Fargo Persona M110, Persona M11, Persona C11 User Manual

Persona C11 Card Printer and
Persona M11 Card Printer User

Guide (Rev. 4.0)

Part Number: L000701

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 4.0), property
of FARGO Electronics, Incorporated

Copyright  2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 by FARGO Electronics, Incorporated. All rights
reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Exclusive permission is granted to
authorized resellers of FARGO products to reproduce and distribute this copyrighted
document to authorized FARGO customers, who have signed a “no disclosure agreement”
regarding the restricted, proprietary use of said document.

The revision number for this document will be updated to reflect changes, corrections,
updates, and enhancements to this document.

Revision Control

Date Document Title

Number

Revision 4.0 15 September

2003

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11
Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 4.0)

These reference documents were thoroughly reviewed to provide FARGO with professional
and international standards, requirements, guidelines, and models for our technical, training,
and user documentation. At all times, the Copyright Protection Notice for each document
was adhered to within our FARGO documentation process. This reference to other
documents does not imply that FARGO is an ISO-certified company at this time.

 ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 American National Standard, (sub-title) Quality Management

Systems - Requirements (published by the American Society of Quality, Quality Press,
P.O. Box 3005, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-3005)

 The ASQ ISO 9000:2000 Handbook (editors, Charles A. Cianfrani, Joseph J. Tsiakals,

and John E. West; Second Edition; published by the American Society of Quality, Quality
Press, 600 N. Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203)

 Juran's Quality Handbook (editors, Joseph M. Juran and A. Blanton Godfrey; Fifth

Edition, McGraw-Hill)

Any questions regarding changes, corrections, updates, or enhancements to this document
should be forwarded to:

FARGO Electronics, Incorporated
Support Services
6533 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (USA)
[phone]
[phone]
FAX: [phone]

www.fargo.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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How to use the manual

The Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 4.0) is,
in fact, the troubleshooting and field service manual for the entire card Printer. The manual
is designed to provide Installers and Technicians with quick, efficient lookup of related
procedures, components, and terms. The manual can be used effectively either in soft or
hard copy, depending on the preference of the Installer or Technician.

Manual Description

Sequence of Operations,
Glossary of Terms, and
Technical/Functional
Specifications (hyper-linked)

Table of Contents (hyper­linked)

Troubleshooting,
Replacement, Removal,
Diagnostic, and Navigation
Procedures (in hyper-linked
Sections)

Cross-Referencing (hyper­linked)

Comprehensive Index
(hyper-linked)

You can go directly to the Sequence of Operations,
Glossary of Terms, Technical Specifications, and
Functional Specifications to learn how to use the
processes, procedures, functions, and windows for the
card Printer within concise, correlative tables.

You can use the automated Table of Contents to quickly
locate, for example, an error message, a procedure, the
index, or an appendix.

You can go directly to Specifications, General
Troubleshooting, Printer Adjustments, Parts Replacement,
Printer Packing, Board Level Diagnostics, LCD On-Line
Menu Navigation, and Firmware Updates to find
troubleshooting, removal, and replacement procedures.
The section titles are always labeled according to their
function for consistent usage.

You can use the cross-referencing links to quickly locate,
for example, an error message or a procedure.

You can use the COMPREHENSIVE INDEX to quickly
locate information on the card Printer, relating to a
specification, a procedural step, a window or screen, a
component, a term, a qualifier, or a related feature to this
Printer.

Appendices You can use Appendix A and B to locate information

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

relating to engineering drawings and technical updates,
which are specific to the card Printer.

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Safety Messages (review carefully)

Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes

Danger:

Caution:

Failure to follow these installation guidelines can result in death or
serious injury.

Information that raises potential safety issues is indicated by a warning
symbol (as shown to the below).

 To prevent personal injury, refer to the following safety messages

before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.

 To prevent personal injury, always remove the power cord prior to

performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.

 To prevent personal injury, make sure only qualified personnel

perform these procedures.

This device is electrostatically sensitive. It may be damaged if
exposed to static electricity discharges.

Information that raises potential electrostatic safety issues is indicated
by a warning symbol (as shown to the below).

 To prevent equipment or media damage, refer to the following

safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this
symbol.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, observe all established

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedures while handling cables in
or near the Circuit Board and Printhead Assemblies.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always wear an

appropriate personal grounding device (e.g., a high quality wrist
strap grounded to avoid potential damage).

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always remove the

Ribbon and Cards from the Printer before making any repairs,
unless otherwise specified.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of

fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil
and debris before working on the Printer.

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1

9

16

Persona C11/M11 Card Printer Overview

Reviewing the Persona C11/M11 Block Diagram

15

7

3

8

4

10

6

11

14 14

5

1314

12

17

14

2

Motors Sensors Parts

1 Card Feed 5 Card Feed 12 Card Input Roller
2 Print Stepper 6 Ribbon Sensor 13 Cleaning Roller
3 Ribbon Drive 7 Ribbon Encoder 14 Card Feed Roller
4 Print Headlift 8 Headlift 15 Printhead Cooling Fan

9 Cover Interlock 16 Card Input Hopper
10 Printhead Thermistor 17 Magnetic Encoding Head
11 Ribbon ID

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Printhead

and LED

Top Cover

Reviewing the Persona C11/M11 Sequence of Operations
The following sequence describes a full color print job with magnetic encoding.

Step Process

1 The File information is received from the PC
2 Printer checks the installed Ribbon type stored in memory against the Ribbon type

command that was sent from the Printer.

a. If Ribbon type does not match, the media light will begin flashing.
3 The Card Input Motor and print Stepper Motor engage.
4 The Card Feed Sensor detects leading edge of card and disengages the card

input Motor.

Continued on the next page

Card Cleaning Roller

Power Button

and LED

Release Tab

Media Button

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Reviewing the Persona C11/M11 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

5 The Print Ribbon drive engages.
6 The Print Ribbon Sensor looks for the color transition from Yellow to Magenta.

Print Ribbon Encoder detects number of revolutions required to use an entire color

panel.
7 The Print Stepper Motor engages.
8 The Card Feed Sensor detects trailing edge of card.
9 The Print Stepper Motor queues card to the middle of the platen roller. All Stop

10 The Print Headlift Motor engages.
11 The Print Headlift Sensor detects closed state.
12 The Print Headlift Motor disengages.
13 The Print Stepper Motor engages.
14 The Print Cover Sensor checks for a closed state.
15 The Ribbon drive Motor engages.
16 The Image data is burned by the Printhead until image data is depleted. All Stop.
17 The Thermistor engages Printhead Cooling Fan to maintain proper operating

temperature.

18 The Headlift Motor engages.
19 The Print Headlift Sensor detects an open state.
20 The Print Headlift Motor disengages.
21 The Print Stepper Motor engages.

Continued on the next page

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Reviewing the Persona C11/M11 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

22 The Print Ribbon drive engages.
23 After Ribbon advances a few encoder clicks, assume Ribbon free of card. All Stop.
24 Repeat steps 9 through 23 for appropriate number of color/overlay panels.
25 The Card Feed Stepper Motor engages to queue card for magnetic encoding.
26 The Encoding data is written to the card.
27 The Card Feed Stepper will requeue card for each verification pass required.
28 The Card is ejected from the Printer.
29 All Stop

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Reviewing the Persona C11/M11 Boot up Sequence

Step Process

1 On Power up, the Printer checks the current state of the Card Feed Sensor and

the Headlift Sensor.

2 If the Headlift Sensor is found to be open, the Headlift Motor will turn until a

closed state is seen.

3 If the Card Feed Sensor is found to be blocked, the Card Feed Stepper will

engage to eject the card.

Table of Contents

How to use the manual ________________________________________________________________ iii
Safety Messages (review carefully)_______________________________________________________ iv

Persona C11/M11 Card Printer Overview_________________________________________ v

Reviewing the Persona C11/M11 Block Diagram ___________________________________________v
Reviewing the Persona C11/M11 Boot up Sequence________________________________________ ix

Section 1: Specifications________________________________________________________ 13

Regulatory Compliances _______________________________________________________________13
Agency Listings______________________________________________________________________14
Technical Specifications _______________________________________________________________15
Visual Security Solutions (Specifications) _________________________________________________17

VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application _____________________________________17
Custom HoloMarkTM Cards _________________________________________________________17
Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers ______________________________________________17
Visual Security - Fargo Certified Overlaminates (Special Order in 50 quantity minimum)__________17
Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances ________________________________________________18
VeriMarkTM - Application Specifications_______________________________________________18
HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM - Application Specifications ________________________18

Functional Specifications ______________________________________________________________19

Printer Components: Top Cover to Parallel Interface Card__________________________________20
Printer Components: Centronics-Type Parallel Interface ___________________________________21
Printer Components: Print Ribbons ____________________________________________________21
Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons __________________________________________22
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons______________________________________23
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons_________________________________24
Printer Components: Blank Cards _____________________________________________________25
Reviewing the upgraded 81754 PVC Cards ______________________________________________26

Section 2: General Troubleshooting______________________________________________ 28

Safety Messages (review carefully)_______________________________________________________28
Interpreting the LED Lights ____________________________________________________________29
Communications Errors________________________________________________________________30

Resolving the Communication Errors___________________________________________________30

Card Feeding Errors __________________________________________________________________33

Resolving the Card Feeding Errors_____________________________________________________33

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Using the Idler Spring Upgrade Kit ____________________________________________________34

Print Process Errors___________________________________________________________________35

Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error______________________________________________35
Resolving the Cover Open Error Message _______________________________________________36
Resolving the Blank Output issues _____________________________________________________37

Card Jam Errors______________________________________________________________________39

Resolving a Card Jam Error __________________________________________________________39

Ribbon Errors _______________________________________________________________________40

Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues _____________________________________________40
Resolving the Wrong Ribbon error (being displayed incorrectly) _____________________________43
Resolving the Ribbon Low Message ___________________________________________________44
Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues __________________________________________________45

Encoding Errors______________________________________________________________________50

Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message _______________________________________________50
Resolving the Printer’s inability to read Encoded Data _____________________________________52
Resolving Data intended for Magnetic Stripe (being printed on the card) problem________________53

Diagnosing Image Problems ____________________________________________________________54

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems___________________________________________________54
Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems_____________________________________________55
Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems ________________________________________56
Resolving the Ribbon Wrinkle problems ________________________________________________58
Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems _________________________________________60
Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems ________________________________________62
Resolving the Image Placement problems _______________________________________________63
Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems _____________________________________________66

Running the Self Test _________________________________________________________________67

Running the Standard Self Test Print ___________________________________________________67
Using the DIP Switch (Self-test) ______________________________________________________68
Setting the DIP Switch Settings _______________________________________________________69
Running the 15-Shade Self Test _______________________________________________________70

Interfacing Information ________________________________________________________________71

Reviewing the Pin Assignments _______________________________________________________71
Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments _______________________________________72
Reviewing the Printer Timing Diagram _________________________________________________75
Reviewing the Printer Timing ________________________________________________________76

Section 3: Printer Adjustments__________________________________________________ 77

Safety Messages (review carefully)_______________________________________________________77
Adjusting the Magnetic Encoding Head ___________________________________________________78
C11 Print Driver Options ______________________________________________________________79
Using the Settings dialog box ___________________________________________________________79

Using the Image Darkness option______________________________________________________80
Using the Image Placement option _____________________________________________________81
Using the Print Length option_________________________________________________________82
Using the Magnetic Offset option______________________________________________________83

Using the Card tab____________________________________________________________________84

Adjusting the Card Size Option _______________________________________________________84
Adjusting the Orientation Option ______________________________________________________85
Using the Copies Option_____________________________________________________________86
Using the Test Print button___________________________________________________________86
Using the About button______________________________________________________________87

Using the Device Options tab ___________________________________________________________88

Adjusting the Ribbon Type option _____________________________________________________88
Adjusting the Color Matching option ___________________________________________________89
Adjusting for the Resin Dither ________________________________________________________90
Using the Rotate Image 180 Degrees option _____________________________________________91

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Using the Buffer Single Card option ___________________________________________________92
Using the Disable Printing option______________________________________________________93
Using the Pause for Low Ribbon option_________________________________________________94

Using the Image Color tab______________________________________________________________95

Using the Resin Heat (K) option ______________________________________________________96
Using the Color Matching option and Default button_______________________________________97

Using the Calibrate tab ________________________________________________________________98

Using the Image Position Controls _____________________________________________________99
Using the Sensors button ___________________________________________________________101
Using the Settings button ___________________________________________________________102

Using the Magnetic Encoding tab _______________________________________________________103

Using the Magnetic Track Selection radio buttons________________________________________104
Using the Magnetic Track Options radio buttons_________________________________________106
Using the Bit Density radio buttons ___________________________________________________107
Using the Character Size radio buttons_________________________________________________107
Reviewing the Enable MLE Support checkbox __________________________________________108
Using the ASCII Offset radio buttons__________________________________________________109
Using the LRC Generation radio buttons _______________________________________________110
Using the Character Parity radio buttons _______________________________________________110
Using the Verification radio buttons and Retries selection__________________________________111
Using the Shift Data Left checkbox ___________________________________________________112
Reviewing the ISO Track Locations___________________________________________________113
Sending the Track Information_______________________________________________________114
Entering the Track Information ______________________________________________________114
Reviewing Tracks 1, 2 and 3 (in table format) ___________________________________________115
Reviewing the Track Data Note ______________________________________________________115
Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table_________________________________________116

Using the Overlay/Print Area tab _______________________________________________________117

Using the Overlay/Print Area dropdown menu __________________________________________118
Using the Overlay/Print Area ________________________________________________________119
Using the Defined Area Option ______________________________________________________120
Using Security Options (Visual Security Solutions)_______________________________________125
Selecting Orientation - Landscape under Card tab ________________________________________126
Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (A to D) ___________________________127
Selecting Orientation - Portfolio under Card tab _________________________________________128
Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (E to H)____________________________129
Selecting the VeriMark radio button __________________________________________________130
Selecting the HoloMark radio button __________________________________________________131
Reviewing the Custom VeriMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) ________________________132
Reviewing the Custom HoloMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) _______________________133

Using the K Panel Resin tab ___________________________________________________________134

Selecting from the Print All Black With K Panel options __________________________________135
Selecting the Full Card option _______________________________________________________136
Selecting the Defined Area(s) option __________________________________________________137
Selecting the Undefined Area(s) option ________________________________________________138
Selecting the Defined Area(s) function ________________________________________________139
Selecting the Print YMC under K and Print K Only options ________________________________147

M11 Printer Driver Options____________________________________________________________148

Selecting from the Ribbon Type option ________________________________________________148
Adjusting for the Resin Dither _______________________________________________________149
Selecting the Rotate Image 180 Degrees option__________________________________________150
Selecting the Buffer Single Card option________________________________________________151
Selecting the Disable Printing option __________________________________________________152
Selecting the Pause for Low Ribbon option _____________________________________________153
Selecting the Heat (M11 only) option__________________________________________________154

Using the Calibrate tab _______________________________________________________________155

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Using the Image Position Controls ____________________________________________________156
Using the Settings button ___________________________________________________________158

Using the Magnetic Encoding tab _______________________________________________________159

Using the Magnetic Track Selection radio buttons________________________________________160
Using the Magnetic Track Options radio buttons_________________________________________162
Using the Bit Density radio buttons ___________________________________________________163
Using the Character Size radio buttons_________________________________________________163
Using the ASCII Offset radio buttons__________________________________________________164
Using the LRC Generation radio buttons _______________________________________________165
Using the Character Parity radio buttons _______________________________________________165
Using the Verification radio buttons and Retries selection__________________________________166
Using the Shift Data Left checkbox ___________________________________________________167
Reviewing the ISO Track Locations___________________________________________________168
Sending the Track Information_______________________________________________________169
Entering the Track Information ______________________________________________________169
Reviewing Tracks 1, 2 and 3 (in table format) ___________________________________________170
Reviewing the Track Data Note ______________________________________________________170
Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table_________________________________________171

Using the Print Area tab ______________________________________________________________172

Using the Print Area dropdown menu _________________________________________________173
Using the Defined Area Option ______________________________________________________174

Section 4: Cleaning___________________________________________________________ 179

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________179

Using the Required Supplies ________________________________________________________180

Cleaning Procedures _________________________________________________________________181

Cleaning the Printhead _____________________________________________________________181
Cleaning the Card Feed and Cleaning Rollers ___________________________________________182
Cleaning the Platen Roller __________________________________________________________184
Cleaning the Printer's Interior________________________________________________________185

Section 5: Packing the Card Printer_____________________________________________ 186
Section 6: Board Level Diagnostics______________________________________________ 187

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________187
Sensor Testing______________________________________________________________________188

Reviewing the Sensor Location and Voltages ___________________________________________189
Reviewing the Motor Voltages (when active) ___________________________________________189

Section 7: Firmware Upgrades _________________________________________________ 190
Section 8: Fargo Technical Support_____________________________________________ 190

Contacting Fargo Technical Support_____________________________________________________190
Reading the Serial Numbers on a Fargo printer ____________________________________________191

Finding out when a Fargo Card Printer was manufactured _________________________________191
Reviewing Example No. 1: Serial Number 80453289_____________________________________191
Reviewing Example No. 2: Serial Number A1280224 ____________________________________191

Section 9: Reviewing the Spare Parts List________________________________________ 192
Glossary of Terms ____________________________________________________________ 193
Index_______________________________________________________________________ 213

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Section 1: Specifications

The purpose of this section is to provide the User with specific information on the Regulatory
Compliances, Agency Listings, Technical Specifications and Functional Specifications for the
Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0).

Regulatory Compliances

Term Description

CSA The Printer manufacturer has been authorized by UL to represent

the Card Printer as CSA Certified under CSA Standard 22.2.
File Number: E145118

FCC The Card Printer complies with the requirements in Part 15 of the

FCC rules for a Class B digital device. (Note: These
requirements are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation.)

If equipment operation in a residential area causes unacceptable
interference to radio and TV reception, the operator is required to
take whatever steps are necessary to correct the interference.

ITS-EMC The Card Printer has been tested and complies with EN55022

Class B: 1995 and EN82082-1: 1997 standards for EMI
emissions.

(Note: Based on the above testing, the Printer manufacturer
certifies that the Card Printer complies with all current EMC
directives of the European Community and has placed the CE
mark on the Card Printer.)

License Number: J99032510

TÜV-GS The Card Printer has been tested and complies with IEC950 and

bears the TÜV-GS mark.
License Number: S9971826

UL The Card Printer is listed under UL 1950 INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT.
File Number: E145118, Volume 1, Section 15

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Agency Listings

Term Description

Emissions
Standards

Safety
Standards

CE, FCC, CRC c1374, BSMI, ITS (EN 55022 Class B:1995, FCC
Class B, EN 82082-1:1997).

UL 1950, CSA C2.2 No.950-95 and TüV-GS (EN 60950 A1-A4, A11).

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Technical Specifications

Type Description

Accepted

CR-80 (3.375” L x 2.125” W/85.6mm L x 54mm W)
Standard
Card Sizes

Accepted

30 mil (.030"/.76mm)
Card
Thickness

Accepted
Card Types

Agency
Listings

PVC or polyester cards with polished PVC finish; monochrome resin

required for straight polyester

Safety: UL 1950, CSA C2.2 and TüV-GS (IEC-950) Emissions: FCC

Class A, CRC c1374, Class A and TüV-EMC (IEC-801 -2, -3, -4; CISPR

22, Class B), CE, BSMI
Card Input

45 cards (30 mil)
Hopper
Capacity

Colors

C11: Up to 16.7 million M11: Monochrome
Dimensions 6.7” H x 13.1” W x 10.5"D/170mm H x 333mm W x 267mmD
Humidity 20-80% non-condensing
Interface 8-bit Centronics-type parallel (ECP-compatible)
Memory 2MB RAM
Operating

65° to 80° F/18° to 27° C
Temperature

Print Area
Printer

Drivers

C11: CR-80 edge-to-edge M11: 3.31” L x 2.02” W/84mm L x 51mm W

Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millennium, Windows NT 4.0,

Windows 2000

Continued on the next page

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Technical Specifications (continued)

Type Description

Print Method

 C11: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Thermal Transfer

 M11: Resin Thermal Transfer

Print Speed

 C11: 30 seconds per card/120 cards per hour (YMCKO)

 M11: 5 seconds per card/720 cards per hour (K)

(Note: Indicates the print ribbon type and the number of ribbon panels

printed where Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan, K=Resin Black, B=Dye-

Sublimation Black and O=Overlay.)

 Print speed is measured from the time a card feeds into the Printer to

the time it ejects from the Printer.

 Print speeds do not include the time needed for the PC to process the

image.

 Process time is dependent on the size of the file, the CPU, amount of

RAM and the amount of available resources at the time of the print.
Resolution 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm)
Supply

100-240 VAC, .6-1.3 A

Voltage
Supply

50 Hz/60 Hz

Frequency
System

Requirements

IBM-PC or compatible, Windows 95/98, Windows NT 4.0 or Windows
2000, Pentium™ class 133 MHz computer with 32 MB of RAM or higher,
200 MB free hard disk space or higher, ECP parallel port with DMA
access

Weight 15 lbs./7 kg

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

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Visual Security Solutions (Specifications)

VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application

VeriMarkTM Cards are a low cost, customized 2-D holographic foil application, that is made
in two steps.

 The first step is to emboss a base foil 1.9 cm (L) x 1.3 cm (H) onto the surface of a blank

white card.

 The second step is debossing a custom made dye into the surface of the base foil -

leaving a customized image, logo or text provided by the customer.
 Two separate color foils are used to contrast the impression.
End Users will be able to choose between 8 different card placements (4 - landscape) and

(4-portrait) where the VeriMarkTM can be located. When its time to print through the driver,
the End User will select the location on their organizations card design around which no
printing and overlay will be placed.

Custom HoloMarkTM Cards

A Custom HoloMark TM Card is a three-dimensional holographic image transferred to metal
foil and embossed to blank cards. The image is customer specific and the program mirrors
our holographic laminates program with a couple exceptions.

Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers

All Visual Security Cards will be offered on the following Fargo Card Stocks only:

 P/N# 81754 Ultra Card
 P/N# 81762 Ultra Card III with hi-coercivity magnetic stripe
 P/N# 81763 Ultra Card III

Visual Security - Fargo Certified Overlaminates (Special Order in 50
quantity minimum)

 Part No. 82255: PolyGuard 1.0 mil for HoloMarkTM and VeriMarkTM Cards, Clear
 Part No. 82256: PolyGuard 1.0 mil for HoloMarkTM and VeriMarkTM Cards, High

Resolution Globe design hologram with "Secure" micro-text

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Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances

 Tolerance of base foil placement will equal +/- .010" from the nearest edges of the card
 Tolerance of layered foil will equal +/- .010"

VeriMarkTM - Application Specifications

VeriMarkTM foils will cover a dimensional area of 1.9 cm length x 1.3 cm height. The
exclusive areas are as follows:

 VeriMarkTM Card customers will be able to choose 1 of 8 pre-defined placements

(corners) via printer driver (4 positions) Landscape and (4 Positions) Portrait mode.

 VeriMarkTM foil placement will not interfere with card punch slots .
 Foil color base is silver; debossed impression is gold foil.
 VeriMarkTM foil placement will be located 0.4 cm from the edges of the card except for

the top two locations on portrait orientation cards (positions E & F). The foil will be

located 0.9 cm from the top of the card and 0.4 cm from the sides of the card.

HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM - Application Specifications

HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM foils will cover a dimensional area of 1.5 cm x 1.5
cm. The exclusive areas are as follows:

 HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM card end-users will be able to choose 1 of 8 pre-

defined placements (corners) via printer driver (4 positions) Landscape and (4 positions)

Portrait mode.

 HoloMarkTM foil placement will not interfere with card punch slots.
 Foil Color options will be silver or gold.
 Outside edge placement of Foil impression options on card will be 0.4 cm from edge of

card.
 HoloMarkTM foil placement options will be at all four corners of card located 0.4 cm from

edge of card.

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Functional Specifications

This Card Printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve its
remarkable direct-to-card print quality for dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer. The
Card Printer will print from any IBM-PC® or compatible running Windows® 95/98/Me,
Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

The following describes how each of these technologies works:

Function Description

Dye­Sublimation

Resin
Thermal
Transfer

Dye-Sublimation is the print method the C11 uses to produce smooth,
continuous-tone images that look truly photographic. (Note: This process
uses a dye-based ribbon roll that is partitioned by a number of consecutive
color panels.)

 The panels are grouped in a repeating series of these three process

colors along the entire length of the print ribbon: yellow, magenta and
cyan or YMC.

 The Printer always prints the yellow panel first, followed by the magenta

panel and the cyan panel. (Note: As the print ribbon passes beneath
the Printhead, hundreds of thermal elements within the Printhead heat
the dyes on the ribbon. When these dyes are heated, they diffuse into
the surface of the card. A separate pass is made for each of the three
color panels on the ribbon.)

By combining the colors of each panel and by varying the heat used to
transfer these colors, it is possible to print up to 16.7 million different
shades of color. (Note: This blends one color smoothly into the next,
producing photo-quality images with absolutely no dot pattern.)

Resin Thermal Transfer is the print method the Printer uses to print sharp
black text and crisp bar codes, which can be read by both infrared and
visible-light bar code scanners.

 Used to print ultra-fast, one-color ID cards on the C11 or M11. (Note:

Like dye-sublimation, this process uses the same thermal Printhead to
transfer color to a card from a resin-only print ribbon or the resin black
(K) panel of a full color print ribbon.)

 Solid dots of resin-based ink are transferred and fused to the surface of

the card. (Note: This produces durable, saturated printing.)

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Printer Components: Top Cover to Parallel Interface Card

Components Description

Top Cover Opens to allow access to the Printhead, print ribbon and card path.

(Note: This cover must be closed in order for the Printer to begin

printing.)
Release tab Unlatches the Top Cover.
Printhead

Power button
and LED

Media button
and LED

Card
Cleaning
Roller

The component of the Printer that actually does the printing. (Note: This

component is fragile and must not be bumped or touched with anything

other than a cleaning pen.)

The Power button turns the Printer ON and OFF. (Note: It also serves

to cancel the current print job and reset the Printer for the next print job.)

If a card is left within the Printer after a print job is canceled, it will

automatically be ejected when the Printer is turned back ON.

The Media button is used to pause the Printer during normal

operation and also to resume operation after an error condition is

cleared. (Note: In general, as the icon above this button indicates, errors

are related to either the ribbon or the cards. If an error occurs, the Media

LED will flash.)

See Interpreting the LED Lights in section 2, page 29 for more

information.

(Note: The Printer must have both the Power LED and the Media LED

illuminated in order to print.)

Automatically cleans cards for higher print quality. (Note: Clean the

Card Cleaning Roller during every ribbon change (every 250 cards) or as

needed.)
Card Input

Load blank cards into this Hopper.
Hopper

Power Port Connect to the included power cord.
Parallel

Connect to a Windows PC with a parallel cable.
Interface Port

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Printer Components: Centronics-Type Parallel Interface

The Card Printer is equipped with a standard 8-bit centronics-type parallel interface port. This
communication port is the means through which the Printer receives data from the computer.
This section describes the pin assignments and signal specifications for this port.

The Centronics-type parallel interface is the most widely used Printer interface due to its
simplicity, speed and standardization throughout the PC industry.

 The Printer's parallel interface connector is a standard 36-pin Amp type with two metal-

wire retaining clips and is ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) compatible. It mates with a
standard, bi-directional PC to Printer parallel cable. To ensure optimal communications,
keep the interface cable to 6 feet in length or under.

Printer Components: Print Ribbons

The Card Printer utilizes both dye-sublimation and/or resin thermal transfer methods to print
images directly onto blank cards. Since the dye-sublimation and the resin thermal transfer
print methods each provide their own unique benefits, print ribbons are available in resin­only, dye-sublimation-only and combination dye-sublimation/resin versions.

To make it easier to remember which print ribbons are which, a letter code has been
developed to indicate the type of ribbon panels found on each ribbon. This letter code is as
follows:

= Dye-Sublimation Yellow Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Magenta Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Cyan Panel

= Resin Black Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Black Panel

= Clear Protective Overlay Panel

(Note: Reference Technical Update No. 66 (dated 04/27/2003), there is a Firmware
improvement to the Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer. The
ribbon-queuing improvement makes the ribbon handling more robust to ensure the maximum
number of prints from our color ribbons.)

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Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons

Resin-only print ribbons consist of a continuous roll of a single resin color. No protective
overlay panel (O) is provided since resin images do not require the protection of such an
overlay. The following resin-only ribbon types are available for use with both C11 and M11:

Type Description

Standard Resin Black
(K) (provides 1,000
prints)

Premium Resin Black
(K) (provides 1,000
prints)

Colored Resin
(provides 1,000 prints)

Metallic Resin
(provides 1,000 prints)

This ribbon provides high resin durability ideal for most general­purpose monochrome ID card applications. Resin black bar
codes are readable by both infrared and visible-light bar codes
scanners.

This ribbon provides maximum resin durability ideal for
applications such as access control where cards are repeatedly
swiped through a Magnetic Stripe reader. Resin black bar codes
are readable by both infrared and visible-light bar codes
scanners.

(Note: Using a Premium Resin Black ribbon will provide better
photo realistic output.)

Several colored resin ribbons are available in a variety of colors
for customizing or color-coding resin-only ID cards.

Metallic resin ribbons are available for printing resin images with
a unique metallic sheen.

Scratch-Off Resin
(provides 1,000 prints)

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

A scratch-off resin ribbon is available for printing over areas of a
pre-printed card in order to hide specific information such as a
personal identification number.

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Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons

Note that the Printer requires both specialized and authorized print ribbons in order to print
and function properly.

Step Procedure

1 Do not run the cards with a contaminated, dull or uneven surface through the

Printer.

Caution: Printing onto such cards will ultimately lead to poor print

quality and will greatly reduce the life of the Printhead.

2 Always store the card stock in its original packaging or in a clean, dust-free

container.

3

Do not print onto cards that have been dropped or soiled. (Note: Printhead
damage caused by contaminated or poor quality cards will automatically void the
Printhead's factory warranty.)

4 If printing onto cards with a pre-punched slot, do not print over the area of the

card with the punched slot. (Note: To avoid this area when printing, use the
options in the Overlay/Print Area tab to omit printing in this area or punch the slot
after the card has printed.)

Continued on the next page

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Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons (continued)

Type Description

Dye­Sublimation­Only Print
Ribbon

Dye­Sublimation
Black (BO)
(provides 500

It is available in a monochrome version. This ribbon consists of dye-

sublimation ribbon panels which alternate with a clear protective Overlay

(O) Panel. Dye-Sublimation images must have an overlay panel applied

to them or they will quickly begin to wear or fade.

This ribbon provides a dye-sublimation black panel (B) along with an

overlay panel (O) and is used to print smooth, photo-quality black and

white photo ID cards. Dye-Sublimation bar codes are readable only by

visible-light bar codes scanners.
prints)

Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons

Type Description

Dye­Sublimation/
resin print
ribbon

The Dye-Sublimation/resin print ribbon combines the yellow (Y), magenta

(M) and cyan (C) dye-sublimation panels with a resin black (K) panel.

By combining both types of ribbon panels, this ribbon can be used to print

full-color, photo-quality images with the dye-sublimation panels along

with sharp, black text and bar codes with the resin black panel.

A clear overlay panel (O) is also included on most ribbons to protect the

dye-sublimation images. Dye-Sublimation images must have an overlay

panel applied to them or they will quickly begin to wear or fade.
Full-Color

(YMCKO)
(provides 250
prints)

This ribbon is used to print full-color photo ID cards along with resin black

text and bar codes. Both infrared and visible-light bar code scanners can

read bar codes printed with resin black.

 An overlay panel (O) is included to protect the full-color dye-

sublimation printing.

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Printer Components: Blank Cards

Type Description

Card Size The Card Printer accepts standard CR-80 sized cards (3.370” L x 2.125”

W/85.6mm L x 54mm W) with a thickness of 30 mil (.030"/.762mm).

Card
Design

Card
Surface

UltraCard
Stock

The Printer will print onto any card with a clean, level and polished PVC
surface.

Although the Printer is equipped with card cleaning rollers, it is very important
to always print onto cards specifically designed for direct-to-card dye­sublimation printing.

Suitable cards must have a polished PVC surface free of fingerprints, dust or
any other types of embedded contaminants. In addition, cards must have a
completely smooth, level surface in order for the Printer to achieve consistent
color coverage.

 Certain types of Proximity cards have an uneven surface that will inhibit

consistent color transfer.

 Certain types of smart card chips are raised slightly above the cards

surface which also results in poor color transfer.

Due to the importance of using high-quality blank cards, a factory-approved
card stock called UltraCard™ is available and recommended for best results.

 UltraCard stock has a glossy PVC laminate on top and bottom and is

optically inspected to provide the cleanest, most scratch and debris-

reduced cards possible.

 Two types of these cards are available: UltraCard and UltraCard III.

UltraCard stock has a PVC core and offers medium card durability.

UltraCard III stock has a 40% polyester core and offers high durability.

 Both types of UltraCards produce printed images with a glossy, photo-

quality finish.

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Reviewing the upgraded 81754 PVC Cards

The upgraded 81754 PVC cards are designed for a sharper card image quality and for
reduced debris and defects on Fargo Card Printers. Carefully read these detailed notes and
instructions before applying this information to your Fargo printer or printers.

 Technician Note 1: The new card lot number starts at Lot # 2010104 with date codes

that started on 04/01/2003. The photo (below) shows a lot number that starts after Lot #
2010104, indicating a new card lot number. The card lot number and date can be read
on the bar code label attached to the shrink-wrapped stack of 100 cards, as shown
below. All new Fargo printers with a serial number (S/N) starting with A320 will have factory

settings for these new 81754 PVC cards.



Technician Note 2: Do not use the new 81754 PVC card stock with Fargo laminating

printers/encoders. This same guideline is used for the existing 81754 PVC card stock. Fargo
recommends using the UltraCard III stock with the Fargo laminating printers/encoders.

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Reviewing the upgraded 81754 PVC Cards (continued)

Follow these two (2) instructions below:

1. Instruction for new 81754 PVC card stock: Increase the Printer Driver’s Dye-Sub
Intensity to print with the new 81754 PVC card stock on Fargo Card Printers (S/N A319
and older). See the chart provided below. See the appropriate Fargo service documents
for specific Printer Driver instructions.

Card New Printer (S/N A320 and

newer)

Old Printer (S/N A319 and
older)

New Card No Change Necessary Increase the Dye-Sub Intensity as

follows:
HDP®: N/A

Pro-LX/C25: 3 - 5 %
DTC500: 5 -10 %
C11/C16: 3 - 5 %

2. Instruction for existing 81754 PVC card stock: The Printer Driver’s Dye-Sub Intensity
setting may or may not need to be decreased to print existing card stock. See the chart
provided below. See the appropriate Fargo service documents for specific Printer Driver
instructions.

 Technician Note 1: To control the brightness of the image, adjust the Dye-Sub

Intensity slide on the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver.

 Technician Note 2: Moving the Dye-Sub Intensity slide to the left causes less heat

to be used in the printing process, thus generating a lighter print.

Card New Printer (S/N A320 and

Old Printer (S/N A319 and older)

newer)

Old Card Decrease the Dye-Sub Intensity

as follows:
HDP®: N/A

Pro-LX/C25: 3 - 5 %
DTC500: 5 - 10 %
C11/C16: 3 - 5 %

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No Change Necessary

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Section 2: General Troubleshooting

This section provides Troubleshooting procedures for this Printer for Communication Errors,
Card Feed Errors, Print Process Errors, Card Jam Errors, Encoding Errors and Diagnosing
Image Problems.

Safety Messages (review carefully)

Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes

Danger:

Caution:

Failure to follow these installation guidelines can result in death or
serious injury.

Information that raises potential safety issues is indicated by a warning
symbol (as shown to the below).

 To prevent personal injury, refer to the following safety messages

before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.

 To prevent personal injury, always remove the power cord prior to

performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.

 To prevent personal injury, make sure only qualified personnel

perform these procedures.

This device is electrostatically sensitive. It may be damaged if
exposed to static electricity discharges.

Information that raises potential electrostatic safety issues is indicated
by a warning symbol (as shown to the below).

 To prevent equipment or media damage, refer to the following

safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this
symbol.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, observe all established

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedures while handling cables in
or near the Circuit Board and Printhead Assemblies.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always wear an

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always remove the

 To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

appropriate personal grounding device (e.g., a high quality wrist
strap grounded to avoid potential damage).

Ribbon and Cards from the Printer before making any repairs,
unless otherwise specified.

fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil
and debris before working on the Printer.

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Interpreting the LED Lights

Power LED

Media LED

Cause/Solution

On solid On solid Printer is ON and READY to print.
On solid Flashing Indicates an error with the media (print ribbon or

cards). Refer to the following suggestions:
The cards or ribbon have run out. Replace as

necessary.
 Check that the cards are properly loaded in the

Printer. See Card Feeding Errors in Section 2,
page 33.

 Check that the proper ribbon type is installed

according to the ribbon type option selected in
the Printer driver. See Adjusting the Ribbon Type
option in Section 3, page 88.

 Check for a ribbon jam or card jam. See

Resolving a Card Jam Error in Section 2, Page

39.

 The Ribbon Sensor may need to be recalibrated.

See Using the Sensors button in Section 3, Page

101.

 If your Printer has a magnetic encoding module

installed and you are attempting to encode
magnetic information onto a card while printing, a

flashing Media LED can also indicate an
encoding mis-verify.

 If information is not encoded properly or encoded

onto a bad Magnetic Stripe, the Printer is unable
to verify the encoded data. When this happens,
the Printer will eject the card before printing
begins and the Media LED will begin flashing.

Press the Media button to resume encoding and
printing with a new card.

See Encoding Errors in Section 2, Page 50.

Continued on the next page

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Interpreting the LED Lights (continued)

Power LED

Flashing On solid Indicates a possible error with your Printer's memory.

On solid Off Indicates the Printer is ON, but that it is off-line or

Off Off Indicates the Printer power is OFF. Be sure power is

Media LED

Cause/Solution

See Replacing the Print Circuit Board (A000281) in
Section 4, Page Error! Bookmark not defined..

paused. Press the Media button to get the
Printer back to its READY mode.

connected and press the Power button if you would
like to turn the Printer back ON.

Communications Errors

Resolving the Communication Errors

Symptom(s): Incorrect output, communications error on PC or Printer, stalling, no response

from Printer, no job printed, “paper out” error.

Step Procedure

1 Confirm that the system meets the minimum requirements, as shown here:

 IBM-PC or compatible.
 Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP Pentium™ class 133 MHz computer with

32 MB of RAM or higher

 200 MB free hard disk space or higher
 ECP parallel port with DMA access

2 Confirm the correct installation of the Printer driver.

a. Close the software program and check the Printer driver.
b. Reboot the computer.
c. Make sure the Printer driver is installed correctly. (Note: Especially if an

obsolete driver was recently removed.)
d. Be sure the correct setup options within the Printer driver are selected.
e. Confirm that the driver is current by checking at: www.fargo.com

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Communication Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

3 Verify the use of an adequate data cable.

a. Use a double-shielded parallel cable (no longer than six feet in length).

(Note: Data transmission failure can be attributed to a long or faulty

parallel cable.)
b. Use a double-shielded, I-EEE 1284 compliant cable to reduce the effect of

radio emissions from computers, monitors and other equipment that may

broadcast Radio frequency interference (RFI).

4 Determine if there is interference from an external device.

a. Do not use an A/B Switch Box or other peripheral in line with the parallel

cable.
b. If using a Switch Box or other peripheral, remove it while testing

communication between the Computer and the Printer.
c. If needed, replace the Switch Box or other peripheral (once it is determined

that the cause of the interference is not the switch box or peripheral).
d. Alternative: Add a second parallel port into the computer (if a second

Printer is required).

5 Determine the problem with printing from the application.

a. Print a self-test from the Printer by holding down the Media button on

power up to ensure that the Printer (itself) is functioning properly.
b. Print the Windows test page that is located in the General tab of the driver.
c. Use WordPad (a Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/XP word processing

program in the Accessories Program Group).

1) Go to the File menu and select Page Setup.

2) Click on the Printer button and select the C11 Card Printer.

3) Click OK and reset all four margins to zero. (Note: The WordPad
will automatically replace the values with it’s minimum margins.)

4) Open the program and type: “This is a Test.” then, go to File on the
menu bar and select Print.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Communication Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

6 Determine if the parallel port mode is set correctly or incorrectly

a. Ensure that the parallel port is set to the Enhanced Communication Port

(ECP) mode. (Note: The port mode can be determined by checking the
Device Manager tab in the system control panel.)

b. If the port mode is not set to ECP, it will need to be changed in the

computers BIOS. (Note: Refer to the appropriate computer manual for
instructions on how to change the Parallel Port mode.)

7 Determine whether there is adequate hard drive space.

(Note: A large volume of temporary files on the computer can cause
communications errors.)

a. Access the temporary files by following this process:

 Search for all folders called TEMP. Once found, clear out the contents

of the folders.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP, run the System Utility - Disk

Defragmenter found in the Accessories folder of the Start Menu.

 Use a disk cleanup utility (such as Disk Cleanup found in the System

Tools folder of the Start menu) or use a third party application.

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Card Feeding Errors

Resolving the Card Feeding Errors

Symptom: Two or more cards feed at the same time or the cards will not feed at all.

Step Procedure

1 Clean the Input Roller.

a. Caution: Turn off the Printer and unplug the power cord from the

Printer.
b. Remove all cards from the Printer's Card Input Hopper.
c. Get a Cleaning Card from the Printer Cleaning Kit and remove its adhesive

backing paper.
d. Insert the Cleaning Card into the card output end of the Printer until the

card stops. (Caution: Be sure to insert the card so that the longest end of

the card is inserted first with the sticky side facing up.)
e. Press and hold the Printer's Media button while applying power to

start a self-test.
f. This will begin feeding the Cleaning card into the Printer.

g. When the Printer errors out, open the top cover and use the Media button

to remove the cleaning card.

2 Adjust the card separator flap.

a. Loosen the two screws located in the Input Hopper.
b. Open the Top Cover and remove the Print Ribbon from the Printer.
c. Tighten the adjustment screws on both sides of the Card Separator Flap to

raise the card separator. Loosen the adjustment screws on both sides of

the Card Separator Flap to lower the card separator.

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Using the Idler Spring Upgrade Kit

The purpose of Technical Update No. 45 was to announce the release of the Idler Spring
Upgrade Kit for the Persona C11, M11 and C16 Card Printers.

 Improvement: The new Idler Spring Upgrade Kit provides more reliability when feeding

cards through the Card Printer. (Technician Note: The previous Idler Springs were
prone to breaking at an approximate output of 1000 cards.)

 Order No. 1 (without Magnetic Encoder): If using the Persona C11, M11 or C16 Card

Printer without a Magnetic Encoder installed order Part Number 085690.

OR

Order No. 2 (with Magnetic Encoder): If using the Persona C11, M11 or C16 Card Printer

with a Magnetic Encoder installed order Part Number 085691.

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Print Process Errors

Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error

Symptom: The Printhead continuously cycles or does not cycle at all.

Step Procedure

1 Cycle the Headlift Motors.

a. Press both buttons on the front control panel.
b. Verify that the Headlift Motor turns.
c. If the Motor does not turn, continue to Step 2.

2 Test the Headlift Motors.

a. Unplug the Printer.
b. Remove the back cover.
c. Disconnect the Headlift Motor from the main board.
d. Connect a 9-volt battery to the Head Motor.
e. If the Motor does not turn, replace it.
f. If the Motor does turn, continue to Step 3.

3 Test the Headlift Sensor.

a. Remove the back cover.
b. Attach the positive lead from a Digital Voltmeter to Pin 1 of J6. Attach the

negative lead to the Pin 3 of J6.

 If open, the Sensor should read 0.17 to 0.9 VDC.
 If closed, the Sensor should read 4.9 to 5.5 VDC.

c. Replace the Sensor if the voltages do not read correctly.

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Resolving the Cover Open Error Message

Symptom: The Printer errors immediately after sending a print job or the rollers do not

operate by pressing the cottons on the front panel (when the cover is open).

Step Procedure

1 Reseat the Cover Switch.

a. Open the top cover and remove the Print Ribbon.
b. Remove the two screws from the Cover Switch located near the ribbon

take up hub.
c. Reseat the switch on the Printer side plate and carefully replace the

screws.
(Note: Ensure that the screws holding the cover Sensor in place are not too

tight. They should be tight enough to hold the switch in place snugly, but not
so tight as to compress the inner components of the switch.)

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Resolving the Blank Output issues

Symptom: A card is ejected blank (that should be printed).

Step Procedure

1 Run a self-test.

a. Clear any card jams.
b. Unplug power from the Printer.
c. While holding down the Media button, reapply power.
(Note: A self-test card will be printed.)

2 Look for an image on the ribbon.

a. After a self-test has been run, open the top cover.
b. Remove the print ribbon from the Printer.
c. Visually inspect the set of panels that were last used by the Printer.
d. If an image is noticeable on the used ribbon, continue to step 3.
e. If an image is not noticeable on the used ribbon, continue to step 4.

3 Adjust the placement.

a. Reset the Printer to clear any Error Messages by removing the power

and reapplying it.
b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences.
c. Click the Calibrate tab.
d. Click on the Settings button.
e. Adjust the Image Placement Setting by +5.
f. Click on the OK button.
g. Print a self-test.
h. After adjusting the Image Placement, if a white border appears on the

card, adjust the image placement back toward its original value in
increments of 2 until the white edge is gone.

Persona C11 Card Printer and Persona M11 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 5.0)

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Blank Output issues (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Check the Printhead connections.

a. Open the top print cover.
b. Remove the two (2) thumbscrews from the Printhead cover plate and

remove the cover plate.

c. Check to ensure that Power and Data Cables (that connect to the

printhead) are properly seated.
d. Remove the Back Cover.
e. Ensure that the Printhead Power Cable is properly seated on J11 on the

Power board.
f. Ensure that the Printhead Data Cable is properly seated on J13 on the

main board.

5 Ensure that the proper voltage is being applied to the printhead.

a. Remove the back cover.
b. Using a Digital Voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground.
c. Probe Pins 1 to 5 of the printhead power connection on J11.
d. Ensure that a voltage between 22 to 23 VDC is read on each pin.

 If less than 22 volts is read on any of the pins, ensure that the Power

Supply for the Printer is outputting 23 to 24 VDC.

 If 22 to 23 volts is read from Pins 1 to 5 on J11, replace the

Printhead (as needed).

e. If the Power Supply is operating properly, replace the Main Board (as

needed).

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Card Jam Errors

Resolving a Card Jam Error

Symptoms: The card is physically jammed in the Printer or a Card Sensor is reporting a

card is present.

Step Procedure

1 Look for a jammed card in the Printer.

a. Open the Printer’s top cover.
b. Remove the ribbon from the Printer.
c. Check to see if a card is jammed in the print station of the Printer.
d. If a card is found in the print station, continue to Step 2.
e. If no card was found in the print station, continue to Step 3.

2 Clearing a jammed card

a. If a card is jammed in the Printer, use the Power button and the Media

buttons to move the feed rollers and free the card.

b. The card can then be fed out of the Printer.

3 Test the Card Sensor.

a. Remove the rear cover.
b. Using a Digital Voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground.
c. Connect the positive lead to Pin 1 of J8.

 If blocked, the voltage should read 4.9 to 5.5 VDC.
 If unblocked, the Sensor should read 0.15 to 0.18 VDC.

d. If the voltages do not read correctly, replace the Sensor.

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Ribbon Errors

Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues

Symptom: The Printer is using more than one set of ribbon panels to print one side of a

card.

Step Procedure

1 Calibrate the Ribbon Sensor. (See the next page for illustration.)

a. Reset the Printer to clear any Error Messages by removing Power and

reapplying.
b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences. Click on the Calibrate tab.
c. Click on the Sensors button. (See the next page.)
d. Remove the ribbon and close the top cover.
e. Click on the Send button for a ribbon Sensor calibration.
f. Verify that the Printer beeps twice.
g. If the Printer does not beep twice, see Communications Errors in Section

2, Page 30.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues (continued)

Refer to the previous procedure.

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Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Test the Encoder Sensor.

a. Remove the back cover.
b. Using a Digital Voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground.
c. Connect the positive lead to Pin 4 of J13.

 If blocked, the voltage should read 4.9 to 5.5 volts DC.
 If unblocked, the Sensor should read 0.15 to 0.18 volts DC.

d. If the voltages are not correct, replace the Sensor.

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Resolving the Wrong Ribbon error (being displayed incorrectly)

Symptom: A Wrong Ribbon Error is shown on the LEDs even though the correct ribbon is

installed in the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Verify the driver settings are correct.

a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences.
b. Click on the Device Option tab.
c. Ensure that the Ribbon Type setting that is listed matches the ribbon that

is installed in the Printer. (Note: It may be possible to have driver
settings that are different from those found in the Printer control panel
through the software.)

d. Check any page setup functions in the software to ensure that the

Ribbon type matches.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Wrong Ribbon error (being displayed incorrectly) (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Test the Ribbon ID Sensor.

a. Unplug the Printer.
b. Remove the back cover.
c. Flip switches 1,2,3 and 4 on the bank of DIP switches in the Main Board

corner.

d. With the top covers closed, apply power to the Printer while holding down

the Pause/Resume button.
e. Open up the Top Print Cover.
f. Slowly rotate the supply side of the ribbon. (Note: As the spool is rolling,

the Printer should emit a beep every time a metal pin from the Ribbon ID

Core passes the Sensor.)
g. Replace the Ribbon ID Sensor if the Printer responds by emitting no

beeps or if one long set of beeps is emitted (regardless of the ribbon’s

position).

Resolving the Ribbon Low Message

Symptoms: The Printer beeps just before each ribbon panel is printed. The ribbon is

running low, which indicates the print ribbon is running low and that it will soon run out. When
this message is displayed, there should be 10 to 20 additional prints left on the ribbon.

Step Procedure

1 Print until the ribbon is gone and replace the ribbon as needed.

(Note: If the print ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the job will be
incomplete. It may be difficult to resume the job after the error and still have all
cards print well.)

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues

Symptom: The Ribbon breaks when printing.

Step Procedure

1 Calibrate the Ribbon Sensor.

a. Reset the Printer to clear any Error Messages by removing Power and

reapplying.
b. From the Computer, open the Printer control panel.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences.
c. Click the Calibrate tab.
d. Click on the Sensors button. (See the next page.)
e. Remove the Ribbon and close the top cover.
f. Click on the Send button for a Ribbon Sensor Calibration.
g. Verify that the Printer should then beep twice.
h. If the Printer does not beep twice, see Communications Errors in Section

2, page 30.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues (continued)

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Determine where the ribbon is breaking.

a. Open the Top Print Cover.
b. Remove the ribbon from the Printer.
c. Inspect the ribbon at the break point.

 If the Ribbon broke before any print was applied to the card, continue

to Step 3.

 If the Ribbon broke after applying the print to the card, continue to

Step 4.

3 Adjust the Image Placement negatively.

a. Reset the Printer to clear any Error Messages by removing Power and

reapplying.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences.
c. Click the Calibrate tab.
d. Click on the Settings button. (See the next page.)
e. Adjust the Image Placement Setting by -10.
f. Click on OK.
g. Print a Self-Test.
h. After adjusting the Image Placement, if a white edge appears on the card,

adjust the image placement back toward its original value in increments
of 2 until the white edge is gone.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues (continued)

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Adjust the Image Placement positively.

a. Reset the Printer to clear any Error Messages by removing Power and

reapplying.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon and

select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Printing Preferences.
c. Click the Calibrate tab.
d. Click on the Settings button.
e. Adjust the Image Placement Setting by +10. (See the previous page.)
f. Click on OK.
g. Print a Self-Test.
h. After adjusting the Image Placement, if a white edge appears on the card,

adjust the image placement back toward its original value in increments of 2
until the white edge is gone.

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Encoding Errors

Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message

Symptoms: A Mag Verify error is displayed on the LED when attempting to encode.

Step Procedure

1 Check to ensure that the cards are loaded with the Magnetic Stripe facing down

and towards the back of the Printer.

2 Verify the Driver settings if cards are loaded properly. See the Using the

Magnetic Encoding tab procedure in Section 3, page 88. See Magnetic Encoding
tab window on next page.

3 Verify that data is being encoded to the Magnetic Stripe.

a. Clear any Error Messages from the LCD by unplugging the Printer and

reapplying power.
b. Remove the failed card.
c. Use a Magnetic Stripe reader or magnetic developer spray to determine if

data is being written to the Magnetic Stripe.
d. If data is not being written to the Magnetic Stripe, remove the back cover and

verify that the magnetic head is plugged into J18 on the main board.
e. If the Magnetic head connection is properly seated, replace the magnetic

head (as needed). See the Replacing the Magentic Head Assembly (High-

Coercivity: 83019012 or Low-Coercivity: 83019012) procedure in Section 5,

page Error! Bookmark not defined..
f. If data is being written to the Magnetic Stripe, the Magnetic Offset may need

to be adjusted. See the Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message procedure

in Section 3, page 50.

4 Verify that the coercivity of the cards matches the type of Mag Head installed in

the Printer.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message (continued)

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Resolving the Printer’s inability to read Encoded Data

Step Procedure

1 Verify that the cards are loaded properly with the Magnetic Stripe facing down

and towards the back of the Printer.

2 Verify that the card is encoded with magnetic data by using a Magnetic Imager

or Developer Solution.

3

Use WordPad (a Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/XP word processing program
in the Accessories Program Group).

a. Go to the File menu and select Page Setup.
b. Click on the Printer button and select the C11 Card Printer.
c. Click OK and reset all four margins to zero. (Note: The WordPad will

automatically replace the values with its minimum margins.)
d. Open the program and type: “~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890?” then,

go to File on the menu bar and select Print. (Note: The Printer should then

feed a card into the Encoder and magnetically encode the above string to it.)

4 Check the Magnetic Offset Setting.

a. Reset the Printer to clear any Error Messages by removing the power and

reapplying it.
b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon and

select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Printing Preferences.
c. Click the Calibrate tab.
d. Click on the Settings button.
e. Ensure that the Magnetic Offset setting matches the value that is written on

the bottom of the Printer.

f. If the values do not match, change the value in the Settings box.

5 Verify that the coercivity of the cards matches the type of Mag Head installed in

the Printer.

6 Verify that the Magnetic Stripe on the card is free of scratches or voids.

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Resolving Data intended for Magnetic Stripe (being printed on the
card) problem

Step Procedure

1 Confirm that the application is formatting the magnetic string correctly. See the

Using the Magnetic Track Options procedure in Section 3, page 104.

2

Use WordPad (a Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/XP word processing program
in the Accessories Program Group).

a. Go to the File menu and select Page Setup.
b. Click on the Printer button and select the C11 Card Printer.
c. Click OK and reset all four margins to zero. (Note: The WordPad will

automatically replace the values with its minimum margins.)

d. Open the program and type: “~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890?” then,

go to File on the menu bar and select Print. (Note: The Printer should then
feed a card into the Encoder and magnetically encode the above string.)

(Note: If encoding from WordPad works properly, both the Printer and
communication from the computer are working properly. This indicates that the
issue is with the software application that is being used. Refer to the users guide
for the software application for more info on encoding.)

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Diagnosing Image Problems

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems

Symptom: A thin line or scratch travels the entire length of the card.

Step Procedure

1 Check the card stock for scratches. Replace the cards (as needed).
2 Examine the Printhead for visible damage.
3 Clean the Printhead. See Cleaning the Printhead procedure in Section 4, page

181.

4 Clean the Platen Rollers. See Cleaning the Platen Rollers procedure in Section

4, page 184.

5 Replace the printhead if the problem persists. See the Replacing the Printhead

Assembly (820199) procedure in Section 5, page Error! Bookmark not
defined..

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Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems

Symptom: Prints have spots (white or colored voids) and/or dust on them.

Step Procedure

1 Be sure the cards are clean and stored in a dust-free environment. Do not use

cards with embedded contaminants in the surface.

2 Clean the inside of the Printer. See Cleaning the Printer’s Interior procedure in

Section 4, page 185.

3 Clean the Platen Rollers. See Cleaning the Platen Rollers procedure in Section

4, page 184.

4 Clean the Cleaning Roller. See Cleaning the Card Feed and Cleaning Rollers in

Section 4, page 181.

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Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems

Symptom: Printed cards are too dark or too light.

Step Procedure

1 Run a self-test to ensure that the issue is not with the driver settings.
2

Adjust the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer
Driver. See Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 95.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems (continued)

Step Procedure

3

Correct the Image Darkness. See Using the Image Darkness option in Section
3, page 80.

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Resolving the Ribbon Wrinkle problems

Symptom: Printed cards have off-colored lines or streaks on them.

Step Procedure

1 Confirm that the Printer is using the most current driver via: http://www.fargo.com
2

Reduce the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer
driver. See the Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 95.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Ribbon Wrinkle problems (continued)

Step Procedure

3 Reduce the Image Darkness. See Using the Image Darkness option in Section

3, page 80.

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Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems

Symptom: Black resin text and barcodes appear smeared or too thick.

Step Procedure

1 Reduce the Resin Heat setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver.

See the Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 95.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Reduce the Image Darkness. See Using the Image Darkness option in Section 3,

page 80.

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Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems

Symptom: Black resin text and barcodes appear faded or too light.

Step Procedure

1

Increase the Resin Heat setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer
driver. See the Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 95.

2

Increase the Image Darkness. See Using the Image Darkness option in
Section 3, page 80.

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Resolving the Image Placement problems

Symptom: Printing is cut off or is not centered on the card or a white border appears.

Step Procedure

1 Verify if the Image Position option within the Calibrate tab is set incorrectly.

a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon and

select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Printing Preferences.
b. Click on the Calibrate tab.
c. Adjust the Vertical and/or Horizontal Image Position settings based on

where the white border is on the card.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued)

Step Procedure

2

Verify if the Image Placement Setting is set correctly or incorrectly. See
Graphic A on the next page.

a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the C11 Card Printer Icon and

select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0 right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the C11 Card Printer and select

Printing Preferences.
b. Click on the Calibrate tab.
c. Click on the Settings button.

 If the white border is on the leading edge of the card, adjust the Image

Placement value by –2.

 If the white border is on the trailing edge of the card, adjust the Image

Placement value by +2.
d. Click on OK.
e. Run a self-test.
f. If the white border is diminished, continue the adjustment until it is gone.

3 Adjust the Card Guide Bar (as needed). See Graphic B on the next page.

a. Open the Top Print Cover.
b. Loosen the two screws that hold the Card Guide Bar in place.
c. Carefully move the Card Guide Bar
(Note: Ensure that all adjustments leave the Card Guide Bar equidistant from the

rear side plate of the Printer.)

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Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued)

Graphic A

Graphic B

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Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems

Symptom: Photos on the cards look pixilated or grainy, as shown below.

Step Procedure

1 Use high-resolution, 24-bit color images to always capture an image:

 at a 24-bit color setting
 at 300 dpi
 at the same size that it will be printed on the card, as captured either with a

scanner or with a digital camera

If a small or low-resolution image is stretched or blown up, a pixilated or grainy
effect will occur when printing, as shown below (rightside).

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Running the Self Test

Perform a self-test after (a) an initial setup of the Printer, (b) a calibration procedure has
been conducted or (c) a part has been replaced to check for proper Printer operation.

Step Procedure

1 Verify that a full-color ribbon is installed and that cards are properly loaded.

Caution: If the power is ON, disconnect the Power Cable from the

Printer’s rear panel.

2
3

Press and hold the Pause/Resume button.
While holding down the Pause/Resume button, plug the power cable back into the

Printer.

4 The Printer will print a 3-color process gray scale on the front, flip the card and

print the monochrome black panel on the back. The overlay pass is not printed
during the Self-test.

Running the Standard Self Test Print

This card will be printed.

PRO-LX

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Using the DIP Switch (Self-test)

Step Procedure

1 Activate any of these diagnostic tests and Calibration modes. See Running the

Self Test in Section 2, page 67. During the activation of the Self-test, the Printer
will:

 Detect the change to the DIP Switch Settings. See Using the DIP Switch Self

Test in Section 2, page 68.

 Operate the Printer in that selected Test or Calibration mode.

2 Return all the DIP switches back to their normal OFF position once the tests are

completed.

3 Leave the associated DIP switches activated to operate the Printer this way or

temporarily use the settings to test a particular Printer operation. (Note: When
altering a particular mode-of-operation (e.g., disabling the laminator or magnetic
verification), it will affect Printer operation while printing from a computer.)

4 When completed, turn OFF the power to the Printer to reset the operating mode

of the Printer.
 The first illustration (below) shows all eight (8) switches in the normal OFF

position.

 The second illustration (below) shows Switches No. 1,2 and 3 in the ON

position. (Note: The Ribbon Sensor calibration without the need of a PC).

(Note: Refer to the DIP Switch Settings table on the next page for additional
diagnostic selections.)

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Setting the DIP Switch Settings

The capital letter “X” indicates that the switch should be set to ON or DOWN.

SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 Diagnostic modes

X X X X Test5x3, Wrinkle, Gray15x3, ResTest,

Gray15K, Steps is a standard YMCKO test
card.

X X Mag123A is a mag-only test card (records on

the Magnetic Stripe).

X The RibTest calibrates the Ribbon Color

Sensor (none or anything except Mono
Resin).

X X X The ResinTest is a premium resin test card.

X X X X The TestCore allows reading of the core pins.

In this mode, the Printer will beep every time
a core pin is detected in the Ribbon Roll.

X X X RegTest is for YMCKO.

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Running the 15-Shade Self Test

This is the Self-test that appears when specific changes are made to the DIP Switch
Settings.

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WIRE DIAGRAM

19 Through 30

19 Through 25

141325

Interfacing Information

The Printer is equipped with a standard 8-bit Centronics-type Parallel Data Communications
Port. (Note: The Printer's Parallel Interface Connector is a standard 36-pin Amp type with
two metal-wire retaining clips. It mates with a standard PC to Printer parallel cable.)

Caution: For best results, keep the Interface Cable to less than six (6) feet.

Reviewing the Pin Assignments

19

36

PIN 1

18

DB36P

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8

9 9
10 10
11 11
12 12
13 13
14 14
32 15
31 16

DB25P

PIN 1

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Shell Shell

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Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments

Signal
Funtion

Bit
Name

DB-25 M
1284A
Pin #

Centronics M
1284B

Pin #
nStrobe C0 1 1
Data Bit 0 D0 2 2
Data Bit 1 D1 3 3
Data Bit 2 D2 4 4
Data Bit 3 D3 5 5
Data Bit 4 D4 6 6
Data Bit 5 D5 7 7
Data Bit 6 D6 8 8
Data Bit 7 D7 9 9
nAck S6 10 10
Busy S7 11 11
PaperEnd S5 12 12
Select S4 13 13
nAutoLF C1 14 14

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments (continued)

Signal
Funtion

nError
(nFault)

Bit
Name

DB-25 M
1284A
Pin #

S3 15 32

Centronics M

1284B

Pin #

nInit C2 16 31

nSelectIn C3 17 36

Grnd Rtn 18 19

Grnd Rtn 19 20

Grnd Rtn 19 21

Grnd Rtn 20 22

Grnd Rtn 20 23

Grnd Rtn 21 24

Grnd Rtn 21 25

Grnd Rtn 22 26

Grnd Rtn 22 27

Grnd Rtn 23 29

Grnd Rtn 24 28

Grnd Rtn 25 30

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments (continued)

Ch. Grnd 17

Perif. Hi. 18

Unused 15

Unused 33

Unused 34

Unused 35

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Reviewing the Printer Timing Diagram

The timing diagram (below) illustrates the data and handshake lines during the transfer of
one data byte to the Computer.

Data 0 - Data 7

Strobe

Busy

Acknlg

Tdsu

DATA VALID

Tstr

Tbp

Tdh

Tack

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Reviewing the Printer Timing

Interval Description Minimum Value

Tdsu Data setup time 0.5 µs

Tstr Data strobe width
1 µs
Tack
Acknlg pulse width

3.75 µs
Tdh Data hold time 0.5 µs
Tsb
Busy delay time from data

strobe

0.5 µs (max.)

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Section 3: Printer Adjustments

Safety Messages (review carefully)

Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes

Danger:

Caution:

Failure to follow these installation guidelines can result in death or
serious injury.

Information that raises potential safety issues is indicated by a warning
symbol (as shown to the below).

 To prevent personal injury, refer to the following safety messages

before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.

 To prevent personal injury, always remove the power cord prior to

performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.

 To prevent personal injury, make sure only qualified personnel

perform these procedures.

This device is electrostatically sensitive. It may be damaged if
exposed to static electricity discharges.

Information that raises potential electrostatic safety issues is indicated
by a warning symbol (as shown to the below).

 To prevent equipment or media damage, refer to the following

safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this
symbol.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, observe all established

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedures while handling cables in
or near the Circuit Board and Printhead Assemblies.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always wear an

appropriate personal grounding device (e.g., a high quality wrist
strap grounded to avoid potential damage).

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always remove the

Ribbon and Cards from the Printer before making any repairs,
unless otherwise specified.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of

fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil
and debris before working on the Printer.

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Adjusting the Magnetic Encoding Head

Use this procedure to adjust the coercivity of the Magnetic Encoding Head.

Tools Needed: Phillips Head Screwdriver, Small Standard Screwdriver, Digital Voltmeter

Steps Procedure

1

Caution: Turn off the Printer and unplug the power cord from the

Printer.
2 Open the Upper Imaging Assembly.
3 Loosen the top two corner screws (130987) found just behind the top edge of the

Rear Cover.
4 Close the Upper Imaging Assembly.
5 Remove the screw (130987) by the Card Exit Ramp.
6 Remove the Rear Cover.
7 Locate the Potentiometer labeled RP4.
8 Locate the test point labeled TP8
9 Place the positive lead of the voltmeter on TP8. Place the negative lead on

ground.

10 Adjust RP4 until the voltage on TP8 reads 6.0 volts DC on the voltmeter for High

Coercivity or 2.5 volts DC on the voltmeter for Low Coercivity.

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C11 Print Driver Options
Using the Settings dialog box

Access the Settings dialog box via the Settings button on the Calibrate tab. Use the
adjustment mode to change the Printer's internal settings for overall Image Darkness, Image
Placement, Print Length and Magnetic Offset. (Note: The Card Printer is equipped with an
internal adjustment mode programmable through the Settings dialog box. This dialog box is
accessible only if the Printer is powered ON, in Ready Mode and is properly connected to the
PC.)

Step Procedure

1 Change these settings according to the original settings recorded on a label

attached to the Printer's base plate or rear panel or refer to the remainder of this

Section. (Note: These can be helpful to get back to the Printer's original

baseline settings.)

Caution! These settings are optimized at the factory and in most

cases, they will not need to be changed.

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Using the Image Darkness option

Use this option to set the overall darkness of the printed image by increasing or decreasing
the amount of heat used by the Printhead when printing.

Step Procedure

1 Lighten the printed image by clicking the down arrow to enter a negative

value and decrease the amount of Printhead heat.

OR

Darken the image by clicking the up arrow to enter a positive value and
increase the amount of Printhead heat.

Maximum Adjustment Range: The maximum adjustment range is ±100.

Caution #1: For best results, make slight adjustments of only ± 4 to

avoid accidentally over-adjusting the Printhead heat.

Caution #2: If the positive value is set too high, the print ribbon may

jam or even break.

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Rear of Printer

Front of Printer

Using the Image Placement option

Use this option to adjust the lengthwise or horizontal position of the printed image on a card
so it appears centered. (Note: When adjusting this value, keep in mind that cards always
remain in the same landscape orientation while moving through the Printer.)

The diagram (below) represents how the printed image will move in relation to the fixed card
position as a positive or negative Image Placement value is entered.

Step Procedure

1 Click on the left arrow to enter a positive value to move the printed image

toward the leading edge of the card or the card output to the side of the Printer.

OR

Click on the right arrow to enter a negative value to move the printed image

toward the trailing edge of the card or the card input to the side of the Printer.

 Printed Image Direction: The arrows on these buttons indicate the direction

the printed image will move on the card.

 Maximum Adjustment Range: The maximum adjustment range is ±100. As a

Card Output

Side of Printer

(Leading Edge

of Card)

rule, 10 equals about .030"/. 8mm, which is about the same as the thickness of
a standard CR-80 size card.

Caution: If positive value is set too high, the print ribbon may break.

Card Input

Side of Printer

(Trailing Edge

of Card)

Direction card travels through printer

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Rear of Printer

Front of Printer

-

Using the Print Length option

Use this option to reduce or increase the overall printable area in order to optimize edge-to­edge printing toward the trailing edge of a card. (Note: When adjusting this value, keep in
mind that cards always remain in the same position while moving through the Printer.)

The diagram (below) represents how the end of form will move in relation to the fixed card
position as a positive or negative Print Length value is entered.

Step Procedure

1 Click on the left arrow to enter a positive value to reduce the print length and

move the end of the printable area more toward the leading edge of the card.

OR

Click on the right arrow to enter a negative value to increase the print length and

move the end of the printable area more toward the trailing edge of the card.

 Printed Image Direction: Notice the arrows on these buttons indicate the

direction the length of the printable area will move on the card.

 Maximum Adjustment Range: The maximum adjustment range is ±100. As a

rule, 10 equals about .030"/. 8mm, which is about the same as the thickness of
a standard CR-80 size card.)

Card Output

Side of Printer

(Leading Edge

of Card)

Card Input

Side of Printer

(Trailing Edge

of Card)

Direction card travels through printer

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Rear of Printer

Front of Printer

-

Using the Magnetic Offset option

Use this option only if the Printer has a built-in Magnetic Stripe encoder. (Note: If so, use
this option to shift the starting point of where the Printer will begin encoding the magnetic
track data on a card's Magnetic Stripe. When adjusting this value, keep in mind that a card
and its Magnetic Stripe will always remain in the same relative position as the card travels
through the Printer.)

The diagram (below) represents how the magnetic data will move in relation to the fixed
position of a card's Magnetic Stripe as a positive or negative Magnetic Offset value is
entered. (Note: For this diagram, imagine that the card is transparent and the card's mag
stripe can be seen through the top or front side of the card.)

Step Procedure

1 Click on the left arrow to enter a positive value to move the start of the magnetic

data more toward the leading edge of the card or the card output to the side of the

Printer.

OR

Click on the right arrow to enter a negative value to move the start of the

magnetic data toward the trailing edge of the card or the card input to the side of

the Printer.

+

Card Output

Side of Printer

(Leading Edge

of Card)

 Magnetic Data Direction: The arrows on these buttons indicate the direction

the magnetic data will move on the card's Magnetic Stripe.

 Maximum Adjustment Range: The maximum adjustment range is ±100. As a

rule, 10 equals about .030"/. 8mm.) (Note: Keep this in mind when adjusting
this option to avoid over-adjusting.)

Caution: If the negative value is set too high, the Printer may start

encoding before the card's Magnetic Stripe reaches the encoding head.

Magnetic Track Data

Direction card travels through printer

Card Input
Side of Printer
(Trailing Edge

of Card)

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Using the Card tab

Adjusting the Card Size Option

Step Description

1

Click on the inches or mm option to choose the desired unit of measurement.
(Note #1: When designing a card format, always set the card size or page size

within the card design program to the exact dimensions of a CR-80 card.)
(Note #2: The Card Size indicates that the Printer accepts standard, "credit

card" size CR-80 (ISO ID-1) cards. The dimensions of the total print area for this
card size appear in the Print Width and Print Length boxes.)

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Adjusting the Orientation Option

Step Description

1

Select Portrait under Orientation to cause the card to print in a vertical
orientation.

OR

Select Landscape under Orientation to cause the card to print in a horizontal
orientation.

(Note: An icon illustrating a printed card helps represent the difference between
the two.)

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Using the Copies Option

Step Description

1

Specify the number of copies to be printed under Copies.

Using the Test Print button

Step Description

1

Click on the Test Print button to send a simple self-test print to the Printer.
 Ensure that a full-color print ribbon is installed for C11 or a monochrome

ribbon installed for M11.

 Ensure that the computer is effectively communicating with the Printer and

that the Printer is functioning properly.

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Using the About button

Step Description

1

Click on the About button to open a dialog box containing the copyright and
version information about this Printer driver software.

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Using the Device Options tab

Adjusting the Ribbon Type option

Use the Ribbon Type option to select print ribbons.

Step Description

1

Select the appropriate print Ribbon Type option from the dropdown menu for
the type of print ribbon in use.

 YMCKO – Full Color/Resin Black/Overlay
 BO – Dye-Sub Black/Overlay
 K – Standard Resin
 K – Premium Resin
 Colored Resin
 Metallic Resin
 Scratch-Off Resin

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Adjusting the Color Matching option

Use the Color Matching dropdown menu to choose the color matching options which best
fits the print job requirements.

Step Description

1

Select None for print speed versus print color or for use of third party color
matching software.

OR

Select Algebraic (a) for the Printer driver to make very simple, yet fast, color
balance adjustments; (b) for more natural looking images without actually
utilizing any specific color matching; or (c) for customized, printed coloring of
the cards through the Image Color tab.

OR

Select Monitor for the Printer driver to make color corrections similar to the
Algebraic option but through a more complex color matching algorithm. (Note:
This option shifts colors to a different color model so the colors in the image
will more closely match how they appear on the monitor.)

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Adjusting for the Resin Dither

Select the appropriate dither method according to the type of image to be printed.
 This option only affects those objects printed on the backside of a card with the resin

black panel of a YMCK or YMCKK print ribbon.)

 This option affects objects printed with a resin-only print ribbon or those objects printed

on the back side of a card with the resin black panel of a YMCKO print ribbon.

Step Procedure

1

Select Optimized for Photo when printing photo quality images with resin.

OR

Select Optimized for Graphics when printing drawings and graphics (e.g.,
clipart, logos, etc.) with resin.

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Using the Rotate Image 180 Degrees option

Use this option to rotate the image on the front of the card 180 degrees when printed.

Step Description

1 Select this option to change the position of the printed image in relation to the

set location of a card's Magnetic Stripe or smart chip.

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Using the Buffer Single Card option

Use this option to force the Printer's memory to buffer or hold, only one print job at a time.

Step Description

1 Select this option only when printing to multiple Printers that share print jobs

over a network. (Note: This option ensures all Printers evenly share all print
jobs. Normally, when this option is not selected, the Printer's memory will
buffer as many print jobs as it can until the Printer's memory is full. This is ideal
for most applications where Printers are not networked together.)

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Using the Disable Printing option

Use this option to disable the printing capabilities of the Printer, yet still allows the Printer to
encode cards.

Step Description

1 Select this option to encode or re-encode cards without wasting additional

time, effort or printing supplies. (Note: When this option is selected, no print
data will not be sent to the Printer, while all encoding instructions will be sent
according to how they are configured within the software.)

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Using the Pause for Low Ribbon option

Use this option as a definitive warning when running low on print ribbon. (Note: Select this
option so the Printer will beep and pause and the Media LED will flash when approximately
10 to 20 prints remain on the print ribbon.)

Step Description

1

Replace the ribbon and press the Media button to continue printing with a
new ribbon

OR
Leave the existing ribbon in Printer and press the Media button .

 When this option is selected, once the Media button is pressed, the Printer

will continue printing until the end of the ribbon and will beep once before
each print job. (Note: It will not be necessary to press the Media button
again to continue printing once it has been pressed initially during a batch
print.)

 When this option is not selected, the Printer will still beep once before each

print job when approximately 10 to 20 prints remain on the print ribbon,
however, the Printer will not pause. (Note: Instead, it will continue printing
until the end of the ribbon, without user intervention.)

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Using the Image Color tab

Select the Algebraic color matching option and then use this option to control the Contrast
and Gamma of the printed image, as well as the individual color balance of Yellow, Magenta
and Cyan. (Note: In most cases, the default settings of these options will suffice.)

Step Procedure

1 Control the overall darkness and lightness of the printed image by adjusting the

Dye-Sub Intensity slide by clicking and dragging the slide's box.
 Move the slide to the left to cause less heat to be used in the printing

process, thus generating a lighter print.

OR

 Move the slide to the right to cause more heat to be used, thus generating a

darker print. (Note: This slide only affects those images printed with dye­sublimation ribbon panels (YMC).)

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Using the Resin Heat (K) option

Use this option to control the amount of heat the Printer uses when printing with the resin
black panel(s) of a full-color ribbon or when printing with a resin-only ribbon by adjusting the

Resin Heat slide.

Step Procedure

1 Move the slide to the left to cause less heat to be used in the printing process,

causing resin images to be lighter or less saturated.

OR

Move the slide to the right to cause more heat to be used.
(Note: This control can be helpful for fine-tuning the transfer of resin text and

bar codes.)

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Using the Color Matching option and Default button

Step Procedure

1

Select the Algebraic color matching option to display and adjust all control
options.

OR

Select the None or Monitor option to display only the Dye-Sub Intensity and
Resin Heat sliders.

2

To return all options to their factory settings, click on the Default button.

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Using the Calibrate tab

Use the Calibrate tab to (a) control the position of the printable area in relation to the card,
(b) calibrate Sensors and (c) adjust the internal Printer settings that are customized for every
Printer and saved directly within the Printer's memory.

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Using the Image Position Controls

Use the Image Position controls to adjust the position of the overall print area to be
precisely centered on a card.

Step Procedure

1

Click on the Vertical and Horizontal adjustment arrows to adjust the Image
Position values.

 When adjusting these values, keep in mind that cards always remain in the

same position while moving through the Printer, regardless of image
orientation.

 To illustrate this, the card illustration shown in the Image Position box will flip

and rotate according to the Portrait, Landscape or Rotate 180 Degrees
selection.

 The outline around the illustration will always remain in the same Landscape

orientation.

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Using Image Position controls (continued)

Review the Image Position diagram, which displays how the printed image will move in
relation to the fixed card position as positive and negative image placement values are
entered.

Step Procedure

2

Use the Vertical adjustment to move the image:

 Move toward the rear of the Printer if a positive number is entered.
 Move toward the front of the Printer if a negative number is entered.

OR
Use the Horizontal adjustment to move the image:

 Move toward the card output side of the Printer if a positive number is entered.
 Move toward the card input side of the Printer if a negative number is entered.

(Note #1: The maximum value for the Vertical and Horizontal adjustments is
±100 pixels (10 pixels = about .03"/. 8mm).)

(Note #2: The Vertical and Horizontal adjustment arrows point to within the
Image Position window, which represents the direction that the printed image
moves.)

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