you begin.
The host PC has the printer attached to its parallel port. It
The client PC is connected to the host PC over the
Host PC
Figure 5-2: Printer sharing
Magna Class printer
Parallel port connection
The printer is connected to the ECP-

Setting up printing over the network

To set up local printer sharing, do the following: 1 Install the printer driver on the host PC. See “Installing the printer
driver on page 2-25 for more information.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information
2 Enable printer sharing. See Windows help for more information. 3 For Windows NT, set up an account for each user at the host PC. 4 For Windows NT , grant users' permission to the printer from the
host PC, including:
Client PC users who have Print permission to the printer.
Host PC users who also have Full Control permission to the
printer.
Host PC users who have No Access permission to the printer. 5 For Windows NT, set up an account for the user at the client PC.
6 Make sure client PC users can access the host PC from the
network. 7 Install the printer driver on the client PC. See the following
procedure.

Installing the printer driver on the client PC

5-9
If an Express Class, Select Class, or ImageCard IV printer driver is installed on the client PC, delete the printer driver and reboot the PC.
Install the printer driver on the client PC
1 Make sure that the printer and driver on the host PC are working
properly before beginning this task. 2 Start Windows at the client PC.
E
For Windows NT , log onto the client PC as a user with access
rights to the host PC. You also need Print permission to the
shared printer to open the Default Document Properties dialog
box and to print test cards. 3 Use Windows Explorer or Network Neighborhood to locate the
host PC. 4 When you locate the host PC, click the icon for the host PC to
display the Enter Network Password dialog box. Type your
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-10
Advanced Information
password and click OK to log on to the host PC. Keep the window
open during printer driver installation. 5 In the Printers window, double-click the Add Printers icon. 6 In the Add Printers wizard, select the following choices:
a Select "Network printer server" and not "My Computer."
b In the Connect to Printer window, wait while network printers
appear in the Shared Printers list.
c If needed, double-click a server name to see the names of
printers attached. Wait while the list appears.
d Select the printer to which the user will print. The printer
name appears in the Printer box. Do not change the name of the printer when you install it at
the client PC.
e Click OK to continue.
If you have not logged into the PC with the printer attached, you will receive a message. Return to step 2 and repeat the procedure.
E
You can use printer sharing on the host PC to print to a Magna
Class printer attached to another PC. Both printers must be
Magna Class printers and both printers must have different
names. Install the Magna Class printer directly attached to the PC
first, and then follow the steps in this section to install the second
(network) printer.

Perform management tasks at the host PC

The user at the host PC has more control over the printer. This section describes some tasks performed at the host PC.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information
Figure 5-3: Host PC for printer sharing
i
For Windows NT, the user must be logged in as a user with Full
Control pe rmission.
Manage all jobs in the print queue.
to view all jobs in the print queue and to pause or delete any jobs
in the print queue, no matter who submitted the job. See
Windows help for information on using Print Manager.
See and respond to messages.
process and print a card, the printer driver displays a message on
the host PC. You can see the message and view help, which
guides you in resolving the situation. Printing for all users is
suspended until the situation is resolved. See “Respondi ng to
messages on page 3-14 for details.
On Windows NT, set printer values, such as ribbon type, for
all users.
dialog box apply to all users. Several values can be changed at
client PCs, but those values apply only to the print jobs being
sent. Values you set are used at client PCs after the client PC
queries the host PC. Open the Default Document Properties
dialog box at each client PC after setting values at the host PC to
query the host PC. (Y ou can close the dialog at the client PC after
viewing it.) If you do not open the Default Document Properties
dialog, the client PC does not query the host PC, the first card
printed will not use the new settings, and you will need to send
the card to print again.
On Windows 98, set values, such as the cards between
cleaning, that control card processing for all users.
values you set for Ribbon type, Cards between cleaning, and
Mag Stripe encoding attempts apply to all users. Record the
ribbon type so you can set it correctly at the client PC.
The values you set in the Document Default Properties
You can use Print Manager
If the printer is not able to
The
5-11
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-12
View printer status.
can open the Status Monitor and view printer status. See “Using
the Status Monitor on page 3-7 for details.
Use diagnostics and advanced setup.
dialog box on the host PC provides access to diagnostics and
advanced setup, where you can change some settings (such as
the position of printing) and run tests with the guidance of your
service representative. See“Starting or quitting diagnostics” on
page 3-10 for details.
Run the firmware update utility.
when you need to run the firmware update utility. The utility works
only from a PC with the printer connected to its parallel port.
The host PC runs the Status Monitor. You
The host PC displays a prompt

Using the printer from the client PC

Users at the client PC can perform several actions, including:
Advanced Information
The Status Monitor
Figure 5-4: Client PC for printer sharing
E
For Windows NT, users at the client PC must be logged into the
host PC and must have Print permission to the printer.
Print a card using an application at the client PC.
PC, you can use an application to print cards by selecting the
Magna Class printer as the printer. See “Making cards” on
page 3-11 for details.
Print a card using an application and magnetic stripe fonts
from the client PC.
Microsoft Word, you can type text and format it using fonts
provided by the printer driver. See “Making cards” on page 3-11
for details.
When you print from an application such as
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
At the clien t
Advanced Information
For Windows 98, set card design values.
Ribbon type as the Host PC. For other settings, such as Magnetic
stripe encoding format, Print on two sides, and Apply option
station material, the printer must support the setting you select
but the setting can be different from the Host PC setting.
For Windows NT, change card design settings
settings such as landscape or portrait orientation. Many settings
are read from the host PC and cannot be selected.
Pause or delete print jobs you submitted from Print Manage r
at the client PC.
sent to the printer. See Windows help for information on using
Print Manager.
On Windows NT, view Print Manager to see printer messages
from the host PC.
is sent to the printer. You can expand the Status column in the
Print Manager dialog box to see the messages.
The card job remains in the print queue until it is
The card job remains in the print queue until it
Select the same

Changing the type of print ribbon

When you change the type of print ribbon you use, perform the following tasks:
5-13
, including
Change the print ribbon in the printer
Change the Print Ribbon Type setting
Change the card design if needed
Change the printhead if needed
Change printhead settings through the Status Monitor
Print sample cards to verify the new setup

Change the print ribbon

Change the print ribbon in the printer. See “Changing the print ribbon”
on page 2-14 for information on changing the ribbon in the printer.

Change the Print Ribbon Type setting

See “Working with printer settings and d ata on page 3-1 for information on changing the print ribbon setting.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-14
Advanced Information
If Always Autodetect is selected in the Windows 98 Properties
dialog box, decide whether to power the printer off and on to
detect the new ribbon type or to change from autodetect to
selecting a ribbon type.
If you use a YMCK or YMCKT ribbon and you want to use a panel
set for each side of the card, you can power cycle the printer and
keep the Always Autodetect setting.
If you use a YMCK or YMCKT ribbon and you want to use one
panel set to print both sides of the card, you must deselect the
Always Autodetect setting and select the ribbon type and usage
(such as YMC (color) front; K (black) back) from the Ribbon Type
list.
If you use a solid-color ribbon such as red or gold, choose Black
(K) for the Print Ribbon Type (rather than using “Always
Autodetect).
If you are using a scratch-off ribbon, choose Black (K) for the print
ribbon type.
If you use any other ribbon type, the autodetect feature and the
Print on both sides selection will choose the correct selection. Make sure your ribbon type and card design are compatible.

Change the card design

Change the card design to use the new ribbon type or use a new card design, if needed. Some situations where you might change the card design and ribbon type are:
You decide to implement a two-step printing process. You might
decide to pre-print cards with information such as a logo using a
monochrome ribbon, and then personalize cards using a color
(YMC) ribbon. Or, you might personalize cards and then print
scratch-off ribbon in an area of the card.
You decide to add features to the card. For example, you might
add a Topcoat (T) panel on the front or back, or change from
printing color on the front only to printing both sides with color.
Usually, adding a feature to the card is a one-time change.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information
Two-step printing process
If you use a two-step printing process, you should plan to print at least one step of the process as a batch. For example, if you print a one­color logo before you personalize cards, print enough cards with the logo to last (you might print enough for one days personalization or one weeks personalization). (In the following process, you would begin with step 3.)
If you use the scratch-off ribbon and have one printer, you must print each card twice, first to personalize the cards, second to print the scratch-off material. Plan to use a batch process, first personalizing cards and then printing with the scratch-off ribbon. A suggested batch process is:
1 Personalize cards with a ribbon that does not include a T panel.
Use a ribbon such as YMCK or K. If you use a T panel, make
sure the design blocks the T panel from printing in the area where
scratch-off ribbon will be printed.
i
Be sure to print some sample cards for use in testing the scratch-
off ribbon.
5-15
i
Carefully handle printed cards that you plan to print again. Avoid
getting dirt or fingerprints on the cards. 2 Run a printer cleaning card. See “Using the printer cleaning card”
on page 4-1.
3 Power off the printer, and then install a monochrome printhead.
See “Replacing the printhead cartridge” on page 4-11. 4 Change the ribbon in the printer. See “Loading the print ribbon”
on page 2-14.
5 Power on the printer before using the Properties or Default
Document Properties dialog box es. 6 Set the Print Ribbon Type to "K." See “Working with printer
settings and data on page 3-1.
7 Set the Intensity value for K. See “Changing operational settings”
on page 5-18.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
5-16
8 Use a card design for the scratch-off material that has a black
static bitmap over the areas where you want the scratch-off
material to be applied. 9 Print one or more sample cards. Verify that the scratch off
material is in the correct location. 10 Print personalized cards to apply scratch-off ribbon. 11 When the batch is complete, install the color printhead (if
needed), change the ribbon in the printer, change the ribbon type
setting, and change the K Intensity/Voltage if needed. Run a
cleaning card and return to step 1.

Change the printhead

If you use a two-step printing process and use a monochrome ribbon for one step and a color ribbon for the other step of the process, you need to change from a monochrome printhead to a color printhead.
The method of creating an image with color ribbon is slightly different from the method of creating an image with a monochrome ribbon. Datacard provides two printheads to support the needs of the two printing methods. To achieve complete coverage without causing wrinkles or other printing problems, use the correct printhead for the type of ribbon you use. See “Replacing the printhead cartridge” on
page 4-11 for information on removing and replacing a printhead.
Advanced Information

Change printhead settings

Change printhead settings to match the new ribbon type if you use a two step printing process. If you are changing features of a card design, you might also decide to change printhead settings to achieve best results. For example, if you are adding text that prints in black (K), you might adjust K printing intensity for the clearest text printing.
If you use a color ribbon that includes a K panel, and then use monochrome ribbon (such as a red ribbon or a scratch-off ribbon), plan to change the K printing intensity, using a process such as the following:
1 Start diagnostics. See Changing operation al settin gs on
page 5-18 for information.
2 Create a log for K intensity values for each ribbon type you use.
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
Advanced Information
3 Use the Printhead tab to change K intensity values. Record the
current K value and ribbon type. 4 Change the K intensity value, using the following guidelines:
For scratch-off ribbon, the recommended intensity range is
10000 to 12000. Begin by setting the lower value (10000). Increase the value by 500 until the scratch-off material covers the intended area so that you cannot see through the scratch-off material. See Help for the Printhead tab for detailed steps to follow.
For printing text with a K panel, the intensity range is usually
near 14000. The intensity is correct when all of the characters are fully formed (no blank spots), but not fuzzy due to growth at the edges. Smaller text characters can require a higher intensity than larger characters. See Help for the Printhead tab for detailed steps to follow.
The correct setting produces cards that meet your guidelines. 5 Record the new value in the log and return to printing mode.

Print sample cards

5-17
After the printhead, settings, and/or card design are changed, print sample cards, using the new or changed card design (s). Test all aspects of the card design, including printing, alignment, magnetic stripe encoding, barcode readability, and durability.
When you use a two-step printing process, make sure to prepare enough cards in the first step to allow thorough testing in the second step of your overall printing process.

When to change what

This section provides some representative examples of changes you might make and the changes required for the printer.
Change Print
ribbon 1
Add color printing to the
back of a card with color on
the front
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
YMCKK
(old design)
Print
ribbon 2
YMCK/
YMCK
Change
printhead?
No No
Change K
intensity?
5-18
Advanced Information
Change Print
Add scratch-of f area to color
and black ID card
Add scratch-of f area to color
ID card
Add scratch-off area to one-
color ID card
Pre-print cards with red
logo, then print color and
black ID cards
ribbon 1
YMCKTKT Scratch-off
YMCT/
YMCT
Green (K) Scratch-o ff
Red (K) YMCKTKT Yes No
Print
ribbon 2
(K)
Scratch-off
(K)
(K)
printhead?

Changing operational settings

This section describes the operational settings for the printer that you can change using the printer driver. These settings can be used to customize the performance of your printer to meet the demands of your card design.
For detailed information about how to change each setting, see Help for the appropriate dialog box.
Change
Yes Yes
Yes No
No Yes
Change K
intensity?
E
You must use the PC to which the printer is connected to change
operational settings. You cannot change operational settings
using a PC connected through a network. You can work with the following:
Printer values
Before changing any operational settings, you need to record the
current values in the printer using the Printer Values tab. This
record will allow you to return to current settings if the changes
you make do not address your concerns.
Preheat
You can change the print performance and appearance of cards
you print by changing the preheat value. The preheat value
determines the temperature of the printhead during the print
process but when the printhead is not actually printing. A higher
Users Guide for the Magna Class Printer
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