FARGO electronic Pro-LX User Manual

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Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev.

4.0)

Part Number: L000700

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev. 4.0), property of FARGO Electronics, Incorporated

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

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

Revision Control

Date Document Title

Number

Revision 4.0 15 September 2003 Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder

User Guide (Rev. 4.0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edition, McGraw-Hill)

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

FARGO Electronics, Incorporated Support Services 6533 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (USA) (952) 941-9470 (800) 459-5636 FAX: (952) 941-7836

www.fargo.com

E-mail: sales@fargo.com

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How to use the manual

The Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev. 4.0) is, in fact, the troubleshooting and field service manual for the entire Pro-LX 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 in either 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 Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder 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 (Section 1), General Troubleshooting (Section 2), Printer Adjustments (Section

3), Parts Replacement (Section 4), Printer Packing (Section 5), and Board Level Diagnostics (Section 6) 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 Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder, relating to a specification, a procedural step, a window or screen, a component, a term, a qualifier, or a related feature to this printer.

Appendices You can use Appendix A and B to locate information

relating to engineering drawings and technical updates, which are specific to the Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder.

Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev. 5.0) 3

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Safety Messages (review carefully)

Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes

Danger:

Caution:

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

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

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

before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.

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

performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.

 To prevent personal injury, make sure only qualified personnel

perform these procedures.

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

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

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

safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, observe all established

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

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always wear an

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

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always remove the Pro-

LX 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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13254

242526272829303132

Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder Overview

Reviewing Pro-LX Block Diagram

Motors Sensors Parts

1 Card Feed 8 Card Feed 25 Input Stack 2 Print Stepper 9 Print TOF (Top Of Form) 26 Card Feed Roller 3 Ribbon Drive 10 Ribbon Encoder Wheel 27 Cleaning Roller 4 Print Headlift 11 Ribbon Core ID 28 Cleaning Tape 5 Lamination Stepper 12 Ribbon Sensor 29 Print Platen 6 Lamination Drive 13 Head Lift 30 Print Drive Rollers 7 Lamination Headlift 14 Thermistor 31 Printhead

15 Print Cover Interlock 32 Print Encoder Wheel 16 Lamination TOF 33 Flipper Clutch 17 Flipper Home 34 Encode Section

18 Mag Feed TOF 35 Mag Drive Roller 19 Lam Encoder Wheel 36 Lam Encoder Wheel 20 Lam Core ID 37 Lam Platen Roller 21 Laminate Ribbon Sensor 38 Lam Drive Rollers 22 Lam Headlift 39 Flipper Drive Roller 23 Thermocouple 40 Lam Roller 24 Lam Cover Interlock 41 Flattener Roller 42 Printhead Cooling Fan

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Reviewing Pro-LX Boot Up Sequence

Step Process

1 On Power up, print and the Lam Stepper Motor engage. 2 Print and Lamination Headlift Sensor checks for current open/closed state.

If either Sensor registers closed, the appropriate Headlift Motor engages until Headlift Sensor detects open state.

3 Check SmartCard and Mag Sensors for presence of card.

If there is a card found in either location, the print and Lam Stepper Motors engage to back the card out onto the flipper table.

4 Print TOF, Card Detection and LAM TOF Sensors check for presence of card.

If any Sensor finds a card, the card is fed onto the flipper table. The flipper table

then rotates and ejects the card into the reject bin. 5 The Flipper Clutch activates. 6 The Lam Stepper Motor engages. 7 The Flipper Home Sensor detects the homing flag and the Flipper Table levels. 8 The Flipper Clutch disengages 9 The Lam Stepper Motor disengages.

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Reviewing Pro-LX Sequence of Operations

The following sequence describes a dual sided full color print job with magnetic encoding and single sided Lamination.

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, a Wrong Ribbon Error is displayed on the

LCD. 3 The Card Input Motor and Print Stepper Motor engage. 4 The Card detection Sensor detects leading edge of card and disengages the card

input Motor. 5 The Print Stepper drives card to the Print TOF Sensor. The Print Stepper

disengages 6 The Print Ribbon drive engages. 7 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. 8 The Print Stepper Motor engages. 9 The Print TOF Sensor detects trailing edge of card.

10 The Print Stepper Motor queues card to the middle of the platen roller. All Stop 11 The Print Headlift Motor engages. 12 The Print Headlift Sensor detects closed state. 13 The Print Headlift Motor disengages. 14 The Print Stepper Motor engages.

Continued on the next page.

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Reviewing Pro-LX Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

15 The Print Cover Sensor checks for a closed state. 16 The Ribbon Drive Motor engages. 17 The Image Data is burned by the printhead until image data is depleted. All Stop. 18 The Thermistor engages Printhead Cooling Fan to maintain proper operating

temperature.

19 The Headlift Motor engages. 20 The Print Headlift Sensor detects an open state. 21 The Print Headlift Motor disengages. 22 The Print Stepper Motor engages. 23 The Print Ribbon drive engages. 24 After the Ribbon advances a few encoder clicks, assume the Ribbon is free of

cards. All Stop.

25 Repeat steps 10 through 24 for the appropriate number of color and overlay

panels.

26 The Print and the Lamination Drive Stepper Motors engage. 27 The Lamination Card Sensor detects presence of card. All Stop. 28 The Lam Stepper engages. 29 The Card feeds back to the Flipper Table. 30 The Flipper Clutch engages 31 The Flipper Table rotates 180 degrees 32 The Flipper Table Clutch disengages. All Stop. 33 The Print and Lam Stepper Motors are activated.

Continued on the next page.

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Reviewing Pro-LX Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

34 The card is fed past the Print TOF Sensor. All Stop. 35 The Flipper Table Clutch engages. 36 The Lamination Stepper engages. 37 The Flipper table rotates to level. All Stop. 38 Repeat steps 10 through 18 for appropriate number of color/overlay panels. 39 The Print and Lamination drive Stepper Motors engage. 40 The Lamination Card Sensor detects presence of card. All Stop. 41 The Lam Stepper engages. 42 The Card feeds back to the flipper table. 43 The Flipper Clutch engages 44 The Flipper Table rotates to encoding angle. 45 The Flipper Table Clutch disengages. All Stop. 46 The Print and Lamination Stepper Motors activate. 47 The Encoding TOF Sensor detects leading edge of card. 48 The Card feeds to below the magnetic encoder head. All Stop. 49 The Print and Lamination Stepper Motors are engaged. 50 The Magnetic Encoding Head is activated. 51 The Card feeds to the Encoding TOF Sensor. All Stop. 52 Repeat steps 40 through 45 for each verification pass. 53 The Card is fed onto the Flipper Table.

Continued on the next page.

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Reviewing Pro-LX Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

54 The Flipper Clutch engages. 55 The Flipper table returns to level. 56 The Flipper Clutch disengages. 57 The Card feeds back to Print TOF Sensor then forward to the Lamination card

Sensor. All Stop.

58 The Laminate Ribbon Drive activates until Laminate Ribbon Sensor detects patch

mark.

At this time the Thermocouple is checking the temperature of the Laminate roller

and activating the heater core if needed.

59 The Lamination Stepper is activated. 60 The Card is fed to the platen roller. All Stop 61 The Lamination Cover Sensor checks for closed state. 62 The Headlift Motor engages. 63 The Headlift Sensor detects closed state. 64 The Headlift Motor disengages. 65 The Lamination Stepper Motor and Laminate Ribbon drive engage for the distance

of the card. All Stop.

66 The Headlift Motor engages. 67 The Headlift Sensor detects open state. 68 The Headlift Motor disengages. 69 The Lamination Stepper Motor is activated and card is fed out of the printer.

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Table of Contents

How to use the manual _________________________________________________________________3 Safety Messages (review carefully)________________________________________________________4 Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder Overview __________________________________________5

Reviewing Pro-LX Block Diagram _____________________________________________________5 Reviewing Pro-LX Boot Up Sequence __________________________________________________6 Reviewing Pro-LX Sequence of Operations_______________________________________________7

Section 1: Specifications________________________________________________________ 15

Regulatory Compliances _______________________________________________________________15 Agency Listings______________________________________________________________________16 Technical Specifications _______________________________________________________________16 Functional Specifications ______________________________________________________________19

Printer Components: Top Cover to Power Port___________________________________________20 Printer Components: Centronics-Type Parallel Interface ___________________________________24 Printer Components: Print Ribbons ____________________________________________________25 Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons __________________________________________26 Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation-Only Print Ribbons _________________________________27 Printer Components: Blank Cards _____________________________________________________29 Reviewing the upgraded 81754 PVC Cards ______________________________________________31 Printer Components: Laminator ______________________________________________________33

Visual Security Solutions (Specifications) _________________________________________________34

VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application _____________________________________34 Custom HoloMarkTM Cards _________________________________________________________34 Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers ______________________________________________34 Visual Security - Fargo Certified Overlaminates (Special Order in 50 quantity minimum)__________34 Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances ________________________________________________35 VeriMarkTM - Application Specifications_______________________________________________35 HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM - Application Specifications ________________________35

Section 2: General Troubleshooting______________________________________________ 36

LCD/SmartGuard Messages ____________________________________________________________36

Reviewing the Top Line LCD Messages ________________________________________________36 Reviewing the Bottom Line LCD Error / Status Messages __________________________________40

Communications Errors________________________________________________________________43

Resolving the Communication Errors___________________________________________________43

Card Feeding Errors __________________________________________________________________46

Resolving the Card Feeding Errors_____________________________________________________46 Resolving the Flipper Jam Error Message _______________________________________________48

Print Process Errors___________________________________________________________________49

Resolving the Headlift Error Message __________________________________________________49 Resolving the Cover Open Error Message _______________________________________________50 Resolving the Blank Output issues _____________________________________________________51

Card Jam Errors______________________________________________________________________53

Resolving the Card Jam: Print Error Message____________________________________________53 Resolving the Card Jam: Mag Error / Smart Error Message _________________________________54 Resolving the Card Jam: Lam Error Message ____________________________________________55 Resolving the Card Jam: Flip Error Message_____________________________________________56

Ribbon Errors _______________________________________________________________________57

Resolving the Lam Error/Out Error Message_____________________________________________57 Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues _____________________________________________59 Resolving the Wrong Ribbon error (being displayed incorrectly) _____________________________62 Resolving the Ribbon Low Message ___________________________________________________63 Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues __________________________________________________64 Resolving the Lamination (not adhering to the card surface) problem__________________________67

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Encoding Errors______________________________________________________________________69

Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message _______________________________________________69 Resolving data intended for the Magnetic Stripe (being printed on the card) problem _____________72

Diagnosing Image Problems ____________________________________________________________73

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems___________________________________________________73 Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems_____________________________________________74 Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems ________________________________________75 Resolving the Ribbon Wrinkle problems ________________________________________________77 Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems _________________________________________79 Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems ________________________________________81 Resolving the Image Placement problems _______________________________________________82 Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems _____________________________________________86

Running the Self Test _________________________________________________________________87

Running the Standard Self Test Print ___________________________________________________87 Reviewing the Main Circuit Board_____________________________________________________88 Using the DIP Switch (Self-test) ______________________________________________________89 Setting the DIP Switch Settings _______________________________________________________91 Running the 15-Shade Self Test _______________________________________________________92

Interfacing Information ________________________________________________________________93

Reviewing the Pin Assignments _______________________________________________________93 Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments _______________________________________94 Reviewing the Printer Timing Diagram _________________________________________________96 Reviewing the Printer Timing ________________________________________________________97

Section 3: Printer Adjustments__________________________________________________ 98

Safety Messages (review carefully)_______________________________________________________98 Using the Settings dialog box ___________________________________________________________99

Using the Image Darkness option_____________________________________________________100 Using the Image Placement option ____________________________________________________101 Using the Print Length option________________________________________________________102 Using the Magnetic Offset option_____________________________________________________103 Using the Flipper Offset option ______________________________________________________104 Using the Lamination Placement option________________________________________________105 Adjusting the Card Flattener_________________________________________________________107

Adjusting the Laminator____________________________________________________________109 Printer Driver Options________________________________________________________________111 Using the Calibrate tab _______________________________________________________________112

Using Image Position controls _______________________________________________________113

Using the Lamination Position control _________________________________________________115

Using the Sensors and Settings buttons ________________________________________________116 Using the Magnetic Encoding tab _______________________________________________________118

Using the Encoding Mode option _____________________________________________________120

Using the Coercivity option _________________________________________________________121

Using the Magnetic Track Selection option _____________________________________________121

Reviewing the Enable MLE Support checkbox __________________________________________123

Using the Magnetic Track Options____________________________________________________124

Using the Bit Density radio buttons ___________________________________________________125

Using the Character Size radio buttons_________________________________________________125

Using the ASCII Offset ____________________________________________________________126

Using the LRC Generation radio buttons _______________________________________________127

Using the Character Parity radio buttons _______________________________________________127

Using the Verification radio buttons___________________________________________________128

Using the Shift Data Left checkbox ___________________________________________________129

Using the Encode Before Print checkbox _______________________________________________129

Reviewing ISO Track Locations _____________________________________________________130

Sending Track Information__________________________________________________________131

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Entering Track Information _________________________________________________________131

Reviewing Tracks 1, 2 and 3 (in table format) ___________________________________________132

Reviewing the Track Data Note ______________________________________________________132

Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table_________________________________________133 Using the Lamination tab _____________________________________________________________134

Selecting from the Lamination Side dropdown menu _____________________________________135

Selecting from the Lamination Type dropdown menu _____________________________________136

Selecting Lamination Dwell Time and Temperature ______________________________________138 Using the Overlay / Print Area tab ______________________________________________________139

Using the Overlay / Print Area dropdown menu _________________________________________140

Using the Overlay / Print Area _______________________________________________________141

Using Security Options (Visual Security Solutions)_______________________________________147

Selecting Orientation - Landscape under Card tab ________________________________________148

Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (A to D) ___________________________149

Selecting Orientation - Portfolio under Card tab _________________________________________150

Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (E to H)____________________________151

Selecting the VeriMark radio button __________________________________________________152

Selecting the HoloMark radio button __________________________________________________153

Reviewing the Custom VeriMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) ________________________154

Reviewing the Custom HoloMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) _______________________155

Using SmartShield Area dropdown menu ______________________________________________156 Using the Image Color tab_____________________________________________________________157

Using the K Panel Resin tab _________________________________________________________159

Selecting from the Print All Black With K Panel options __________________________________160

Selecting the Full Card option _______________________________________________________161

Selecting the Defined Area(s) option __________________________________________________162

Selecting the Undefined Area(s) option ________________________________________________163

Using the Defined Area(s) function ___________________________________________________164 Using the Device Options tab __________________________________________________________173

Selecting the Ribbon Type __________________________________________________________174

Selecting from the Color Matching options _____________________________________________175

Selecting from the Resin Dither dropdown menu_________________________________________176

Selecting the Print Both Sides checkbox _______________________________________________177

Selecting the Split 1 Set of Ribbon Panels checkbox ______________________________________178

Using the Print Back Side First option _________________________________________________179

Selecting the Print Back Side Only checkbox ___________________________________________180

Selecting the Rotate Front 180 Degrees checkbox ________________________________________180

Selecting the Rotate Back 180 Degrees checkbox ________________________________________180

Selecting the Buffer Single Card checkbox _____________________________________________181

Selecting the Disable Printing checkbox _______________________________________________181

Selecting the Pause for Low Ribbon checkbox __________________________________________182 Using the Card tab___________________________________________________________________183

Selecting the Card Size_____________________________________________________________183

Selecting the Orientation ___________________________________________________________183

Determining the number of Copies____________________________________________________183

Clicking on the Test Print button _____________________________________________________183

Clicking on the About button ________________________________________________________184

Section 4: Cleaning___________________________________________________________ 185

Cleaning the Printhead _____________________________________________________________186

Cleaning the Card Feed Rollers ______________________________________________________187

Replacing the Cleaning Tape ________________________________________________________189

Cleaning the Platen Rollers _________________________________________________________191

Cleaning the Printer’s Exterior _______________________________________________________192

Cleaning the Printer’s Interior _______________________________________________________192

Cleaning the Magnetic Encoder ______________________________________________________193

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Section 5: Packing the Pro-LX Card Printer______________________________________ 194 Section 6: Board Level Diagnostics ______________________________________________ 195

Board Errors _______________________________________________________________________195

Resolving the EE Memory Error _____________________________________________________195

Resolving the EE Checksum Error____________________________________________________195

Resolving the DRAM Memory Error__________________________________________________196 Sensor Testing______________________________________________________________________196

Reviewing the Sensor Location and Voltages ___________________________________________197

Reviewing the Motor Voltages (when active) ___________________________________________198

Section 7: Fargo Technical Support_____________________________________________ 199

Contacting Fargo Technical Support_____________________________________________________199 Reading the Serial Numbers on a Fargo printer ____________________________________________200

Finding out when a Fargo Card Printer was manufactured _________________________________200

Reviewing Example No. 1: Serial Number 80453289_____________________________________200

Reviewing Example No. 2: Serial Number A1280224 ____________________________________200

Section 8: Reviewing the Spare Parts List________________________________________ 201 Glossary of Terms ____________________________________________________________ 202 Index_______________________________________________________________________ 222

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Section 1: Specifications

The purpose of this section is to provide the User with specific information on the Regulatory Compliances, Agency Listings, Technical Specifications and Functional Specifications for the Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder (Rev. 3.0).

Regulatory Compliances

Term Description

CSA The Printer manufacturer has been authorized by UL to represent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

License Number: J99032510

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

bears the TÜV-GS mark. License Number: S9971826

UL The Card Printer is listed under UL 1950 INFORMATION

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

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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).

Technical Specifications

Term Description

Accepted Standard Card Size

Accepted Card Thickness

Accepted Card Types

Card Capacity 100 cards (30 mil). Colors Up to 16.7 million colors and 256 shades per pixel.

CR-80: 3.375 in. x 2.125 in. (85.6mm x 54mm)

.020 in. (20 mil) to .040 in. (40 mil) (.508mm to 1.02mm).

PVC or Polyester cards with polished PVC finish

Dimensions 10.44 in. H x 24.79 in. W x 10.3 in. D (265mm x 630mm x 260mm). Encoding

Options

Humidity 20% to 80% Non-Condensing. Interface Centronics parallel, IEEE-1284 Compliant Memory 4 MB RAM; expandable to 16 MB RAM. Operating

Temperature

 ISO Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module, dual high- and low-

coercivity, Tracks 1, 2 and 3

 JIS II Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module  E-card Docking Station (required for 3rd party smart card encoding)

65ºF to 80ºF (18ºC to 27ºC).

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Technical Specifications (continued)

Term Description

Overlaminate Options

 Thermal Transfer Overlaminate, .25 mil thick, 500 prints  PolyGuard Overlaminate, .6 mil thick, 250 prints  PolyGuard Overlaminate, 1.0 mil thick, 125 prints

All overlaminates available in either clear, holographic globe design or custom holographic design; can also be optimized for use with smart

cards and Magnetic Stripes Printing Method Dye Sublimation/Resin Thermal Printer Printing

300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm). Resolution

Print SpeedBatch Mode

 8 seconds per card / 450 cards per hour (K)*

 15 seconds per card / 240 cards per hour (BO)*

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

 30 seconds per card / 120 cards per hour (YMCK/lamination)

 37 seconds per card / 97 cards per hour (YMCKK/lamination)

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 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.

(Note: The single card print speeds will be slower than the batch print

speeds listed above since batch print speed is enhanced by the

Printer's multi-tasking capabilities when printing multiple cards in

succession.)

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Technical Specifications (continued)

Term Description

Print Ribbon Options

 Full Color with resin black, YMCKO*, 250 prints

 Full Color with two resin black panels, YMCKOK*, 250 prints

 Full Color with resin black, no overlay panel, YMCKK*, 250 prints,

must be used with overlaminate

 Dye-Sublimation black, BO*, 500 prints

 Resin black, green, blue, red, white, silver, gold, scratch-off, 1000

prints

*Indicates the ribbon type and the number of ribbon panels printed

where Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan, K=Resin Black, O=Overlay,

B=Dye-Sublimation Black Print Area CR-80 edge to edge (3.37”L x 2.11”W / 85.5mmL x 53.5mmW) Supply Voltage 100 to 240 V ac. Supply

50 Hz/60 Hz. Frequency

Software Drivers Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/XP. System

Requirements

IBM-PC or compatible. Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/XP. Pentium™

class 133 MHz computer with 32 MB of RAM or higher, 200 MB free

hard disk space or higher and ECP parallel port with DMA access. Warranty Printer - One year; optional Extended Warranty Program (U.S. only)

Printhead - One year, unlimited pass with UltraCard cards Weight 40 lbs. (18.2kg). Kits, Adapters

and Cable

 16MB RAM Upgrade Kit

 Printer Cleaning Kit

 Ethernet Interface Adapter (Windows only; required for stand-alone

networking of Printers)

 USB-to-Parallel Interface Cable (Windows 98/ME/2000/XP only)

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Functional Specifications

The 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. (Note: 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 Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder uses to produce smooth, continuous-tone, photographic images. 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 (YMC).

 The Printer always prints the yellow panel (first), the magenta panel

(second) and the cyan panel (third).

 As the Print Ribbon passes beneath the Printhead, thermal elements

within the Printhead heat the dyes on the ribbon. (Note: When these dyes are heated, the dyes vaporize and 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. This blends one color smoothly into the next, producing photo-quality images with no dot pattern.

Resin Thermal Transfer is the print method the Printer uses to print sharp black text and crisp bar codes that can be read by both infrared and visiblelight bar code scanners.

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.

The difference, however, is that solid dots of resin-based ink are transferred and fused to the surface of the card to produce durable, saturated printing.

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Printer Components: Top Cover to Power Port

Component Description

Print Top Cover

Opens to allow access to the Printhead, Print Ribbon and card path. (Note: This cover must be closed in order for the Printer to begin printing.)

Lamination Top Cover

Opens to allow access to the lamination roller, overlaminate and card path. (Note: This cover must be closed in order for the Printer to begin printing.)

Cover

Unlatches the Top Covers. Release Buttons

Printhead

Printer component that prints. (Note: This component is fragile and must

not be bumped or touched with anything other than a cleaning pen.) Card

Cleaning Cartridge

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

Card Cleaning Tape within this assembly after every 1,500 cards or as

needed depending on the cleanliness of the card stock and the

environment in which the Printer is located. Replace this tape if the cards

start showing speckles or debris on the printed surface.) LCD Display The LCD display shows the User the current status of the Printer. Since

the Printer's printing and laminating functions work independently, the top

line of the LCD reports the status of the printing functions, while the

bottom line reports the status of the laminating functions.

When the Printer is first powered ON, the Printer's startup screen will

appear displaying the current firmware version and the amount of

installed Printer memory (4MB or 16MB).

Once the Printer has finished its startup system check, it will then display

Printer Ready and Lam Ready to indicate that the Printer is ready for

operation. Lam Temp=XX% will display if the Printer's built-in laminator is

heating or cooling to its target temperature. When it reaches 100%,

lamination will begin.

During operation, the LCD will also indicate the specific ribbon panel

being printed, whether or not it is laminating and if any printing errors

have occurred. On LED Light

Indicates the Printer power is either ON or OFF.

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Print Top Cover

Ready LED Light

Access Card Slot

Card Input Hopper

Rejection Card Hopper

Printer Components: Top Cover to Power Port (continued)

This table displays Printer components. Refer to the table in this section.

Printhead

Card Cleaning Cartridge

Lamination Top Cover

Cover Release

Buttons

Card Output Hopper

LCD Display

On LED Light

Pause/Resume Button

On/Cancel Button

Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev. 5.0) 21

Card Thickness

Adjustment Slide

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Printer Components: Top Cover to Power Port (continued)

Component Description

Ready LED Light

On/Cancel Button

Pause/ Resume

Button

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. (Note: Refer to the

Printer's LCD display for the specific type of error that occurred. See the

Interpreting LCD Messages for a complete description of all possible LCD

error prompts.

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. (Note:

With the Top Cover(s) open, this button can also be used to manually

rotate the feed Rollers forward. This is helpful when cleaning the Printer

or if clearing jammed media.)

The Pause/Resume button allows the User to pause the Printer at any

time during operation. Note, however, that the Printer will always finish its

current task before pausing.

If the Pause/Resume button is pressed in the middle of printing the

magenta ribbon panel, the Printer will pause only after the entire magenta

panel has printed. (Note: The Ready LED Light will turn OFF when the

Printer is paused and ON again when operation is resumed. With the Top

Cover(s) open, this button can also be used to manually rotate the feed

Rollers backward. This is helpful when cleaning the Printer or if clearing

jammed media.) Access Card

Slot

This is the slot in which a SmartGuard Access Card is inserted when

using the Printer's included SmartGuard Security Feature. (Note: This

unique option prevents the Printer from operating unless a custom

access card is inserted. It also allows the User to print custom

SmartShield Security Images which glow under ultraviolet light.) Card Input

Load blank cards into this Hopper. Hopper

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Parallel Interface Port

Power Port

Printer Components: Top Cover to Power Port (continued)

Component Description

Card Thickness Adjustment Slide

Card Output Hopper

Rejection Card Hopper

E-Card Docking Station Port - For Smart Card Support

Parallel Interface Port

Power Port Connects to the included power.

Adjusts the Printer to feed varying card thicknesses. See the

Resolving the Card Feeding Errors procedure in Section 2, page 46.

Stores printed cards; up to 100, 30 mil cards.

Stores cards that have not printed or encoded properly. Helps to separate potential bad cards from a stack of good cards, which eject into the Card Output Hopper. (Note: The Printer will automatically eject cards into this Hopper if there is a printing error, encoding error or if a card is left in the Printer after a print job is canceled or the Printer restarted.)

Provided only if the Printer includes an optional E-Card Docking Station. This is necessary for support of third party smart card encoding features.

Connects to a Windows PC with a parallel cable.

E-Card Docking Station Port

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Printer Components: Centronics-Type Parallel Interface

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

The Centronics-type parallel interface is the most widely used Printer interface due to its simplicity, speed and standardization throughout the PC industry. The Printer's parallel interface connector is a standard 36-pin Amp type with two metal-wire retaining clips and is ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) compatible. It mates with a standard, bi-directional PC to Printer parallel cable.

For best results, keep the interface cable to less than 6 feet in length.

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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. (Note: 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

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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.

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)

Scratch-Off Resin (provides 1,000 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.

Colored resin ribbons are available in different colors for customizing or color coding resin-only ID cards.

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

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-Only Print Ribbons

A dye-sublimation-only Print Ribbon 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.

Caution: All color or monochrome dye-sublimation images must have the ribbon's clear overlay panel or an overlaminate applied to them. If a protective layer is not applied, the card's 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. To apply the ribbon's clear overlay panel, select the Printer Driver’s Overlay / Print Area tab. By default, the Printer Driver is setup to automatically apply the overlay panel for a selected a ribbon type that provides an overlay (O) panel. To apply an overlaminate, select the Lamination tab.

(Note: The Printer requires specialized Print Ribbons in order to function properly.)

Type Description

Dye-Sublimation Black (BO)

(provides 500 prints)

Dye-Sublimationonly Print Ribbon

DyeSublimation/Resin Print Ribbon

This ribbon provides a dye-sublimation black panel (B) along with an overlay panel (O) and is used to print smooth, photo-quality black and white photo ID cards. Dye-Sublimation bar codes are readable only by visible-light bar codes scanners.

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

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

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Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation-Only Print Ribbons (continued)

Type Description

Full-Color (YMCKO)

(provides 250 prints)

Full-Color (YMCKOK)

(provides 250 prints)

Full-Color (YMCKK)

(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.

This ribbon is used for dual-sided printing. By supplying two resin black panels, this ribbon used to print full-color with resin black on one side and resin black-only on the other, without wasting an entirely new set of ribbon panels for the black-only side.

An overlay panel (O) is also included to protect the side of the card with full-color dye-sublimation printing. No overlay is necessary for the resin black-only side. Both infrared and visible-light bar code scanners can read bar codes printed with resin black.

This ribbon is intended to be used for dual-sided printing. By supplying two resin black panels, this ribbon lets you print full-color with resin black on one side and resin black-only on the other, without wasting an entirely new set of ribbon panels for the black-only side.

Since no overlay panel is included, this ribbon must be used in conjunction with the Printer's overlaminate feature. No overlaminate is necessary for the resin black-only side. Both infrared and visible-light bar code scanners can read bar codes printed with resin black.

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Printer Components: Blank Cards

Caution: 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 the Printhead. Always store the card stock in its original packaging or in a clean, dust-free container. Do not print onto cards that have been dropped or soiled. Printhead damage caused by contaminated or poor quality cards will automatically void the Printhead's factory warranty.

Type Description

Card Size The Card Printer accepts standard CR-80 sized cards (3.375"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 dyesublimation printing.

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

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

consistent color transfer.

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

surface which also results in poor color transfer.

UltraCard stock has a glossy PVC laminate on top and bottom and is optically inspected to provide the scratch- and debris-reduced cards. 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.

(Note: Both types of UltraCards produce printed images with a glossy, photoquality finish.)

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Printer Components: Laminator

Danger: The Printer’s Lamination Roller can reach temperatures exceeding 350 degree F (175° C). Use extreme caution when operating the Laminator. Never touch the Lamination Roller unless the Printer Power has been turned off for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

Type Description

Controls Both the Printer itself and the Printer’s software driver control the built-in

laminator.

Temperature Upon initial power up of the Printer, the bottom line of the LCD display will

read Lam Temp = X%. (Note: This indicates that the laminator is heating up to its preset or default laminating temperature of approximately 300° F (150° C). The percentage number indicates how close it is to achieving 100% temperature.)

Heating Process

Temperature Adjustment

New Temperature Setting

This heating process will generally take about 3 to 4 minutes before the laminator is heated to the default temperature. (Note: Once the laminator reaches 100% of its default temperature, the LCD display will change to Lam Ready.)

(Note: The LCD display will read Lam Temp = X% whenever the laminator is heating up or cooling down to the prescribed temperature. When the Lam Temp = 100%, the target temperature has been reached and lamination will begin.)

To change the temperature of the laminator, adjust its temperature through the Lamination tab within the Printer Driver setup window. (Note: Once adjusted, the new temperature settings will be sent down with the next print job along with the rest of the Printer Driver information.)

Before printing begins, the laminator will automatically adjust itself to the new temperature setting. (Note: This new temperature setting will remain programmed within the Printer until it is once again changed within the Printer Driver or until the Printer is turned OFF.)

Whenever the Printer is turned OFF, the laminator will automatically reset itself and return to its default temperature the next time the Printer is turned ON.

Press the On/Cancel button to disconnect the Printer's power cord both serve to reset the laminator to its default temperature. The temperature setting within the Printer Driver, however, will stay the same until it is changed.

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Reviewing the upgraded 81754 PVC Cards

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

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

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

settings for these new 81754 PVC cards.



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

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

Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev. 5.0) 31

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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

No Change Necessary

as follows: HDP®: N/A

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

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Printer Components: Laminator

The Printer's internal lamination system is used to choose between both a Thermal Transfer Film overlaminate and a polyester patch overlaminate called PolyGuard™. The Thermal Film overlaminate is a relatively thin material that covers a card edge-to-edge and provides a medium level of ID card durability and security.

 PolyGuard is a much thicker material that does not cover edge-to-edge, but provides an

extremely high level of ID card durability and security.

 PolyGuard is available in either a 1.0 or .6 mil thickness and should always be used for

those applications requiring the highest degree of ID card durability and security.

 PolyGuard and the Thermal Film overlaminates are available in either a clear or generic

"secure" holographic-type design. (Note: Custom holographic-type overlaminate designs are also available with specific designs, patterns, logos and security features. Please contact an authorized reseller for more information.)

Caution: If using the Thermal Transfer Film overlaminate, a variety of laminating options are available within the Printer Driver. Refer to the Using the Lamination tab description in Section 3, page 134, for complete details about these options.

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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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Section 2: General Troubleshooting

The purpose of this section is to provide the User with specific procedures relating to the LCD/SmartGuard Messages, Communication Errors, Card Feeding Errors, Print Process Errors, Card Jam Errors, Ribbon Errors, Encoding Errors, Diagnosing Image Problems, Running the Self-Test and Interfacing Information for the Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder.

LCD/SmartGuard Messages

The LCD display shows the current status of the Printer. Refer to the cause and solution tables in this section for all possible LCD messages. (Note: These tables display the LCD messages in alphabetical order. If the LCD message is communicating an error or requires an action, these tables will also offer a solution to what should be done.)

Reviewing the Top Line LCD Messages

Message Cause

Card Jam: Flip A card is jammed in the Flipper Table area of the Printer. See the

Clearing the Card Jam: Flip Error Message procedure in Section 2,

page 56.

Card Jam: Mag A card is jammed in the Mag Encoding module, beneath the Flipper

Table. See the Clearing the Card Jam: Mag Error / Smart Error procedure in Section 2, page 54.

Card Jam: Print A card is jammed somewhere along the printing path, under the

Printer's top-right cover. See the Clearing Card Jam: Print Error procedure in Section 2, page 53.

Card Jam: Smart A card is jammed in the smart card encoding module, beneath the

Card Flipping Mechanism. See the Clearing the Card Jam: Smart

Error procedure in Section 2, page 54.

Card Jam: Lam A card is jammed in the print station of the Printer. See the Clearing

the Card Jam: Lam Error procedure in Section 2, Page 55.

Card Out/Not Fed Either the Card Hopper is out of cards or the Printer is unable to feed

a card in from the Card Hopper. See the Clearing Card Jam Error

procedure in Section 2, page 53. Clearing Jam Indicates error or jam is being cleared. Feeding Card Indicates card is feeding properly. Flipper Jam Card Flipping Mechanism is unable to rotate. See the Resolving the

Flipper Jam Error Message procedure in Section 2, page 48.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Top Line LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause

Flipping Card Indicates card is being flipped for backside printing. Head-down Failed Printhead is unable to lower itself. See the Resolving the Headlift

Error Message procedure in Section 2, page 49.

Head-up Failed Printhead is unable to raise itself. See the Resolving the Headlift

Error Message procedure in Section 2, page 49.

Invalid Key Card The SmartGuard Access Card is invalid or is inserted backwards or

up side down. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security

Feature. See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Invalid Password An invalid SmartGuard password was entered. Appears only when

using the SmartGuard Security Feature. See the SmartGuard User’s

Guide for more information. Key Card Ready Indicates SmartGuard or SmartShield data has successfully been

encoded onto the SmartGuard Access Card. Appears only when

using the SmartGuard Security Feature. See the SmartGuard User’s

Guide for more information. Key Disabled Indicates the SmartGuard Security Feature has been disabled.

Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security Feature. See the

SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Key Not Inserted Attempts are made to print without the SmartGuard Access Card

inserted. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security

Feature. See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Top Line LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause

Key Card Deleted Indicates the data on the SmartGuard Access Card was successfully

deleted. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security Feature.

See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Lam Error/Out

Error Message

Indicates a Lam Error/Out Error Message. See Resolving the Lam

Error/Out Error Message procedure in Section 2, page 57.

Low Ribbon/Clean Indicates the Print Ribbon will soon run out and that the Printer

should be cleaned. Mag Encoding Indicates the Mag Stripe is being encoded. Mag Verify Error The Mag Stripe was not encoded properly. See Resolving Mag

Verify Error Message Section 2, page 69.

Mag Verifying Indicates data on Mag Stripe is being verified. No Shield Loaded Attempts are made to print with the Printer Driver's SmartShield

option selected (even though the optional SmartGuard Security

Feature is not used).

If using the SmartGuard feature, the SmartShield image is not

encoded onto the SmartGuard Access Card (currently inserted into

the Printer).

See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Print Cover Open Indicates that the top-right cover is not properly shut. If this appears

in error, see the Resolving Cover Open Error Message procedure in

Section 2, page 50. Printer Ready Indicates the Printer is ready to print. Printing Indicates the Printer is printing.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Top Line LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause

Rasterize Shield Indicates the Printer is loading the SmartShield security image from

the SmartGuard Access Card into its memory. Appears when a valid

access card containing a SmartShield image is first inserted into the

Printer.

(Note: If SmartShield image is named, the name will also appear

along with this message on the bottom line of the LCD Display.

Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security Feature.)

See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Reading Key Data Indicates the Printer is reading the data from the SmartGuard

Access Card. Appears when a valid access card is first inserted into

the Printer. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security

Feature.

See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Rib Calib Failed

Error

Indicates that an attempt at calibrating the Ribbon Sensor through

the Printer Driver has failed. See the Resolving the Skipping Ribbon

Panel issues procedures in Section 2, page 59.

Ribbon Error/Out Error

Indicates either the Print Ribbon is out or a ribbon error has

occurred. See Resolving Ribbon Low Error Message procedure in

Section 2, page 63. Ribbon Jam/Out

Error

The Print Ribbon has become jammed in the Printer Rollers, it is

stuck to the surface of the card or it is out. See the Resolving the

Ribbon Breaking issues procedure in Section 2, page 64.

Ribbon Low Error Message

Indicates either the ribbon is running low or is out. See Resolving

Ribbon Low Error Message procedure in Section 2, page 63.

Sensor Calibrate Indicates the Ribbon Sensor is calibrating. See the Resolving the

Skipping Ribbon Panel issues procedures in Section 2, page 59.

Continued on the next page

Pro-LX Laminating Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev. 5.0) 39

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Reviewing the Top Line LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause

Smart Card Error Unable to encode smart card. Smart Card Good Indicates smart card was successfully encoded. Smart Encoding Indicates the Printer is writing or encoding data onto the SmartGuard

Access Card. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security

Feature. See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Writing Key Data Indicates the Printer is writing or encoding data onto the SmartGuard

Access Card. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security

Feature. See the SmartGuard User’s Guide for more information. Wrong Ribbon

Error

The wrong Print Ribbon is installed. See the Resolving the Wrong

Ribbon error (being displayed incorrectly) procedure in Section 2,

page 62.

Reviewing the Bottom Line LCD Error / Status Messages

Message Cause

Card Jam: Lam Error

Clearing Jam Indicates error or jam is being cleared. See Card Jam Errors in

Lam Calib Failed An attempt at calibrating the Lamination Sensor through the Printer

Lam Cover Open The Lamination Top Cover is not properly shut. If this appears in

A card is jammed somewhere along the laminating path, under the Printer's Lamination Top Cover. See the Resolving the Card Jam:

Lam Error procedure in Section 2, page 55.

Section 2, page 53.

Driver has failed. See the Resolving the Lam Error/Out Error

Message procedure in Section 2, page 57.

error, see the Resolving Cover Open Errors procedure in Section 2, page 50.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Bottom Line LCD Error / Status Messages (continued)

Message Cause

Lam Error/Out The overlaminate is either out or an error has occurred. See the

Resolving the Lam Error/Out Error Message procedure in Section

2, page 57.

Lam Jam/Out Error The overlaminate has either become jammed in the Printer Rollers,

stuck to the surface of the card, broken or has run out. See the

Resolving the Lam Error/Out Error Message procedure in Section

2, page 57.

Lam Ready Indicates Printer is ready to laminate. See the Using the Lamination

tab Section 3, page 134.

Lam Temp = X% Indicates the laminator is heating or cooling to its target

temperature. When the Lam Temp = 100%, the target temperature has been reached and lamination will begin. See the Selecting the

Lamination Dwell Time and Temperature in Section 3, page 138.

Lam Turned Off Indicates laminator is OFF. The laminator can be turned off by

setting Switches 4 and 5 of the Printer's internal switches down (towards the circuit board). See the Using the Lamination tab Section 3, page 134.

Laminating Indicates Printer is laminating. See the Using the Lamination tab

Section 3, page 134.

Roller-dn Failed The Lamination roller is unable to lower. See the Resolving the

Headlift Error Message procedure in Section 2, page 49.

Roller-up Failed The Lamination roller is unable to rise. See the Resolving the

Headlift Error Message procedure in Section 2, page 49.

Sensor Calibrate Indicates the Lamination Sensor is calibrating. See the Using the

Lamination tab Section 3, page 134.

Wrong Lam Type Error

The wrong overlaminate is installed. See the Resolving the Wrong

Ribbon error procedure in Section 2, page 62.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the BOTH Line LCD Error / Status Messages (continued)

Message Cause

CANCEL=Abort RESUME=Continue

CANCEL=Abort RESUME=Reprint

Delete Key Data? RESUME=Delete

DRAM Memory Bad!

Service Required EE Memory Error!

RESUME=Clear Mem

EE Memory Error! RESUME=Retest

Appears when the Pause/Resume button is pressed any time while the Printer is powered ON. Also appears when the On/Cancel button is pressed during a print job.

Appears when the On/Cancel button is pressed after an error has occurred.

Appears when deleting a SmartGuard Access Card. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security Feature.

The Printer's 4 MB or 16 MB memory module is bad or not installed properly. See the Resolving the DRAM Memory Error procedure in Section 6, page 196.

Indicates problem with permanent circuit board memory. See the

Resolving the EE Memory Error procedure in Section 6, page 195.

Permanent circuit board memory is bad. See the Resolving the EE

Checksum Error procedure in Section 6, page 195.

Insert New Key RESUME=Duplicate

Invalid Shield Send New Shield

Preparing Card Count=xxxxxxxx

Press ON to Initialize

Appears when trying to duplicate a SmartGuard Access Card. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security Feature.

Appears if the SmartShield data on the SmartGuard Access Card has somehow become corrupt. Appears only when using the SmartGuard Security Feature.

Appears when initiating a card count report from the Printer.

Appears when the On/Cancel button is pressed before a print job is sent provided that the Printer is in its Ready mode.

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Communications Errors

Resolving the Communication Errors

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

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

Step Procedure

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

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

32 MB of RAM or higher

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

2 Confirm the correct installation of the Printer Driver.

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

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

3 Verify the use of an adequate data cable.

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

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

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

radio emissions from computers, monitors and other equipment that may

broadcast Radio frequency interference (RFI).

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Communication Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Determine if there is interference from an external device.

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

cable. b. If using a switch box or other peripheral, remove it while testing

communication between the computer and the Printer. c. If needed, replace the switch box or other peripheral (once it is determined

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

Printer is required).

5 Determine the problem with printing from the application.

a. Print a self-test from the Printer as described in the Running the Self-Test

procedure in Section 2, page 87, to ensure that the Printer (itself) is

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

program in the Accessories Program Group).

 Open the program and type: This is a Test.

 Select File > Print on the Menu Bar.

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

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

(ECP) mode. (Note: The port mode can be determined by checking the

Device Manager tab in the system control panel.) b. If the port mode is not set to ECP, it will need to be changed in the

computers BIOS. (Note: Refer to the appropriate computer manual for

instructions on how to change the Parallel Port mode.)

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Communication Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

7 Determine whether there is an adequate or inadequate hard drive space.

Caution: A large volume of temporary files on the computer can

cause communications errors. Access the temporary files by following this process:  Search for all folders called TEMP. Once found, clear out the contents of

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

Defragmenter found in the Accessories folder of the Start Menu.  Use a disk cleanup utility (such as Disk Cleanup found in the System

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

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Card Feeding Errors

Resolving the Card Feeding Errors

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

Step Procedure

1 Clean the Input Roller.

a. Open the Printer's top covers and remove all cards, Print Ribbons and

overlaminate from the Printer. b. Leave the Printer power ON and the top covers open throughout this

procedure. (Note: The card cleaning cartridge can also remain within the

Printer during this cleaning process.) c. Use a cleaning card from the Printer Cleaning Kit and remove its adhesive

backing paper. d. Insert the cleaning card into the card Hopper, above the card input tray, as

normally done on any other type of card.

 Verify that the shortest non-adhesive end of the cleaning card enters

the Printer first and that the sticky side is facing UPWARD.

 Ensure the card was not inserted with the sticky side facing downward

because then it would stick to the card input tray and not feed properly.

e. Run a self-test by following these steps.

1. Unplug power from the Printer.

2. While holding down the Pause / Resume button, reapply power.

3. Release the Pause / Resume button once the self-test has begun.

4. The cleaning card will feed into the Printer.

5. An error will be displayed when feeding the card.

6. Remove the cleaning card.

7. Reset the Printer by unplugging the power and reapplying. Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Card Feeding Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Ensure the Card Thickness Slide is set correctly.

a. Loosen the Slide Lock by rotating it counter clockwise and then push the

Card Thickness Slide forward or backward to the appropriate setting.

b. With any of the Card Thickness settings, move the slide slightly toward a

higher setting until the cards begin feeding (if the Printer seems unable to feed cards at the selected setting).

c. Move the slide slightly toward a lower setting if the Printer seems to double-

feed cards. (Note: The card thickness slide is adjustable to accommodate card thickness variations that often occur even within standard card sizes.)

3 Check for static build up between cards.

 Occasionally, a static charge will build up between the surfaces of two or

more cards causing them to stick together.

 By separating the cards manually before placing them in the input Hopper,

this static charge can be reduced or eliminated.

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Resolving the Flipper Jam Error Message

Symptom: A Flipper Jam error is displayed on the LCD.

Step Procedure

1 Check for any obstruction.

a. Open the lamination top cover. Manually rotate the Flipper Table at a full

360-degrees rotation.

b. Visually ensure that there is no obstruction in the path of the Flipper Table’s

rotation.

2 Verify the flipper clutch operation.

a. Unplug the Printer. Open the Top Lamination Cover. b. Reapply power to the Printer. Verify that the Flipper Table rotates and

stops level with the card feed path.

3 Test the flipper home Sensor.

a. Remove the rear cover. b. Using a digital voltmeter, connect the negative lead to its ground. c. Connect the positive lead to Pin 2 of J8.

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

4 Verify the motor operation.

a. Open the Top Lamination Cover. b. Press and hold the On/Cancel Button. Verify the following:

 The Rollers on the lamination side of the Printer should begin to roll.  The card feed Rollers on the card path and on the Flipper Table should

be rolling.

 The platen roller and the flattener roller should be rolling.

c. Replace (as needed) the Lamination Stepper Motor if none of the Rollers

are turning. Inspect the gear configuration in the front of the Printer if any one of the Rollers is not turning.

5 Verify the current reject Hopper capacity.

a. Open the Reject Hopper door. b. Ensure that the card reject Hopper is not full.

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Print Process Errors

Resolving the Headlift Error Message

Symptom: The Head Up/Down Error or Roller Up/Down Error is displayed on the LCD.

Step Procedure

1 Cycle the headlift motors.

a. Remove the front cover. b. Open both the Lamination and the Print Covers. c. Press both buttons on the front control panel at the same time. d. Verify that the Headlift Motors are cycling by watching the Sensor flag

rotate through the Sensor.

e. If the Motor does not turn, continue to step 2.

2 Test the headlift motors.

a. Unplug the Printer. b. Remove the back cover. c. Disconnect the Headlift Motor from the main board (J27 for Print Side) and

(J29 for Lam Side). d. Connect a 9-volt battery to the Head Motor (that did not cycle). e. If the motor does not turn, replace it. f. If the motor does turn, continue to Step 3.

3 Test the Headlift Sensors.

a. Remove the back cover. b. Attach the positive lead from a Digital Voltmeter to Pin 1 of J3 for print side

or Pin 1 of J4 for lamination. Attach the negative lead to the Printer Chassis

for its ground.

 If unblocked, the Sensor should read 0.17 to 0.9 VDC.

 If blocked, the Sensor should read 3.5 to 3.8 VDC.

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

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Resolving the Cover Open Error Message

Symptom: A Cover Open error is displayed when the cover is closed or the Rollers do not

operate (when the cover is open).

Step Procedure

1 Test the Sensor by following these steps.

a. Remove the Rear Cover. b. Use a Digital Voltmeter to:

 Attach the negative lead to ground.  Attach the positive lead to Pin 2 of J11 to test the Print Cover Sensor

operation.

c. Connect the positive lead to Pin 2 of J12 to test the Lam Cover Sensor

operation. Replace the Sensor if the voltages are incorrect.

 Verify that the voltage reads 5 VDC with the cover closed.  Verify that the voltage reads 0.12 to 0.17 VDC with the cover open.

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Resolving the Blank Output issues

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

Step Procedure

1 Run a self-test.

a. Clear any card jams. b. Unplug power from the Printer. c. While holding down the Pause / Resume button, reapply power. d. Release the Pause / Resume button once the Self-test has begun. e. A self-test card will be printed.

2 Look for an image on the ribbon.

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

3 Adjust the placement.

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

and reapplying it.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences. c. Click the Calibrate tab. d. Click on the Settings button. e. Adjust the Image Placement setting by +5. f. Click on the OK button.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Blank Output issues (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Check the Printhead connections.

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

remove the cover plate.

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

Printhead) are properly seated. d. Remove the Back Cover. e. Ensure that the Printhead Power Cable is properly seated on J15 on the

main board. f. Ensure that the Printhead Data Cable is properly seated on J16 on the

main board.

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

a. Remove the back cover. b. Using a Digital Voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground. c. Probe Pins 1 to 5 of the Printhead power connection on J15. d. Ensure that a voltage between 22 to 23 VDC is read on each pin. e. If less than 22 volts is read on any of the pins, ensure that the Power

Supply for the Printer is outputting 23 to 24 VDC by testing the power

connection to the Printer with a voltmeter. f. If the power supply is operating properly, the Main Board may need to be

replaced. g. If 22 to 23 volts is read from Pins 1 to 5 on J15, check to ensure that the

wires from the Printhead Harness cable are in good condition and are

not pinched. h. If the Printhead harness cable is in good condition, replace the Printhead

(as needed).

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Card Jam Errors

Resolving the Card Jam: Print Error Message

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

card is present.

Step Procedure

1 Look for a jammed card in the Printer.

a. Open the Printer’s top cover. b. Remove the ribbon from the Printer. c. Check to see if a card is jammed in the print station of the Printer. d. If a card is jammed in the Printer, use the Pause / Resume button and the

On / Cancel buttons to move the feed Rollers and free the card. (Note: The card can then be fed out of the Printer.)

e. If no card was found in the print station, continue to Step 2.

2 Clean the inside of the Printer.

a. Open the Print and Lamination Top Covers. b. Use a can of deionized to blow any dirt or debris from the Printer.

2 Test the Card Feed Detection Sensor.

a. Remove the rear cover. b. Using a Digital voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground. c. Connect the positive lead to Pin 1 of J6.

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

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

3 Test the TOF Sensor.

a. Remove the rear cover. b. Using a Digital voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground. Connect the

positive lead to Pin 1 of J5.

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

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

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Resolving the Card Jam: Mag Error / Smart Error Message

Symptoms: The Card Jam: Mag Error or Card Jam: Smart Error is displayed on the LCD.

Step Procedure

1 Look for a jammed card in the Printer.

On / Cancel buttons to move the feed Rollers and free the card. (Note: The card can then be fed out of the Printer.)

e. If no card was found in the print station, continue to Step 2.

2 Check the Magnetic Offset Setting.

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

reapplying it.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

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

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

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

the back of the Printer).

3 Test the Card Detection Sensor.

a. Remove the rear cover. b. Using a Digital voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground. Connect the

positive lead to Pin 1 of J31.

 If blocked, the voltage should read 3.8 to 3.5 VDC.  If unblocked, the Sensor should read 0.15 to 0.18 VDC.

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

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Resolving the Card Jam: Lam Error Message

Symptom: The Card Jam: Lam Error is displayed on the LCD.

Step Procedure

1 Look for a jammed card in the Printer.

a. Open the Printer’s top cover. b. Remove the ribbon from the Printer. c. Check to see if a card is jammed in the Lam Station of the Printer. d. If a card is jammed in the Printer, use the Pause / Resume button and the

On / Cancel buttons to move the feed Rollers and free the card. (Note: The card can then be fed out of the Printer.)

e. If no card was found in the Lam Station, continue to Step 2.

Test the TOF Sensor. (Note: If the Printer has begun laminating the card and then jams, it may be possible that the centering of the lamination of the card has caused the jam.)

a. Inspect the card and determine if the lamination is centered on the card. b. If the Lamination is hanging off the leading or trailing edge of the card, see

Using the Lamination Placement option procedure in Section 3, page 105.

3 Test the Card Detection Sensor.

a. Remove the rear cover. b. Using a Digital voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground. c. Connect the positive lead to Pin 1 of J6.

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

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

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Resolving the Card Jam: Flip Error Message

Symptom: A Card Jam: Flip Error is displayed on the LCD.

Step Procedure

1 Run a Self test.

a. Clear any card jams. b. Unplug power from the Printer. c. While holding down the Pause / Resume button, reapply power. d. Release the Pause / Resume button once the self-test has begun.

(Note: A test card will be printed.)

e. If successful, this will ensure proper flipper operation on a simple double-

sided print.

2 Check the Flipper Offset.

a. Clear any card jams. b. Open the top covers. c. Unplug power from the Printer and reapply. (Note: The Flipper Table

will cycle on startup.)

d. When finished, the Flipper Table should be completely level with the

card feed path. If it is not, adjust the flipper offset (as needed).

Check for warpage. (Note: When laminating both sides of the card, the card is subjected to excessive amounts of heat. This can cause the card to warp significantly, depending on the composition of the card.)

a. Print a card that is only laminated on one side. b. Once the card is ejected, lay the card on a flat surface. c. Ensure that the warpage amount is less than 30 mil. d. Slide a standard, 30-mil card under the laminated card. If there is

substantial clearance, see Adjusting the Card Flattener in Section 3, on page 107.

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Ribbon Errors

Resolving the Lam Error/Out Error Message

Symptom: The Printer seems to skip PolyGuard overlaminate patches or simply wind the

overlaminate until the Printer's Ready LED flashes.

Step Procedure

1 Check that the proper Over-Laminate type is installed according to the

Lamination Type option selected in the Printer Driver. a. Open the Printer control panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences. b. Click on the Lamination tab. c. Ensure that the Lamination Type (selected) matches the Lamination type

installed in the Printer.

2 Calibrate the Lamination Sensor.

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

reapplying it.

b. Open the Printer control panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences. c. Click the Calibrate tab. d. Click on the Sensors button. e. Remove the Laminate ribbon and close the top cover. f. Click on the Send button for a Lamination Sensor Calibration.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Lam Error/Out Error Message (continued)

Step Procedure

3 Check the Laminate Ribbon Clutch to determine if it is too loose.

a. Remove the back cover. b. Use a 7/16” wrench to tighten the nut on the end of the encoder wheel by

½ - turn.

4 Test the Encoder Sensor.

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

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

d. If the voltages do not read correctly the Sensor should be replaced.

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Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues

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

card.

Step Procedure

1 Calibrate the Ribbon Sensor.

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

reapplying.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences. Click on the Calibrate tab. c. Click on the Sensors button. d. Remove the ribbon and close the top cover. e. Click on the Send button for a Ribbon Sensor calibration. Verify that the Printer beeps twice and the LCD displays Sensor Calibrate.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues (continued)

Refer to the previous procedure.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Skipping Ribbon Panel issues (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Adjust the Ribbon Clutch

a. Remove the back cover. b. Use a 7/16th wrench to tighten the nut on the end of the encoder wheel

by a ½ - turn.

3 Test the Encoder Sensor.

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

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

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Resolving the Wrong Ribbon error (being displayed incorrectly)

Symptom: A Wrong Ribbon Error is displayed on the LCD even though the correct ribbon is

installed in the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Verify the driver settings are correct.

a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

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

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

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

Ribbon type matches.

Continued on the next page

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

Step Procedure

2 Test the Ribbon ID Sensor.

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

corner.

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

the Pause/Resume button.

e. Once the LCD screen displays RUNNING SELF TEST #12, release the

Pause/Resume Button. f. Open up the top Print cover. g. Slowly rotate the supply side of the ribbon. (Note: As the spool is rolling,

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

core passes the Sensor.) h. Replace the Ribbon ID Sensor if the Printer responds by emitting no

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

position).

Resolving the Ribbon Low Message

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

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

Step Procedure

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

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues

Symptom: The Ribbon breaks when printing or a Ribbon Jam Error is displayed on the LCD

Step Procedure

1 Calibrate the Ribbon Sensor.

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

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

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences. c. Click the Calibrate tab. d. Click on the Sensors button. e. Remove the Ribbon and close the top cover. f. Click on the Send button for a Ribbon Sensor Calibration.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Determine where the ribbon is breaking.

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

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

to Step 3.

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

Step 4.

3 Adjust the Image Placement.

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

reapplying.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

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

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

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Ribbon Breaking issues (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Adjust the Image Placement.

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

reapplying.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

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

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

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

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

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Resolving the Lamination (not adhering to the card surface) problem

Symptom: The lamination will not transfer to the card or is easily peeled off the card.

Step Procedure

1 Ensure the Card quality by verifying that these requirements are met:

a. Requirement 1: That the Printer does print onto any card with a clean,

level and polished PVC surface. (Note: 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 to ensure proper print quality.)

b. Requirement 2: That suitable cards display a polished PVC surface

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

c. Requirement 3: That certain types of Proximity cards with an uneven

surface (which can inhibit consistent color transfer) are identified. (Note: Likewise, some smart card chips are raised slightly above the cards surface, which also results in poor color transfer.)

d. Recommendation: That high-quality blank cards (e.g., a factory-

approved card stock called UltraCard™ are in use.  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.

 UltraCard stock, which 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. For the flattest possible cards when laminating, it

is recommended use of UltraCard III card stock.)

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the lamination (not adhering to the card surface) problem (cont.)

Step Procedure

2 Check Lamination Temperature.

a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

 If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer

Icon and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

select Printing Preferences. b. Click on the Lamination tab. c. Increase the Lamination Temperature by +5 degrees. d. Click on the OK button. e. Print and Laminate a card from the software. f. Continue to adjust the Lamination Temperature until the lamination

adheres completely and cannot be peeled off.

g. Adjust (as needed) the card flattener if increased temperature is causing

the cards to bow.

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Encoding Errors

Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message

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

Step Procedure

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

and towards the back of the Printer.

2 Verify the Driver settings if cards are loaded properly. Properly loaded cards will

be oriented with the mag stripe facing down and toward the back of the Printer. See the Using the Magnetic Encoding tab procedure in Section 3, page 118.

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

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

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

data is being written to the Magnetic Stripe.

 If data is not being written to the Magnetic Stripe, remove the back cover

and verify that the magnetic head is plugged into J100 on the main board.

 If the Magnetic head connection is properly seated, replace the magnetic

head (as needed). See the Replacing the Mag Head procedure in Section 5, page Error! Bookmark not defined..

 If data is being written to the Magnetic Stripe, adjust the Mag TOF (as

needed). Refer to the Mag TOF display on the next page. . See the Using

the Magnetic Offset option procedure in Section 3, page 103.

Continued on the next page

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Magnetic Head

(3 Stationary

Direction of Card

0.293 inches (nul characters)

Magnetic Head

Sensor

Resolving the Mag Verify Error Message (Continued)

Refer to the previous procedure regarding this display.

Start Sentinel Position

Magnetic Tracks)

Travel while being Magnetically Encoded

Encoding Module

Card Feed Path

Card Feed Roller

Flipper Table

Flip

Card Sensor

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Determining why the Printer cannot read encoded data

Step Procedure

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

and towards the back of the Printer.

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

or Developer Solution.

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

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

automatically replace the values with it’s minimum margins.)

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

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

4 Check the Magnetic Offset Setting.

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

reapplying it.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

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

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

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

the back of the Printer. 5 Verify that the coercivity of the cards matches the setting in the Driver. 6 Compare the settings for the Card Reader to the settings in the Driver. 7 Verify that the Magnetic Stripe on the card is free of scratches or voids.

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

Step Procedure

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

Using the Magnetic Track Selection option procedure in Section 3, page 121.

a. Use WordPad (a Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/XP word processing

program in the Accessories Program Group).

b. Go to the File menu and select Page Setup. c. Click on the Printer button and select the Pro-LX Card Printer. d. Click OK and reset all four margins to zero. (Note: WordPad will automatically replace the values with it’s minimum margins.) e. Open the program and type: “~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890?” then,

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

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

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Diagnosing Image Problems

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems

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

Step Procedure

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

186.

4 Replace the Cleaning Tape. See Replacing the Cleaning Tape procedure in

Section 4, page 189.

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

4, page 191.

6 Replace the Printhead if the problem persists. See Replacing the Printhead

procedure in Section 5, page Error! Bookmark not defined..

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Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems

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

Step Procedure

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

cards with embedded contaminants in the surface.

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

Section 4, page 192.

3 Replace the Cleaning Tape. See Replacing the Cleaning Tape procedure in

Section 4, page 189.

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

4, page 191.

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Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems

Symptom: Printed cards are too dark or too light.

Step Procedure

1 Run a self-test to identify problems with the driver settings. See Running the Self

Test in Section 2, page 87.

Adjust the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver. See Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 157.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems (continued)

Step Procedure

Correct the Image Darkness. See Using the Image Darkness option in Section 3, page 100.

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Resolving the Ribbon Wrinkle problems

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

Step Procedure

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

Reduce the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver. See Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 157.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Ribbon Wrinkle problems (continued)

Step Procedure

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

3, page 100.

4 Increase the Ribbon tension.

a. Unplug the Printer. b. Remove the rear cover. c. Use a 7/16th wrench to tighten the nut on the Ribbon Encoder ½ - turn. d. Reapply power. e. Print a card.

 If the wrinkle effect is gone, continue printing.  If the wrinkle effect is diminished, continue tightening the Ribbon Encoder

nut, in ¼ - turn increments until the wrinkle is gone.

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Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems

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

Step Procedure

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

See Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 157.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems (continued)

Step Procedure

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

page 100.

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Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems

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

Step Procedure

Increase the Resin Heat setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver. See Using the Image Color tab procedure in Section 3, page 157.

Increase the Image Darkness. See Using the Image Darkness option in Section 3, page 100.

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Resolving the Image Placement problems

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

Step Procedure

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

a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

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

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

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

where the white border is on the card.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued)

Refer to the previous procedure.

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Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued)

Step Procedure

Verify the Image Placement setting is set correctly. a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

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

and select Properties.

 If using Windows NT 4.0 right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and select

Document Defaults.

 If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the Pro-LX Card Printer and

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

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

Placement value by –2.

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

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

3 Adjust the Card Guide Bar as needed.

a. Open the Top Print Cover. b. Loosen the two screws that hold the Card Guide Bar in Place. c. Remove the back cover. d. Locate the Card Guide adjustment screws.

 If the white border is on the side of the card closest to the front side plate,

turn both Card Guide Adjustment Screws clockwise ¼ - turn.

 If the white border is on the side of the card closest to the backside plate,

turn both Card Guide Adjustment Screws counter-clockwise ¼ - turn.

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Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued)

Refer to the previous procedure.

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Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems

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

Step Procedure

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

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

scanner or with a digital camera).

Caution: If a small or low-resolution image is stretched or "blown up",

a pixilated or grainy effect will occur when printing, as shown below (right side).

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Running the Self Test

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

Step Procedure

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

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

Printer’s rear panel.

2 3

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

Printer. Once the On LED illuminates, release the button.

 The Flipper Table will re-align itself.  The Printer will print a 3-color process gray scale on the front, flip the card and

print the monochrome black panel on the back. The overlay pass is not printed

during the Self-test.  The card will be ejected with the backside face up. Reverse the card to look at the front side and examine the gray scale pattern with

the green bar at the top and a red bar at the bottom of the card.

Running the Standard Self Test Print

This card will be printed.

PRO-LX

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Reviewing the Main Circuit Board

Perform the standard self-test and the other test modes (made available by changing the DIP Switch Settings within the Printer). Use these additional self-tests to isolate and diagnose Printer problems and test for proper Printer operation after Printer calibration. (Note: The Main Circuit Board (below) displays the location of the DIP switches and how to activate them.)

Step Procedure

1 To remove the rear cover to expose the Main Circuit Board. See Removing the

Main Board in Section 5, page Error! Bookmark not defined..

2 To find the DIP switches on the Main Circuit Board, see the figure (below). 3 To activate the DIP switches, see the Setting the DIP Switch Settings in

Section 2, page 91.

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Using the DIP Switch (Self-test)

Step Procedure

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

Self Test in Section 2, page 87. During the activation of the Self-test, the Printer

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

Test in Section 2, page 89.

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

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

completed.

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

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

Continued on the next page

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Using the DIP Switch (continued)

Step Procedure

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

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

position.

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

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

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

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Setting the DIP Switch Settings

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

SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6 Diagnostic modes

Standard Self-test (YMC) front, (K or B) on

back

X X Self test with Monochrome Dye-Sub (B)

X X Self test with Monochrome Resin (K)

X X X Ribbon Sensor Calibration (align on clear

or yellow panel, PC not required)

X 15 Shade self-test (YMC) PolyGuard

Lamination will be applied.

X X 15 Shade Self-test (YMC) Film Lamination

will be applied

X X X X Lamination Sensor Calibration (remove

lamination material, PC not required) X X Disables the Laminator X Tests Magnetic Encoding to all three

Tracks (No print is applied) X Disables Magnetic Verification X X Test Core Pins (Print)

X X X Test Core Pins (Lam)

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Running the 15-Shade Self Test

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

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WIRE DIAGRAM

19 Through 30

19 Through 25

141325

Interfacing Information

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

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

Reviewing the Pin Assignments

PIN 1

DB36P

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

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

DB25P

PIN 1

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Shell Shell

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Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments

Pin No. Signal Direction Description

1 ______ Strobe In A LOW pulse greater than 1 µs

causes the Printer to read one

byte of data. 2 Data 0 In Data bit 0 3 Data 1 In Data bit 1 4 Data 2 In Data bit 2 5 Data 3 In Data bit 3 6 Data 4 In Data bit 4 7 Data 5 In Data bit 5 8 Data 6 In Data bit 6 9 Data 7 In Data bit 7 10 ______ Acknlg Out A low pulse is sent by the

Printer to indicate that a byte of

data has been accepted and

that it is ready for more data. 11 Busy Out A high logic level is sent to the

Printer to indicate to the host

that it cannot receive data due

to a data entry, an error status

or a full buffer.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Centronics Parallel Pin Assignments (continued)

Pin No. Signal Direction Description

12 Paper Error Out Low = OK, High =

media error

13 Ready Out Low = off-line,

High = on-line 14, 15 Not Used 16 Sig Gnd 17 Chassis Gnd 18 HI Not Used 19 to 30 Sig Gnd

31 _________ Reset/Input Clean Not Used 32 _____ Error Out Low = Printer

error, High = OK 33 to 36 Not Used

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Reviewing the Printer Timing Diagram

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

Data 0 - Data 7

Strobe

Busy

Acknlg

Tdsu

DATA VALID

Tstr

Tbp

Tdh

Tack

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_____

Reviewing the Printer Timing

Interval Description Minimum

Value

Tdsu Data setup time 0.5 µs

Tstr

Data strobe width

1 µs

Tack ______ Acknlg pulse

width

3.75 µs Tdh Data hold time 0.5 µs

Typical Value

Tsb

Busy delay time from data strobe

0.5 µs (max.)

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Section 3: Printer Adjustments

Review this section for specific information on the Safety Messages and the Printer Driver Options; and the Calibrate, Magnetic Encoding, Lamination, Overlay / Print Area, Image Color, Device Options and Card tabs for the Pro-LX Card Printer. (Note: Procedures and instructions in this Section may require special precautions to ensure the safety of the personnel performing the operations.)

Safety Messages (review carefully)

Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes

Danger:

Caution:

Failure to follow these installation guidelines can result in death or serious injury. Information that raises potential safety issues is

indicated by a warning symbol (as shown to the below).  To prevent personal injury, refer to the following safety messages

before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.

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

performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.

 To prevent personal injury, make sure only qualified personnel

perform these procedures.

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

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

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

safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.

 To prevent equipment or media damage, observe all established

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

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always wear an

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

 To prevent equipment or media damage, always remove the Pro-

LX 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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Using the Settings dialog box

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

Step Procedure

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

attached to the Printer's base plate or rear panel, then refer to the remainder of this Section. (Note: These can be helpful to get back to the Printer's original baseline settings.)

Caution! These settings are optimized at the factory and in most cases, they will not need to be changed. (Note: Do not alter these settings unless absolutely necessary.)

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Using the Image Darkness option

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

Step Procedure

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

value and decrease the amount of Printhead heat.

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

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

avoid accidentally over-adjusting the Printhead heat.

Caution #2: If the positive value is set too high, the Print Ribbon

may jam or even break. The maximum adjustment range is ±100.

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Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual