FARGO electronic C16 User Manual
Persona C16 Card Printer Service
Manual (Rev. 5.0)
Part Number: L000311
RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronic, Inc.
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (Rev. 5.0), 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
Number
Revision 5.0 1 January 2004
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
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
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
Edition, McGraw-Hill)
Any questions regarding changes, corrections, updates or enhancements to this document
should be forwarded to:
Date Document Title
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual
(Rev. 5.0)
, (sub-title) Quality
(editors, Charles A. Cianfrani, Joseph J. Tsiakals
(editors, Joseph M. Juran and A. Blanton Godfrey; Fifth
FARGO Electronics, Incorporated
Support Services
6533 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (USA)
(952) 941-9470
(800) 459-5636
FAX: (952) 941-7836
www.fargo.com
E-mail: sales@fargo.com
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (Rev. 5.0)
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How to use the manual
The Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (Rev. 5.0) 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 Table of Contents to quickly locate 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
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.
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (Rev. 5.0)
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Safety Messages (review carefully)
Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes
Danger: 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.
Caution: 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
C16 Printer Overview
Reviewing the C16 Block Diagram
15
7
3
8
4
10
6
11
14 14
5
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
1314
12
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Printhead
and LED
Top Cover
Reviewing the C16 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 The 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
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Reviewing the C16 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. The
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 a 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.
22 The Print Ribbon drive engages.
Continued on the next page
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Reviewing the C16 Sequence of Operations (continued)
Step Process
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 the card for each verification pass required.
28 The Card is ejected from the Printer.
29 All Stop.
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Reviewing the C16 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.
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Table of Contents
Section 1: Specifications __________________________________________________ 6
Regulatory Compliances _________________________________________________ 6
Agency Listings ________________________________________________________ 7
Technical Specifications _________________________________________________ 8
Visual Security Solutions (Specifications)___________________________________ 10
VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application_______________________ 10
Custom HoloMarkTM Cards ___________________________________________ 10
Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers________________________________ 10
Visual Security - Fargo Certified Overlaminates (Special Order in 50 quantity
minimum)__________________________________________________________ 10
Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances __________________________________ 11
VeriMarkTM - Application Specifications ________________________________ 11
HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM - Application Specifications __________ 11
Functional Specifications________________________________________________ 12
Printer Components: Top Cover to Parallel Interface Card ___________________ 13
Printer Components: Centronics-Type Parallel Interface _____________________ 14
Printer Components: Print Ribbons _____________________________________ 14
Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons____________________________ 15
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons _______________________ 16
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons __________________ 17
Printer Components: Blank Cards_______________________________________ 18
Reviewing the upgraded 81754 PVC Cards _______________________________ 19
Section 2: General Troubleshooting _______________________________________ 21
Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 21
Reviewing the TOP Line LCD Error/Status Messages _______________________ 22
BOTH Line LCD Error/Status Messages__________________________________ 24
Communications Errors _________________________________________________ 25
Resolving the Communication Errors ____________________________________ 25
Card Feeding Errors ____________________________________________________ 28
Resolving the Card Feeding Errors ______________________________________ 28
Using the Idler Spring Upgrade Kit ______________________________________ 29
Print Process Errors ____________________________________________________ 30
Resolving a Headlift Error _____________________________________________ 30
Resolving the Cover Open Error Message_________________________________ 31
Resolving the Blank Output issues ______________________________________ 32
Card Jam Errors _______________________________________________________ 34
Resolving a Card Jam Error ____________________________________________ 34
Ribbon Errors_________________________________________________________ 35
Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues_______________________________ 35
Resolving the Wrong Ribbon error (being displayed incorrectly)_______________ 38
Resolving the Ribbon Low Message _____________________________________ 39
Resolving the Ribbon Error/Out Error Message ____________________________ 40
Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues____________________________________ 41
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Encoding Errors _______________________________________________________ 46
Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message _________________________________ 46
Resolving the Printer’s inability to read Encoded Data_______________________ 48
Resolving Data intended for Magnetic Stripe (being printed on the card) problem _ 49
Diagnosing Image Problems _____________________________________________ 50
Resolving the Pixel Failure problems ____________________________________ 50
Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems ______________________________ 51
Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems __________________________ 52
Resolving the Ribbon Wrinkle problems__________________________________ 54
Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems___________________________ 56
Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems__________________________ 58
Resolving the Image Placement problems _________________________________ 59
Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems _______________________________ 62
Running the Self Test___________________________________________________ 63
Running the Standard Self Test Print_____________________________________ 63
Using the DIP Switch (Self-test) ________________________________________ 64
Setting the DIP Switch Settings _________________________________________ 65
Running the 15-Shade Self Test_________________________________________ 66
Interfacing Information _________________________________________________ 67
Reviewing the Pin Assignments ________________________________________ 67
Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments_________________________ 68
Reviewing the Printer Timing Diagram___________________________________ 71
Reviewing the Printer Timing __________________________________________ 72
Section 3: Printer Adjustments ___________________________________________ 73
Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 73
Adjusting for CR-79 Adhesive Back Cards________________________________ 74
Adjusting the Magnetic Encoding Head __________________________________ 77
C16 Print Driver Options ________________________________________________ 78
Using the Settings dialog box ____________________________________________ 78
Using the Image Darkness option _______________________________________ 79
Using the Image Placement option ______________________________________ 79
Using the Print Length option __________________________________________ 81
Using the Magnetic Offset option _______________________________________ 82
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
Using the Buffer Single Card option _____________________________________ 92
Using the Disable Printing option _______________________________________ 93
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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
Section 4: Cleaning ____________________________________________________ 148
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Safety Messages (review carefully) _______________________________________ 148
Using the Required Supplies __________________________________________ 149
Cleaning Procedures___________________________________________________ 150
Cleaning the Printhead _______________________________________________ 150
Cleaning the Card Feed and Cleaning Rollers _____________________________ 151
Cleaning the Platen Roller ____________________________________________ 153
Cleaning the Printer's Interior _________________________________________ 154
Section 5: Parts Replacement____________________________________________ 155
Safety Messages (review carefully) _______________________________________ 155
Reviewing the Printer Components _______________________________________ 156
Reviewing the Front Cover Components_________________________________ 156
Reviewing the Back End Components___________________________________ 157
Reviewing the Rear Side plate Components ______________________________ 158
Reviewing the Print Board Components _________________________________ 159
Reviewing the Print Area Components __________________________________ 160
Reviewing the Main Print Board Connections_____________________________ 161
Reviewing the Power Board Connections ________________________________ 161
Cover Removal_______________________________________________________ 162
Replacing the Rear Cover (D810054) ___________________________________ 162
Replacing the Top Cover (D810044)____________________________________ 162
Replacing the Front Cover (D810001)___________________________________ 163
Board, Interface and Printhead Replacements _______________________________ 164
Replacing the Print Circuit Board (D810059) _____________________________ 164
Replacing the Power Circuit Board (A000284)____________________________ 165
Replacing the Printhead Assembly (081524)______________________________ 166
Replacing the Printhead Harness Assembly (830162-00) ____________________ 167
Replacing the Front Panel Board Assembly (A000265) _____________________ 169
Motor and Mag Head Replacements ______________________________________ 170
Replacing the Headlift Motor Assembly (830143) _________________________ 170
Replacing the Card Feed Motor Assembly (830145) _______________________ 171
Replacing the Ribbon Drive Motor Assembly (830147) _____________________ 172
Replacing the Stepper Motor assembly (810113) __________________________ 173
Securing the current Stepper Motor Bracket and Fastener for increased belt tension174
Replacing the Magnetic Head Assembly (High-Coercivity: 810182 or Low-
Coercivity: 810182) _________________________________________________ 175
Sensor Replacement___________________________________________________ 177
Replacing the Card Sensor Assembly (830135) ___________________________ 177
Replacing the Upper Ribbon Sensor Assembly (83015111) __________________ 178
Replacing the Encoder Wheel Sensor Assembly (830149) ___________________ 180
Replacing the Lid Sensor Assembly (810174) ____________________________ 181
Replacing the Ribbon ID Sensor Board Assembly (820543) _________________ 182
Replacing the Lower Ribbon Sensor Assembly — C16 (83012612) ___________ 184
Roller Replacement ___________________________________________________ 185
Replacing the Platen Roller (D830023) __________________________________ 185
Replacing the Card Feed Roller (D830058) - Center________________________ 187
Replacing the Card Feed Roller (D830058) – Left _________________________ 189
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Replacing the Hopper Card Feed Roller (D830024) ________________________ 191
C11/C16 Idler Spring Removal and Replacement Kit Instructions_______________ 193
Technician Review - Idler Spring Replacement Kit for the C11 Card Printers without a
Magnetic Encoder or for all C16 Card Printers ____________________________ 193
Technician Review - Idler Spring Replacement Kit for the C11 Card Printers with the
Magnetic Encoder __________________________________________________ 194
Technician Review - Required Tools for both procedures ___________________ 194
Technician Review – Removal and Replacement Procedure No. 1_____________ 195
Removing and replacing the Idler Springs on the C11 Card Printers without the
Magnetic Encoder and for all C16 Card Printers___________________________ 195
Technician Review – Removal and Replacement Procedure No. 2_____________ 197
Removing and replacing the Idler Springs on the C11 Card Printers with the Magnetic
Encoder __________________________________________________________ 197
Technician Review – Photos related to Procedures No. 1 and No. 2____________ 200
Technician Review - Replacement parts for the C11 Card Printers without the
Magnetic Encoder and for all C16 Card Printers___________________________ 200
Technician Review - Replacement parts for the C11 Card Printers with the Magnetic
Encoder __________________________________________________________ 202
Section 6: Packing the Card Printer ______________________________________ 204
Section 7: Board Level Diagnostics _______________________________________ 205
Safety Messages (review carefully) _______________________________________ 205
Board Errors_________________________________________________________ 206
Resolving the EE Memory Error _______________________________________ 206
Resolving the DRAM Memory Error ___________________________________ 206
Sensor Testing _______________________________________________________ 206
Reviewing the Sensor Location and Voltages _____________________________ 207
Reviewing the Motor Voltages (when active) _____________________________ 207
Section 8: Firmware Upgrades __________________________________________ 208
Section 9: Fargo Technical Support ______________________________________ 209
Contacting Fargo Technical Support ______________________________________ 209
Reading the Serial Numbers on a Fargo printer______________________________ 210
Finding out when a Fargo Card Printer was manufactured ___________________ 210
Reviewing Example No. 1: Serial Number 80453289 ______________________ 210
Reviewing Example No. 2: Serial Number A1280224______________________ 210
Section 10: Reviewing the C16 Spare Parts List ____________________________ 211
Glossary of Terms _____________________________________________________ 219
Index ________________________________________________________________ 239
Appendix A: Engineering Drawings ______________________________________ 247
Appendix B: Technical Updates _________________________________________ 247
Appendix C: Miscellaneous _____________________________________________ 247
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (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 this
Printer.
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
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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).
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Technical Specifications
Type Description
Print Method Dye-Sublimation/Resin Thermal Transfer
Resolution 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm)
Colors Up to 16.7 million
Print Speed 30 seconds per card/120 cards per hour (YMCKO)
(Note: (): Indicates the print ribbon type and the number of ribbon panels
printed where Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan, K=Resin Black, B=DyeSublimation 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.
Accepted
Standard
Card Sizes
Print Area CR-80 edge-to-edge 3.31” L x 2.02” W/84mm L x 51mmW
Accepted
Card
Thickness
Accepted
Card Types
CR-80 (3.375” L x 2.125” W/85.6mm L x 54mmW)
CR-79 Adhesive Back (3.303” L x 2.2125” W/83.9mm L x 52.1mmW)
0.20” (20 mil) to 0.30” (30 mil)/.5mm to .76mm
PVC or polyester cards with polished PVC finish; monochrome resin
required for straight polyester
Continued on the next page
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Technical Specifications (continued)
Type Description
Card Input
100 cards (30 mil)
Hopper
Capacity
Memory 2MB RAM
Printer
Drivers
System
Requirements
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millennium, Windows NT 4.0,
Windows 2000, Windows XP
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
Interface 8-bit Centronics-type parallel (ECP-compatible)
Operating
65° to 80° F/18° to 27° C
Temperature
Humidity 20-80% non-condensing
Dimensions 6.7” H x 13.1” W x 10.5"D/170mm H x 333mmW x 267mmD
Weight 15.2 lbs./6.9 kg
Supply
Voltage
Supply
Frequency
100-240 VAC, .6-1.3 A
50 Hz/60 Hz
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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 C16 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 C16. (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 This 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 This tab unlatches the Top Cover.
Printhead
On/Cancel
button
Pause/Resume
button
Card Cleaning
Roller
This Printer component actually does the printing. (Note: This
component is fragile and must not be bumped or touched with anything
other than a cleaning pen.)
The On/Cancel 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 Pause/Resume button is used to pause the Printer during normal
operation and also to resume operation after an error condition is
cleared.
Note #1: 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.
Note #2: The Printer must have both the Power LED and the Media LED
illuminated in order to print. See Reviewing the LCD Error/Status
Messages in section 2, page 22 for more information.
This roller 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 This port connects to the (included) power cord.
Parallel
This port connects 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.
• Parallel Interface: The Centronics-type parallel interface is the most widely used Printer
interface due to its simplicity, speed and standardization throughout the PC industry.
• Parallel Interface Connector: 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 C16 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 the C16:
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 C16 Card Printer Service Manual (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
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.
Caution: Printhead damage (caused by contaminated or poor quality
cards) will automatically void the Printhead's factory warranty.
4 a. Do not print over the area of the card with the punched slot if printing onto
cards with a pre-punched slot.
b. Avoid this area when printing by using the options in the Overlay/
tab to omit printing in this area or punch the slot after the card has printed.
Continued on the next page
Print Area
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Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons (continued)
Type Description
DyeSublimationOnly Print
Ribbon
DyeSublimation
Black (BO)
(provides 500
prints)
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. (Note: Dye-Sublimation bar codes are readable
only by visible-light bar codes scanners.)
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.
• Ribbon Panels: 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.
• Overlay Panel: A clear overlay panel (O) is also included on most
ribbons to protect the dye-sublimation images. (Note: 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)
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (Rev. 5.0)
This ribbon is used to print full-color photo ID cards along with resin black
text and bar codes. (Note: 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 54mmW) and CR-79 Adhesive Back (3.303” L x 2.2125”
W/83.9mm L x 52.1mmW) with a thickness of 20 to 30 mil.
Card
Design
Card
Surface
UltraCard
Stock
The Printer will print onto any card with a clean, level and polished PVC
surface.
Caution: Although the Printer is equipped with card cleaning rollers,
it is very important to always print onto cards specifically designed for direct-tocard dye-sublimation printing.
Cards must have a completely smooth, level surface in order for the Printer to
achieve consistent color coverage.
• Uneven Surface: Certain types of Proximity cards have an uneven
surface that will inhibit consistent color transfer.
• Raised Effect: Certain types of smart card chips are raised slightly above
the cards surface which also results in poor color transfer.
Caution: Suitable cards must have a polished PVC surface free of
fingerprints, dust or any other types of embedded contaminants.
Due to the importance of using high-quality blank cards, a factory-approved
card stock called UltraCard™ is available and recommended for best results.
(Note: 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.
settings
All new Fargo printers with a serial number (S/N) starting with A320 will have factory
for these new 81754 PVC cards.
•
Technician Note 2:
printers/encoders. This same guideline is used for the existing 81754
recommends using the UltraCard III stock with the Fargo laminating printers/encoders.
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (Rev. 5.0)
Do not use the new 81754 PVC card stock with Fargo laminating
PVC card stock. Fargo
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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 %
Persona C16 Card Printer Service Manual (Rev. 5.0)
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, Card Jam Errors, Encoding Errors and Diagnosing Image Problems.
Safety Messages (review carefully)
Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes
Danger: 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.
Caution: 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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