FARGO electronic Card Printer User Manual

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Notices

The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

No liability is assumed for errors contained herein or for incidental damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without prior written consent.

Patent Pending

Trademark Acknowledgements

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Printing History

Edition 1.0, #981023

iii

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

For Users in the United States:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

■ Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

■ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

■ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

■ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

■ Use of a shielded cable is required to comply with the Class A limits of Part 15 of the

FCC Rules.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate and/or obtain warranty service for this equipment.

For Users in Canada:

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise for digital apparatus set out on the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique nÕemet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

For Users in Taiwan:

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction

A. How Your Card Printer Works .......................................................1

B. Special Features.................................................................................2

Section 2: Safety Precautions ............................................................3

Section 3: Getting Started

A. Choosing a Good Location............................................................13

B. About Moisture Condensation .....................................................13

C. Unpacking and Inspection.............................................................14

D. Applying Power..............................................................................14

E. Identifying the Printer Features....................................................15

F. Installing the Cleaning Roller .......................................................17

G. Extending the Card Output Drawer............................................18

Section 4: Ribbons and Cards

A. About Ribbons.................................................................................19

B. Loading Ribbon into the Printer...................................................21

C. About Cards.....................................................................................23

D. Loading Cards into the Printer.....................................................24

E. Running the Self Test......................................................................25

Section 5: Using Your 4200 Series Card Printer

A. Connecting the Printer to Your Computer..................................27

B. Installing the Windows Printer Driver........................................30

C. Installing the 32-Bit Print Spooler for Windows 95/98.............32

D. Installing the Macintosh Printer Driver ......................................34

E. Choosing the Macintosh Printer Driver ......................................35

F. Setting Up the Printer Driver........................................................35

G. Printing a Card................................................................................43

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Section 6: Using the Print Backgrounder for Macintosh

A. Installing the Backgrounder..........................................................45

B. Printing with the Backgrounder...................................................46

C. The Backgrounder Status Window ..............................................46

D. Backgrounder Menus .....................................................................47

E. Problems During a Background Print .........................................48

Section 7: Maintenance

A. Supplies Required...........................................................................49

B. Standard Printhead Cleaning........................................................50

C. Expanded Printhead Cleaning......................................................51

D. Cleaning the PrinterÕs Case...........................................................51

E. Cleaning the Inside of the Printer ................................................51

F. Clearing a Card Jam .......................................................................52

G. Clearing a Ribbon Jam ...................................................................52

H. Cleaning the Card Feed Rollers....................................................53

I. Cleaning the Drive Roller..............................................................54

J. Maintaining the Cleaning Roller ..................................................55

Section 8: Mechanical Adjustments

A. Adjusting the Card Input Guides.................................................57

B. Adjusting the Internal Card Guides.............................................59

C. Adjusting the Card Separator Flap ..............................................59

Section 9: Troubleshooting

A. Interpreting LCD Display Messages............................................61

B. General Troubleshooting Suggestions .........................................67

Section 10: Technical Specifications ..................................................71

Appendix A: Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module

A. Magnetic Track Options.................................................................73

B. ISO Track Locations........................................................................76

C. Sending Track Information............................................................76

Appendix B: Interfacing Information

A. Introduction .....................................................................................79

B. Centronics-Type Parallel Interface ...............................................80

C. Mini 8-Pin Serial Interface .............................................................81

Appendix C: Internal Printer Settings

A. Introduction .....................................................................................83

B. Adjusting the Internal Printer Settings........................................83

Index ...............................................................................................................89

Introduction

Thank You...

for choosing a 4200 Series Card Printer. This printer has been designed to provide you with stunning, photo-quality output on a variety of different card sizes and thicknesses. It offers many features which easily allow you to create photo ID cards complete with high resolution graphics, text, bar codes, and much more.

A. HOW YOUR CARD PRINTER WORKS

The 4250 Color Card Printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve its remarkable, direct-to-card output Ñ dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer. The 4225 Monochrome Card Printer, uses only the resin thermal transfer technology. The following describes how each of these technologies work:

Dye-Sublimation

Dye-sublimation is the process your printer uses to print smooth, continuous-tone images that look truly photographic. This process uses a dye-based ribbon roll that is partitioned by a number of consecutive color panels (see Section 4-A for more ribbon information). The panels are grouped in a repeating series of the four process colors Ñ yellow, magenta, cyan, and black Ñ along the entire length of the ribbon. The printer always prints the yellow panel first, followed by the magenta panel, the cyan panel, and finally the black panel.

As the ribbon and card pass simultaneously beneath the Printhead, hundreds of thermal elements within the Printhead heat the dyes on the ribbon. When these dyes are heated, they vaporize and diffuse into the surface of the card. By varying

Section 1: Introduction 1

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

the heat intensity of each thermal element within the Printhead, it is possible for each transferred dot of color to vary in hue, thus blending one color smoothly into the next and producing photo-realistic images.

Resin Thermal Transfer

Resin Thermal Transfer is the process your printer uses to print sharp black text and crisp bar codes which can be read by both infra-red and visible-light bar code scanners. It is also the process used to print ultra-fast, one-color ID cards. Like dyesublimation, this process uses the same thermal Printhead to transfer color from the ribbon roll to the card. The difference, however, is that solid dots of color are transferred in the form of a resin-based ink which fuses to the surface of the card when heated. This produces very durable, single-color images. For more information on resin ribbons, please refer to Section 4-A.

B. SPECIAL FEATURES

Your 4200 Series Card Printer has many distinct advantages over other card printers. Its 100 card capacity Card Hopper allows for automatic card feeding which reduces the time and personnel required to create a photo ID card. In addition, the printer offers:

■ Edge-to-edge printing in full-color or monochrome

■ Simultaneous dye-sublimation/resin thermal transfer printing capability for

printing continuous-tone photos and crisp, readable bar codes (4250 only)

■ Optional magnetic stripe or smart card encoding capabilities

■ A fast print speed of just 35 seconds per full-color card or 6 seconds per

monochrome card

■ Fast, 32-bit print spooler for Windows 95/98

■ Automatic card cleaning

■ 2MB memory

■ Optional color matching software (4250 only)

■ LCD Display

And best of all, operation of the printer is simple and straight forward. Your 4200 Series Card Printer will print from any IBM-PC¨or compatible running Windows

3.1x, Windows 95/98, or Windows NT or any Macintosh¨. This means that you can use the printer with virtually any software package running under these operating systems without any special set-up or configuration beyond the initial installation of the specific software driver and interface cable.

To begin using your new printer, please refer to the remaining sections of this manual in the order in which they appear. Note that this manual explains the operation of both the 4250 Color Card Printer and the 4225 Monochrome Card Printer. Where necessary, the sections that apply only to one or the other of these printer models will be specified. This UserÕs Manual is your complete step-by-step guide to setting up and printing with your new 4200 Series Card Printer.

2 Section 1: Introduction

Safety Precautions

Before operating the unit, please read the following safety precautions carefully.

WARNINGS

CAUTION! TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT

TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE FRONT, TOP OR BACK PANELS. NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

■ Operate the unit only on 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. If you have any doubt as to

■ Stop operation immediately if any liquid or solid object should fall into the

■ Unplug the unitÕs power transformer from the wall outlet if you do not use the

■ The unit is not disconnected from the main power source as long as the power

■ Do not disassemble the cabinet. Refer servicing only to qualified personnel.

■ Service personnel: parts of this device may be damaged if exposed to static

whether you have a unit with the correct voltage rating for your countryÕs power supply, DO NOT attempt to use the unit. Contact your dealer or the factory.

cabinet. Unplug the unit and have it checked by qualified service personnel.

unit for a long time. Disconnect the cord by grasping the plug. Never pull the cord itself.

transformer is plugged into the wall outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off.

electrical discharges generated by various means, such as walking on a carpeted floor. To avoid potential damage, always wear an appropriate personal grounding device, such as a wrist strap (with integral resistor) connected to an ESD ground. Or, at a minimum, make positive contact with the bare metal chassis of the printer with your hand prior to touching any internal electrical components.

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4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Sicherheitsmaßnahmen

Machen Sie sich vor Inbetriebnahme des GerŠts mit den Sicherheitsma§nahmen grŸndlich vertraut.

SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

VORSICHT! ZUR VERH†TUNG VON FEUERGEFAHR ODER ELEKTRISCHEN

SCHL€GEN DAS GER€T VOR REGEN ODER FEUCHTIGKEIT SCH†TZEN. UM DIE GEFAHR VON STROMSCHL€GEN ZU VERHINDERN, OBERE, SEITLICHE UND HINTERE ABDECKUNG NICHT ABNEHMEN. DAS GER€T ENTH€LT KEINE TEILE, DIE VOM BENUTZER GEWARTET WERDEN K…NNEN. WARTUNGSARBEITEN D†RFEN NUR VON QUALIFIZIERTEM FACHPERSONAL DURCHGEF†HRT WERDEN.

■ Das GerŠt nur mit 100-240 V 50/60 Hz Wechselstrom betreiben. Wenn Sie nicht

sicher sind, ob Ihr GerŠt mit der Spannung des šrtlichen Stromnetzes arbeitet, DAS GER€T NICHT IN BETRIEB NEHMEN. Wenden Sie sich an Ihren HŠndler oder den Hersteller des GerŠts.

■ Den Betrieb sofort unterbrechen, wenn ein Gegenstand in das GehŠuse gefallen

oder FlŸssigkeit eingedrungen ist. Den Netzstecker ziehen und das GerŠt von qualifiziertem Wartungspersonal ŸberprŸfen lassen.

■ Wenn das GerŠt lŠngere Zeit nicht verwendet wird, den Netzstecker des

Transformators ziehen. Immer am Stecker, nicht am Kabel ziehen.

■ Solange der Transformator ans Netz angeschlossen ist, steht das GerŠt unter

Spannung, auch wenn es ausgeschaltet ist.

■ Keine GehŠuseteile abnehmen. Wartungsarbeiten nur von qualifiziertem

Fachpersonal durchfŸhren lassen.

4 Section 2: Safety Precautions

Consignes de sécurité

Avant dÕutiliser lÕappareil, pri•re de lire attentivement les consignes de sŽcuritŽ suivantes.

AVERTISSEMENTS

ATTENTION ! POUR EVITER TOUT RISQUE DÕINCENDIE OU DÕELECTROCUTION, NE

PAS EXPOSER LÕAPPAREIL A LA PLUIE OU A LÕHUMIDITE. POUR EVITER TOUTE DECHARGE ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS RETIRER LES PANNEAUX AVANT, SUPERIEUR OU ARRIERE. NE PAS TENTER DE REPARER SOI-MEME LES PIECES A LÕINTERIEUR DE LÕAPPAREIL. CONFIER LÕENTRETIEN DE LÕAPPAREIL A UN PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

■ Faire fonctionner lÕappareil uniquement sur courant alternatif de 100/240 V, 50

ou 60 Hz. En cas de doute sur la compatibilitŽ entre la tension nominale de lÕappareil et le courant du pays dÕutilisation, NE PAS TENTER DÕUTILISER LÕAPPAREIL. Contacter le revendeur ou lÕusine.

■ Arr•ter immŽdiatement le fonctionnement si un liquide ou un solide venait ˆ

sÕinfiltrer ˆ lÕintŽrieur de lÕarmoire. DŽbrancher lÕappareil et le faire vŽrifier par un personnel qualifiŽ.

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

■ DŽbrancher le transformateur de la prise murale si lÕon prŽvoit de ne pas

utiliser lÕappareil pendant un certain temps. Pour dŽbrancher le cordon dÕalimentation, tirer sur la prise. Ne jamais tirer sur le cordon.

■ LÕappareil sera connectŽ ˆ la source dÕalimentation principale aussi longtemps

que le transformateur de tension restera branchŽ sur la prise murale, m•me si lÕappareil lui-m•me a ŽtŽ mis hors tension.

■ Ne pas dŽmonter lÕappareil. Confier lÕentretien de lÕappareil uniquement ˆ un

personnel qualifiŽ

Section 2: Safety Precautions 5

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Precauciones de seguridad

Antes de operar la unidad, haga el favor de leer detenidamente las siguientes precauciones de seguridad.

ADVERTENCIAS

ÁPRECAUCION! PARA EVITAR PELIGROS DE INCENDIO O CHOQUE ELECTRICO, NO

EXPONGA LA UNIDAD A LA LLUVIA NI A LA HUMEDAD. PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE CHOQUE ELECTRICO, NO QUITE LOS PANELES FRONTALES, SUPERIORES, LATERALES NI DE FONDO. EL INTERIOR NO TIENE PIEZAS REPARABLES POR EL USUARIO. PARA SERVICIO DE REPARACION Y MANTENIMIENTO SOLICITE LA ATENCION DE UN TECNICO DE SERVICIO AUTORIZADO.

■ Opere la unidad s—lo a 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Si no est‡ seguro que la unidad

que tiene es compatible al voltaje de la corriente elŽctrica de su pa’s, NO INTENTE USAR LA UNIDAD. Llame al representante de ventas o a la f‡brica.

■ Detenga la operaci—n inmediatamente si algœn l’quido u objeto s—lido cayera en

el armario. Desenchufe la unidad y h‡gala revisar por un tŽcnico de servicio autorizado.

■ Desenchufe el transformador del tomacorriente si no va a usar la unidad por

un per’odo de tiempo prolongado. Desenchufe el cord—n jalando del enchufe. Nunca jale del cord—n mismo.

■ La unidad no estar‡ desconectada de la fuente de alimentaci—n principal

mientras el transformador estŽ enchufado en el tomacorriente, incluso si la unidad hubiese sido apagada.

■ No desarme el armario. Para servicio de mantenimiento, solicite la atenci—n de

un tŽcnico autorizado.

6 Section 2: Safety Precautions

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Precauzioni per la Sicurezza

Prima di dare inizio al funzionamento dellÕunitˆ, siete pregati di leggere attentamente le seguenti precauzioni di sicurezza.

AVVERTENZE

ATTENZIONE! ONDE EVITARE IL PERICOLO DI INCENDIO O SCOSSA ELETTRICA,

NON ESPORRE LÕUNITË ALLA PIOGGIA OD UMIDITË. EVITARE DI RIMUOVERE I PANNELLI ANTERIORE, SUPERIORE, O POSTERIORE PER RIDURRE IL RISCHIO DI SCOSSA ELETTRICA. LA MANUTENZIONE DELLE PARTI INTERNE DELLÕUNITË NON ƒ DI COMPETENZA DELLÕUTENTE. AI FINI DELLA RIPARAZIONE RIVOLGERSI AL PERSONALE DI COMPETENZA.

■ Negli Stati Uniti e Canada lÕunitˆ funziona solo con alimentazione a 100-240

VAC, 50/60 Hz. Qualora non abbiate la certezza che il trasformatore e la spina di cui disponete siano quelli adeguati allÕalimentazione erogata nel vostro paese, NON USARE LÕUNITË. Rivolgersi piuttosto al rivenditore o la fabbrica del luogo.

■ Arrestare immediatamento il funzionamento dellÕunitˆ qualora si verifichi un

versamento di liquido o la caduta di un oggetto solido allÕinterno del suo alloggiamento.

■ Staccare la spina del trasformatore dellÕunit ˆ dalla presa a muro qualora non

ne prevediate lÕutilizzo per un protratto periodo di tempo. Disconnettere il cordone elettrico afferrandone la spina, evitando sempre di tirare il cordone stesso.

■ LÕalimentazione alla unitˆ non • interrotta se la spina del trasformatore di

tensione rimane collegata alla presa a muro, anche quando lÕunit ˆ stessa risulta spenta.

■ Non smontare la struttura dellÕalloggiamento. Le riparazioni sono competenza

soltanto di personale qualificato.

Section 2: Safety Precautions 7

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Precauções de Segurança

Antes de operar esta unidade, leia cuidadosamente as seguintes precau•›es de seguran•a.

ADVERTÊNCIAS

CUIDADO! PARA EVITAR PERIGO DE CHOQUES ELƒTRICOS OU INCæNDIO, NÌO

EXPONHA A UNIDADE Ë CHUVA OU UMIDADE. PARA REDUZIR O RISCO DE CHOQUES ELƒTRICOS, NÌO REMOVA OS PAINƒIS DIANTEIRO, SUPERIOR OU TRASEIRO. NENHUMA PE‚A NO INTERIOR DESTA UNIDADE PODE SER CONSERTADA PELO USUçRIO. PE‚A ASSISTæNCIA AO PESSOAL DE MANUTEN‚ÌO QUALIFICADO.

■ Opere esta unidade somente em 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Se voc• n‹o souber se

a sua unidade tem a voltagem correta para o sistema elŽtrico do seu pais, NÌO TENTE USAR ESTA UNIDADE. Entre em contato com seu revendedor ou com a f‡brica.

■ Pare imediatamente a opera•‹o se qualquer l’quido ou objeto s—lido cair em

seu gabinete. Desligue a unidade e mande examin‡-la por pessoal qualificado.

■ Desligue o transformador de for•a da unidade conectado ˆ tomada de corrente

elŽtrica da parede se voc• n‹o usar a unidade por um longo per’odo de tempo. Desconecte o fio segurando o plugue. Nunca puxe o pr—prio fio.

■ A unidade n‹o est‡ desconectada da fonte de for•a principal enquanto o

transformador de for•a estiver ligado ˆ tomada da parede, mesmo que a pr—pria unidade esteja desligada.

■ N‹o desmonte o gabinete. Pe•a assist•ncia somente ao pessoal qualificado.

8 Section 2: Safety Precautions

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Section 2: Safety Precautions 9

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

10 Section 2: Safety Precautions

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Section 2: Safety Precautions 11

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

12 Section 2: Safety Precautions

Getting Started

A. CHOOSING A GOOD LOCATION

Place the unit in a location with adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build up.

■ Use the dimensions specified in Section 10 as a guideline for the minimum

clearances to the unit.

NOTE:

Allow for adequate clearance above the unit to accommodate the height of the unit with its cover open.

■ Do not install unit (a) near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts, or (b) in a

place subject to direct sun-light, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.

B. 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.

Section 3: Getting Started 13

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

C. 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. The following items should be included with your printer:

■ Printer

■ Power Supply (see Section 3-D)

■ Cleaning Roller (see Section 3-F)

■ Printer Driver Software (see Section 5)

■ 32-bit Print Spooler Software; for Windows 95/98 only (see Section 5-C)

■ Warranty Statement and Registration Card

■ This manual and other printed information

Save the carton and packing materials. They will come in handy when transporting the unit.

D. APPLYING POWER

The power supply included with the printer is a universal power supply properly configured for the power used in your country. To connect this power supply to the printer, locate the appropriate power cord for your country and refer to the following steps:

CAUTION!

THE INCLUDED POWER SUPPLY IS DESIGNED FOR USE ONLY WITH THE COLOR ID CARD PRINTER. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THE PLUG CONFIGURATION OR THE VOLTAGE, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE

THE PRINTER. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED RESELLER FOR INFORMATION ON THE CORRECT POWER SUPPLY CONFIGURATION.

1. Place the power cord into the power cord port of the power supply.

14 Section 3: Getting Started

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

2. Place the DC power plug end of the power supply cord into the printerÕs Power Input Port.

Power Input

Port

3. Place the AC power plug end of the power supply cord into an available wall outlet.

Power is automatically applied to the printer when it is plugged in. Press the On/Cancel button if you wish to turn the printer OFF. If the printer will not be used for a long period of time, unplug the power supply cord from the wall outlet.

E. IDENTIFYING THE PARTS

This illustration shows all of the features found on the front of the printer.

Top Cover

On/Cancel Button

Pause/Resume Button

LCD Display

On LED Light

Ready LED Light

Cover Release Button

Card Hopper Door

Section 3: Getting Started 15

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

LCD Display

The LCD display shows you the current status of the printer.

When the printer is first powered ON, the printerÕs startup screen will appear displaying the current firmware version and the amount of installed printer memory (2.0 MB). Once the printer has finished its startup system check, it will then display Printer Ready to indicate that the printer is ready for operation. During operation, the LCD will indicate the specific ribbon panel being printed and if any specific printing errors have occurred. For a complete list of possible LCD prompts, see Section 9-A.

On LED Light

Indicates the printer power is either ON or OFF.

Ready LED Light

When ON, this light indicates the printer is ready for operation. When OFF, this light indicates the printer is either OFF or paused and will not operate. If this light is flashing, a printer error has occurred. Refer to the printerÕs LCD display for the specific type of error that occurred. See also Section 9-A for a complete description of all possible LCD error prompts.

On/Cancel Button

The On/Cancel button turns the printer power ON and OFF. It also serves to cancel the current print job and reset the printer for the next print job if an unrecoverable print error has occurred. 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. With the Top Cover open, this button can also be used to manually wind the feed rollers forward. This is helpful when cleaning the printer or if clearing jammed media.

Pause/Resume Button

The Pause/Resume button allows you to pause the printer at any time during operation. Please note, however, that the printer will always finish its current task before pausing. For example, if the Pause/Resume button is pressed in the middle of a printing pass, the printer will pause only after the entire printing pass is completed. The Ready LED Light will turn OFF when the printer is paused and ON again when operation is resumed. With the Top Cover open, this button can also be used to manually wind the feed rollers backward. This is helpful when cleaning the printer or if clearing jammed media.

16 Section 3: Getting Started

F. INSTALLING THE CLEANING ROLLER

The printer is shipped with a Cleaning Roller separately packaged. When installed, the Cleaning Roller removes dust particles from a blank card as it feeds into the printer. By cleaning the cards, this roller helps prevent contaminated cards from passing beneath the Printhead, thus extending the PrintheadÕs life and allowing for higher quality output. Refer to the following steps to install the Cleaning Roller:

1. Remove the Cleaning Roller from its packaging.

2. Open the Top Cover of the printer by pressing the Cover Release Button. (If you have already installed the ribbon, remove it from the printer.)

3. Lower the Cleaning Roller down into the Cleaning Roller Bracket which resides just below the Ribbon Sensor. Note that this roller should be cleaned every 250 prints to maintain print quality and extend the life of the Printhead. Refer to Section 7-J for cleaning instructions.

Ribbon Sensor

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Cleaning Roller Bracket

Cleaning Roller

Section 3: Getting Started 17

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

G. EXTENDING THE CARD OUTPUT DRAWER

The printer has a Card Output Drawer which, when extended, will catch the cards after they are printed. If the Card Output Drawer is not extended, the cards will simply be ejected onto the desktop. To extend the Card Output Drawer, simply grasp the top, center of the Card Output Drawer and pull the drawer out until it stops.

Card Output Drawer

18 Section 3: Getting Started

Ribbons

Y M C

B K

A. ABOUT RIBBONS

As described in Section 1-A, the 4250 Card Printer utilizes both dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer printing methods while the 4225 utilizes only the resin thermal transfer method. 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 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:

and Cards

= Dye-Sublimation Yellow Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Magenta Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Cyan Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Black Panel

= Resin Black Panel

= Clear Protective Overlay Panel

Section 4: Ribbons and Cards 19

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Resin-Only Ribbons (for 4250 and 4225)

Resin-only 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:

Standard Resin Black (K) This ribbon provides high resin durability ideal

(provides 1,000 prints) for most general purpose monochrome ID card

applications. Resin black bar codes are readable by both infra-read and visible-light bar code scanners.

Colored Resin Several colored resin ribbons are available in

(provides 1,000 prints) a variety of colors for customizing or color coding

resin-only ID cards.

Premium Resin Black (K) This ribbon provides maximum resin durability

(provides 1,000 prints) 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 infra-read and visible-light bar code scanners.

Metallic Resin Metallic resin ribbons are available for printing

(provides 1,000 prints) resin images with a metallic sheen.

Dye-Sublimation-Only Ribbons (for 4250 only)

Dye-sublimation-only ribbons are available in either monochrome or full-color versions. These ribbons consist of a series of dye-sublimation ribbon panels which alternate with a clear protective overlay (O) panel. Dye-sublimation images must have either an overlay panel or a separate overlaminate applied to them or they will quickly begin to wear or fade. The following dye-sublimation-only ribbon types are available:

Dye-Sublimation Black (BO) This ribbon provides a dye-sublimation

(provides 500 prints) black panel (B) along with an overlay panel

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

B O

black and white photo ID cards. Dyesublimation bar codes are readable only by visible-light bar code scanners.

Full-Color (YMCBO) This ribbon allows you to print full-color

(provides 250 prints) photo ID cards. Since the black panel of this

ribbon is dye-sublimation black (B), bar codes

Y M C B O

printed with this ribbon can only be read by visible-light bar code scanners.

20 Section 4: Ribbons and Cards

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Dye-Sublimation/Resin Ribbon (for 4250 only)

Dye-sublimation/resin ribbons combine the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) dye-sublimation panels with a resin black (K) panel. By combining both types of ribbon panels, these ribbons allow you 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 to protect the dyesublimation images. Dye-sublimation images must have either an overlay panel or a separate overlaminate applied to them, or they will quickly begin to wear or fade. The following dye-sublimation/resin ribbon type is available:

Full-Color (YMCKO) This ribbon allows you to print full-color photo ID

(provides 250 prints) cards along with resin black text and bar codes. Bar

Y M C K O

codes printed with resin black can be read by both infra-red and visible-light bar code scanners.

IMPORTANT!

Please note that 4200 Series Card Printers require specialized ribbons in order to function properly. To order additional ribbons, contact your authorized reseller.

B. LOADING RIBBON INTO THE PRINTER

Follow these steps to load ribbon into the printer:

IMPORTANT!

1. Remove the ribbon from its packaging. Do not touch the colored portion of the

All color or monochrome dye-sublimation images MUST have either the ribbonÕs clear overlay panel or a separate overlaminate applied to them. If neither of these types of protective layers are applied, your cardÕs dye-sublimation image will quickly begin to wear or fade. Cards printed solely with monochrome resin text, bar codes, or images do not require any type of protective overlay or overlaminate.

To apply the ribbonÕs clear overlay panel, select the Apply Ribbon Overlay option within the printer driver setup window. For more information on this option, refer to Section 5-F.

Watches, rings, bracelets, and other jewelry can damage the Printhead if accidentally bumped against it. For best results, remove such items before installing or removing ribbons. Also, DO NOT touch the glass substrate of the Printhead. Oil or dirt from your fingers can cause premature Printhead wear. If you do touch the Printhead, clean it according to Section 7-B before attempting to print.

ribbon. Oil or dirt from your hands can impair print quality.

Section 4: Ribbons and Cards 21

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

2. The supply end of the ribbon is the side with the fresh, unused ribbon on it. The ribbon take-up is the other end.

3. Open the Top Cover of the printer by pressing the Cover Release Button.

4. With the cover open, place the supply end of the ribbon in between the two black Ribbon Drive Hubs located on the right-hand side of the printerÕs interior. Make certain that the ribbon is fed from underneath the ribbon roll.

HINT: The Ribbon Drive Hub nearest you, as you are looking into the printer from the front, is spring loaded. Use the end of the ribbon supply core to push in this Ribbon Drive Hub when inserting the ribbon.

Supply

Take-up

Take-up Ribbon

Drive Hubs

5. Place the take-up end of the ribbon roll in between the two black Ribbon Drive Hubs located on the left-hand side of the printerÕs interior. Load the ribbon take-up end of the ribbon just as you loaded the ribbon supply end in step 4. When loaded properly, the ribbon should feed underneath both ends of the ribbon roll as shown in this side view illustration.

22 Section 4: Ribbons and Cards

Supply Ribbon

Drive Hubs

6. Close the cover. When you start to print, the Ribbon Drive Hubs will

automatically engage the ribbon core notches.

IMPORTANT!

Do not reverse the ribbon. Damage may occur to the thermal Printhead!

C. ABOUT CARDS

Your 4200 Series Card Printer accepts a variety of different card sizes and thicknesses and will print onto any card with a clean, level, polished PVC surface (see Section 10 for accepted card size specifications). Although the printer is equipped with a card Cleaning Roller, it is very important to always print onto cards specifically designed for direct-to-card printing.

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

Supply RollTake-up Roll

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. Some types of Proximity cards, for example, have an uneven surface which will inhibit consistent color transfer. Likewise, some smart card chips are raised slightly above the cards surface which also results in poor color transfer. For information on card brands suitable for direct-to-card dye-sublimation printing, contact your authorized reseller.

IMPORTANT!

Never run cards with a contaminated, dull, or uneven surface through the printer. Printing onto such cards will ultimately lead to poor print quality and will greatly reduce the life of your Printhead. In addition, always store your card stock in its original packaging or in a clean, dust-free container. Do not print onto cards which have been dropped or soiled. Printhead damage caused by contaminated or

poor quality cards will automatically void the PrintheadÕs factory warranty.

Section 4: Ribbons and Cards 23

4250/4225 Card Printer UserÕs Manual

NOTE:

If printing onto smart cards, it is not recommended that you print onto the area of the card containing the smart card chip, as this could damage both the smart chip and the Printhead. For best results when printing onto smart cards, use cards with a recessed chip and select either the Smart Card or Smart Chip card size option from within your printer driver setup (see Section 5-F for printer driver information).

Likewise, if printing onto cards with a pre-punched slot, do not print over the area of the card with the punched slot. To avoid this area when printing in portrait orientation, select the Punch Offset card size option from within your printer driver setup. When selected, this option allows the printer to print up to but not over the punched area of the card. This option does not apply to pre-punched cards intended to be printed and worn in landscape orientation. If you need to print over the entire area of a card in landscape orientation, punch the slot after the card has printed.

D. LOADING CARDS INTO THE PRINTER

The printer will hold a maximum of 100 cards in its Card Hopper (based on a standard CR-80 card size). The Printer automatically feeds each card and adjusts to each cardÕs particular size and thickness. Significantly larger, thicker, or thinner cards, however, may require slight printer adjustments for consistent printing. See Section 8 for details on such adjustments. To load the cards into the printer, refer to the following steps:

1. Remove a stack of 100 or fewer cards from the card packaging. Do not touch the area of the card where you intend to print. Oil or dirt from your hands will impair print quality.

2. Open the Card Hopper Door located on the right-hand side of the printer by grasping the slot on the face of the door and pulling down. Allow the door to swing completely open.

24 Section 4: Ribbons and Cards

Card Input Tray

Card Input Guides

Card Hopper Door

+ 67 hidden pages