FARGO electronic C30 User Manual

Persona® C30 Card Printer User Guide
(Rev. 2.2)

 Single-side Model
 Dual-side Model
 Single-side (plus Mag) Model
 Dual-side (plus Mag) Model

Part Number: L000652 (user guide)

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2), property of Fargo Electronics, Incorporated
Copyright  2003 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 2.2 1 March 2006 Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide
Revision 2.1 1 February 2006 Same document title
Revision 2.0 1 December 2005 Same document title
Revision 1.0 1 August 2005 Same document title

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 C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

ii

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction_____________________________________________________1-1

How to use the manual _______________________________________________________________ 1-1
Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________ 1-2
Persona C30 Card Printer Overview _____________________________________________________ 1-3

Reviewing the Persona C30 Block Diagram ____________________________________________ 1-3
Reviewing the Persona C30 Sequence of Operations______________________________________ 1-4
Reviewing the Persona C30 Boot up Sequence __________________________________________ 1-7

Section 2: Specifications____________________________________________________2-1

Regulatory Compliances ______________________________________________________________ 2-1
Agency Listings_____________________________________________________________________ 2-2
Technical Specifications ______________________________________________________________ 2-2
Functional Specifications _____________________________________________________________ 2-5

Printer Components: Front Cover to USB Port __________________________________________ 2-6
Printer Components: Print Ribbons ___________________________________________________ 2-7
Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons _________________________________________ 2-8
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons_____________________________________ 2-9
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons_______________________________ 2-10
Printer Components: Blank Cards ___________________________________________________ 2-11
Printer Module: Flipper Table Module Assembly (D900200)______________________________ 2-12

Section 3: Setup and Installation Procedures ___________________________________3-1

Printer Setup and Installation __________________________________________________________ 3-1

Choosing A Good Location _________________________________________________________ 3-1
About Moisture Condensation _______________________________________________________ 3-1
Unpacking and Inspection __________________________________________________________ 3-2
Reviewing the Printer (front view) ____________________________________________________ 3-2
Reviewing the Printer (front view; Cartridge being installed) _______________________________ 3-3
Connecting the Printer power ________________________________________________________ 3-4
Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge __________________________________________________ 3-5
Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper ____________________________________________ 3-8
Lowering the Card Output Hopper___________________________________________________ 3-11

Flipper Table Module Installation ______________________________________________________ 3-12

Installing the Flipper Table Module Assembly (D900200) ________________________________ 3-12

Printer Driver Installation ____________________________________________________________ 3-15

Installing the Printer Driver ________________________________________________________ 3-15
Printing a Test Print Image_________________________________________________________ 3-25

Printer Transport ___________________________________________________________________ 3-27

Moving the Printer to another location ________________________________________________ 3-27

Section 4: General Troubleshooting __________________________________________4-1

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________ 4-1
Communications Errors_______________________________________________________________ 4-2

Resolving the Communication Errors__________________________________________________ 4-2

Print Process Errors__________________________________________________________________ 4-4

Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper)_________________________ 4-4
Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Two (2) or more card feed at the same time)__________________ 4-7
Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Antenna is Corrupted) _______________________ 4-9
Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Sensor is Corrupted) ________________________ 4-11
Resolving the Mag Verify Error_____________________________________________________ 4-12
Resolving the No Mag Installed Error ________________________________________________ 4-15
Resolving a Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue) ______________________________________ 4-17
Resolving a Ribbon Break Jam Error _________________________________________________ 4-19
Resolving a Ribbon Out Error ______________________________________________________ 4-21

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

iii

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Resolving a No Ribbon Installed Error________________________________________________ 4-22
Resolving a Invalid Ribbon Error____________________________________________________ 4-24
Resolving a Wrong Ribbon Error ____________________________________________________ 4-26
Resolving a Card Jam Error ________________________________________________________ 4-28
Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error____________________________________________ 4-30
Resolving the Cover Open Error Message _____________________________________________ 4-32
Resolving the Blank Output issues ___________________________________________________ 4-33

Flipper Table Module Assembly Problems_______________________________________________ 4-36

Resolving the No Flipper Table Module problem _______________________________________ 4-36
Resolving the Flipper Jam Error_____________________________________________________ 4-37

Diagnosing Image Problems __________________________________________________________ 4-39

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems_________________________________________________ 4-39
Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems___________________________________________ 4-40
Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems ______________________________________ 4-41
Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle problems _________________________________________________ 4-43
Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems _______________________________________ 4-45
Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems ______________________________________ 4-47
Resolving the Image Placement problems _____________________________________________ 4-48
Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems ___________________________________________ 4-51

Running the Self Test _______________________________________________________________ 4-52

Running the Standard Self Test Print _________________________________________________ 4-53
Running the Magnetic Self Test (HiCo Only) __________________________________________ 4-54

Section 5: Printer Adjustments_______________________________________________5-1

Table of Contents ___________________________________________________________________ 5-1
Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________ 5-4
C30 Print Driver Options _____________________________________________________________ 5-5

Reviewing C30 Printer Drivers ______________________________________________________ 5-5
Reviewing C30 Printer Drivers ______________________________________________________ 5-5

Using the Card tab (Persona C30) _______________________________________________________ 5-6

Adjusting the Card Size Option ______________________________________________________ 5-6
Adjusting the Orientation Option _____________________________________________________ 5-7
Selecting the number of copies_______________________________________________________ 5-8
Using the Diagnostics button under the Card tab _________________________________________ 5-9
Using the Clean Printer Option______________________________________________________ 5-10
Using the Test Print button_________________________________________________________ 5-12
Using the About button____________________________________________________________ 5-13

Using the Device Options tab (C30) ____________________________________________________ 5-14

Reviewing the Device Options tab ___________________________________________________ 5-14
Adjusting the Ribbon Type option ___________________________________________________ 5-15
Selecting the Auto Ribbon Select option ______________________________________________ 5-16
Using the new Printer Driver (Version 2.1.5)___________________________________________ 5-17
Changing the Color Profile Selection for the C30 _______________________________________ 5-18
Adjusting the Color Matching option _________________________________________________ 5-20
Adjusting for the Resin Dither ______________________________________________________ 5-21
Using the Print Both Sides option____________________________________________________ 5-22
Using the Split 1 Set of Ribbon Panels option __________________________________________ 5-23
Using the Print Back Side First option ________________________________________________ 5-24
Using the Print Back Side Only option________________________________________________ 5-25
Using the Rotate Front 180 Degrees or Rotate Back 180 Degrees options ____________________ 5-26
Using the Disable Printing option____________________________________________________ 5-27

Using the Image Color tab (C30) ______________________________________________________ 5-28

Using the Resin Heat (K) option (Front and Back) ______________________________________ 5-29
Using the Overlay Heat (O) option___________________________________________________ 5-30
Using the Color Matching option and Default button_____________________________________ 5-31

Using the Calibrate tab (Persona C30) __________________________________________________ 5-32

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

iv

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Using the Image Position Controls ___________________________________________________ 5-33
Using the Sensors button __________________________________________________________ 5-35
Using the Settings button __________________________________________________________ 5-36

Using the Magnetic Encoding tab (Persona C30) __________________________________________ 5-37

Using the Magnetic Track Selection radio buttons_______________________________________ 5-38
Using the Magnetic Track Options radio buttons________________________________________ 5-40
Using the Bit Density radio buttons __________________________________________________ 5-41
Using the Character Size radio buttons________________________________________________ 5-42
Reviewing the Enable MLE Support checkbox _________________________________________ 5-43
Using the ASCII Offset radio buttons_________________________________________________ 5-44
Using the LRC Generation radio buttons ______________________________________________ 5-45
Using the Character Parity radio buttons ______________________________________________ 5-45
Using the Shift Data Left checkbox __________________________________________________ 5-46
Reviewing the ISO Track Locations__________________________________________________ 5-47
Sending the Track Information______________________________________________________ 5-48
Entering the Track Information _____________________________________________________ 5-48
Reviewing Tracks 1, 2 and 3 (in table format) __________________________________________ 5-49
Reviewing the Track Data Note _____________________________________________________ 5-49
Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table________________________________________ 5-50

Using the Overlay / Print Area tab (Persona C30) _________________________________________ 5-51

Enabling the Frontside and Backside options___________________________________________ 5-52
Enabling the Frontside option (Overlay / Print Area)_____________________________________ 5-53
Enabling the Backside option (Overlay / Print Area)_____________________________________ 5-54
Using the Overlay / Print Area dropdown menu ________________________________________ 5-55
Using the Overlay / Print Area ______________________________________________________ 5-57
Using the Defined Area Option _____________________________________________________ 5-59
Using Security Options (Visual Security Solutions) (Frontside option only)___________________ 5-64
Selecting Orientation - Landscape under Card tab _______________________________________ 5-65
Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (A to D) __________________________ 5-66
Selecting Orientation - Portrait under Card tab _________________________________________ 5-67
Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (E to H)___________________________ 5-68
Selecting the VeriMark radio button (Frontside option only)_______________________________ 5-69
Selecting the HoloMark radio button (Frontside option only) ______________________________ 5-70
Reviewing the Custom VeriMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) _______________________ 5-71
Reviewing the Custom HoloMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) ______________________ 5-72

Using the K Panel Resin tab (C30) _____________________________________________________ 5-73

Enabling the Frontside and Backside options___________________________________________ 5-74
Enabling the Frontside option (K Panel Resin) _________________________________________ 5-75
Enabling the Backside option (K Panel Resin)__________________________________________ 5-76
Selecting from the Print All Black with K Panel options (Front and Back options) _____________ 5-77
Selecting the Full Card option (Front and Back options) __________________________________ 5-78
Selecting the Defined Area(s) option (Front and Back options)_____________________________ 5-79
Selecting the Undefined Area(s) option (Front and Back options)___________________________ 5-80
Selecting the Defined Area(s) function (Front and Back options) ___________________________ 5-81
Selecting the Print YMC under K and Print K Only options _______________________________ 5-88

Using the Printer Information tab (Persona C30) __________________________________________ 5-89

Reviewing the Ribbon Information __________________________________________________ 5-90
Reviewing the Ribbon Level Indicator________________________________________________ 5-91

Using the Printer Calibration Utility (Persona C30) ________________________________________ 5-92

Using the Image Darkness Option ___________________________________________________ 5-93
Using the Print Top of Form Option__________________________________________________ 5-94
Using the Print End of Form Option__________________________________________________ 5-95
Using the Print Left of Form Option _________________________________________________ 5-96
Using the Magnetic Encoder Voltage Offset Option _____________________________________ 5-97
Adjusting the Hi-Co Voltage Offset __________________________________________________ 5-98
Adjusting the Lo-Co Voltage Offset__________________________________________________ 5-99

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

v

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Using the Mag Top of Form Option _________________________________________________ 5-100
Using the Ribbon Tension Option __________________________________________________ 5-102
Using the Flipper Home Offset Option_______________________________________________ 5-103
Using the Flipper Center Offset Option ______________________________________________ 5-103
Using the Flipper Smart Angle Offset Option _________________________________________ 5-104

Section 6: Cleaning________________________________________________________6-1

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________ 6-1
Persona C30 Card Printer/Encoders Cleaning Kit (Part Number 085976) ________________________ 6-2

Supplies (included with the Cleaning Kit) ______________________________________________ 6-2
Cleaning the Printhead _______________________________________________________________ 6-3
Cleaning the Platen and the Card Feed Rollers_____________________________________________ 6-4
Cleaning the Printer’s Interior__________________________________________________________ 6-7
Cleaning the Printer’s Exterior _________________________________________________________ 6-7

Section 7: Packing the Card Printer___________________________________________7-1
Section 8: Parts Replacement Section _________________________________________8-1
Section 9: Board Level Diagnostics ___________________________________________9-1

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________ 9-1
Sensor and Motor ___________________________________________________________________ 9-2

Reviewing the Sensor Location and Voltages ___________________________________________ 9-2

Reviewing the Motor Voltages (when active) ___________________________________________ 9-2

Section 10: Diagnostic Tool Utility___________________________________________10-1

Using the Diagnostic Tool Utility ______________________________________________________ 10-2

Selecting from the Printer Selection menu _____________________________________________ 10-2

Reviewing customized Diagnostic Utility tabs for your Printer_____________________________ 10-3

Selecting the Print Spooler tab in the Diagnostics Utility _________________________________ 10-4

Selecting the Firmware Updates tab in the Diagnostics Utility _____________________________ 10-9

Downloading Firmware Updates ___________________________________________________ 10-10

Selecting the Firmware File _______________________________________________________ 10-10

Placing the Printer in the Upgrade Mode _____________________________________________ 10-11

Sending the Firmware File ________________________________________________________ 10-12

Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility __________________________________ 10-13

Selecting the Self Tests tab in the Diagnostics Utility ___________________________________ 10-23

Selecting the Card Samples tab in the Diagnostics Utility ________________________________ 10-24

Selecting the Magnetic Encoding tab in the Diagnostics Utility ___________________________ 10-25

Selecting the About button in the Diagnostics Utility ___________________________________ 10-27

Selecting the Exit button in the Diagnostics Utility _____________________________________ 10-28

Section 11: Firmware Upgrades_____________________________________________11-1

Introduction_______________________________________________________________________ 11-1
Requirements______________________________________________________________________ 11-1
Safety Messages (review carefully)_____________________________________________________ 11-2
Downloading Firmware______________________________________________________________ 11-3

Downloading Firmware (continued)_________________________________________________ 11-14
Placing the Printer in the Firmware Upgrade Mode _______________________________________ 11-17
Sending the Firmware File __________________________________________________________ 11-19

Section 12: Fargo Technical Support ________________________________________12-1

Contacting Fargo Technical Support____________________________________________________ 12-1
Reading the Serial Numbers on a Fargo Printer ___________________________________________ 12-2

Finding out when a Fargo Card Printer was manufactured ________________________________ 12-2

Reviewing Example No. 1: Serial Number 80453289____________________________________ 12-2

Reviewing Example No. 2: Serial Number A1280224 ___________________________________ 12-2

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

vi

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Section 13: Reviewing the Spare Parts List ____________________________________13-1

Reviewing the Persona C30 Spare Parts List ___________________________________________ 13-1

Section 14: Glossary of Terms ______________________________________________14-1
Section 15: Index_________________________________________________________15-1

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

vii

Section 1: Introduction

How to use the manual

The Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2) is, in fact, the troubleshooting and
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 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.

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

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 left).

 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 left).

 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.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

1-2

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Persona C30 Card Printer Overview

Reviewing the Persona C30 Block Diagram

Motors Sensors Parts

1 Card Feed 6 Card Feed 13 Card Input Roller
2 Print Stepper 7 Ribbon Sensor 14 Cleaning Roller

3 Ribbon Drive 8 Ribbon Encoder 15 Card Feed Roller
4 Print Headlift 9 Headlift Sensor 16 Printhead Cooling

Fan

5 Ribbon Rewind

Motor

11 Ribbon LED SNR 18 Magnetic Encoding
12 RFID Antenna 19 Platen Roller

20 Pinch Roller

10 Printhead Thermistor 17 Card Input Hopper

Head Module

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

1-3

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the Persona C30 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 RESUME button on the right 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

Output Hopper

Cartridge Bay

Input Hopper

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

1-4

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the Persona C30 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process
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.
22 The Print Ribbon Drive engages.

Continued on the next page

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

1-5

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the Persona C30 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

23 The Card Feed Stepper Motor engages to queue card for magnetic encoding.
24 The Encoding data is written to the card.
25 The Magnetic Encoder verifies while the Stepper reverses the card.
26 After Ribbon advances a few encoder clicks, assume Ribbon free of card. All Stop.
27 Repeat steps 9 through 23 for the appropriate number of color/overlay panels.
28 The Card is ejected from the singled-sided Printer.

OR

The Card Feed Stepper engages to queue the card for the Flipper Table for the

dual-sided Printer.

29 All Stop.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

1-6

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the Persona C30 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.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

1-7

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Section 2: 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 C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2).

Regulatory Compliances

Term Description

CSA
(cUL)

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

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

The Printer manufacturer has been authorized by UL to
represent the Card Printer as CSA Certified under CSA
Standard C22.2 No. 60950-1-03.

File Number: E145118

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.

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

UL The Card Printer is listed under UL IEC 60950-1 (2001)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT.
File Number: E145118

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-1

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Agency Listings

Term Description

Emissions
Standards

Safety Standards UL IEC 60950-1 (2001), CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03.

CE, FCC, CRC c1374, EN 55022 Class B, FCC Class B, EN 55024:
1998, EN 61000-3-2 and EN 61000-3-3.

Technical Specifications

Type Description

Accepted
Standard
Card Sizes

Accepted
Card
Thickness

Accepted
Card Types

Agency
Listings

CR-80 (3.375"L x 2.125"W / 85.6mmL x 54mmW)

20 mil and 30 mil (.030" / .76mm)

PVC or polyester cards with polished PVC finish; monochrome resin
required for straight polyester

Safety: UL IEC 60950-1 (2001), CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03.
Emissions: CE, FCC, CRC c1374, EN 55022 Class B, FCC Class B,

EN 55024: 1998, EN 61000-3-2 and EN 61000-3-3.

Card Input
Hopper
Capacity

Colors Up to 16.7 million: Monochrome
Dimensions See the Size and Weight information in this same table.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

100 cards (30 mil)

Continued on the next page

2-2

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Technical Specifications (continued)

Type Description

Humidity 20-80% non-condensing
Interface USB 1.1
Memory 2MB RAM
Operating

65° to 80° F / 18° to 27° C

Temperature
Print Area CR-80 edge-to-edge
Printer

Windows 98SE, Me/2000/XP

Drivers
Print Method

 Dye-Sublimation/Resin Thermal Transfer
 Resin Thermal Transfer

Print Speed Print Speeds**

• 7 seconds per card / 514 cards per hour (K)*

• 12 seconds per card / 300 cards per hour (KO)*

• 27 seconds per card / 133 cards per hour (YMCKO)*

• 35 seconds per card / 102 cards per hour (YMCKOK)*

*Indicates the Ribbon type and the number of Ribbon panels printed
where Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan, K=Resin Black, O=Overlay,

F=Flourescent
**Print speed indicates an approximate batch print speed and is

measured from the time a card feeds into the printer to the time it ejects
from the printer.

Print speeds do not include encoding time or 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)

Continued on the next page

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-3

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Technical Specifications (continued)

Type Description

Supply
Voltage

Supply
Frequency

System
Requirements

Weight and
Size

100-240 VAC, .6-1.0 A

50 Hz/60 Hz

IBM-PC or compatible; Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and XP; Pentium™
class 233 MHz computer with 64 MB of RAM or higher, 200 MB free hard
disk space or higher, USB 1.1

 Single-sided (weight): 8 lbs. / 3.65 kg
 Single-sided (size): 7.90"H x 13.62"W x 8.14"D / 200mmH x

346mmW x 207mmD

 Dual-sided (weight): 12 lbs. / 5.45 kg
 Dual-sided (size): 7.9"H x 18.28"W x 8.14"D / 200mmH x 465mmW

x 207mmD

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-4

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

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® 98SE, Me,
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 Persona C30 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 Persona C30. (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.)

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-5

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Printer Components: Front Cover to USB Port

Components Description

Front Cover

Opens to allow access to the Ribbon Cartridge. (Note: This cover must
be closed in order for the Printer to begin printing.)

Printhead

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 swab.)

Cancel button The 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.

Pause button The Pause 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 Pause LED will
flash.)

Card
Cleaning

Automatically cleans cards for higher print quality. (Note: Clean the
Card Cleaning Roller as needed.)

Roller
Card Input

Load blank cards into this Hopper.

Hopper
Power Port Connect to the included power cord.
USB Port Connect to a Windows PC with a USB cable.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-6

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

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 resin-only, 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

= Clear Protective Overlay Panel

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-7

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

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 Persona C30:

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 500 prints)

This Ribbon provides high resin durability ideal for most
general-purpose 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.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-8

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

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.)

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-9

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

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.

YMCKOK The designation of colored Ribbon by the Panels of color in the order in

which they are printed: Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C), Black (K),
Overlay (O), Black (K) (used for backside, black only printing).

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-10

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Printer Components: Blank Cards

Type Description

Card Size The Card Printer accepts standard CR-80 sized and 20 mil. cards (3.370"L x

2.125"W / 85.6mmL x 54mmW) 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
dye-sublimation 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 debris­reduced 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.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-11

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Printer Module: Flipper Table Module Assembly (D900200)

The Flipper Table Module Assembly (D900200) is an automated Flipping Module that
allows the Printer to print on the frontside and backside of each card.

Display: Flipper Table Module Assembly

Here are references within this document.

 See the Flipper Table Module Assembly Problems procedures.
 See the Print Both Sides option in the Using the Device Options tab (C30) section.
 See the Front and Back radio buttons in the Using the Overlay / Print Area tab

(Persona C30) section.

 See the Front and Back radio buttons in the Using the K Panel Resin tab (C30)

section.

 See the Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide for the replacement procedures for this

Printer.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

2-12

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Section 3: Setup and Installation
Procedures

The following guide will walk you through the installation of the Persona C30 Card Printer
Driver.

 Time Requirement (software): This software installation process will require

approximately 2 to 5 minutes (depending on the speed of your PC).

 Time Requirement (Printer): The time required to set up a standard Persona C30

Printer would be approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
The System Requirements are as follows:
IBM-PC or compatible, Windows® 98SE, Me/2000/XP, Pentium® class 233MHz computer

with 64MB of RAM or higher, 200MB free hard disk space or higher, USB 1.1

Printer Setup and Installation

Choosing A Good Location

Follow these guidelines:

 Place the unit in a location with adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build up.
 Use the Printer's dimensions as a guideline for the minimum clearances to the unit.

(Note: Allow for adequate clearance in front of the unit to accommodate the unit with its

Covers open.)

 Do not install unit near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts or in a place subject

to direct sunlight, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.

About Moisture Condensation

If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm location or is placed in a very damp room,
moisture may condense inside the unit. Should this occur, print quality may not be optimum.

Leave the unit turned OFF in a warm, dry room for several hours before using. This will allow
the moisture to evaporate.

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

3-1

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Unpacking and Inspection

While unpacking your Printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage has occurred
during shipping. Make sure that all supplied accessories are included with your unit.

Check that the following items are included:

 Power Supply
 US / EU Power Cable
 Software Installation CD/User Guide
 User Guide
 Warranty Statement, Registration Card and Compliancy Document

Reviewing the Printer (front view)

Output Hopper

Input Hopper

Cartridge Bay

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

3-2

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the Printer (front view; Cartridge being installed)

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

3-3

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Connecting the Printer power

Follow this procedure. (Note: Do not connect the Printer’s USB cable until prompted during
the Printer Driver installation.)

Step Procedure

1 Plug the AC adapter power cable into the back of the Printer. See Display A.
2 Plug the wall power cable into the AC power adapter.
3 Plug the wall power cable into a standard 110VAC power outlet.

Display A – Shows back of Printer with AC power cable (below).

Persona C30 Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 2.2)

3-4