FARGO electronic Quatro ID User Manual
981231-510323-(03)
Quatro ID Card Printer
UserÕs Manual
Notices
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND ARE MADE WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental damages in
connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights are
reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another
language without the prior written consent of the printer manufacturer.
Patent Pending
Trademark Acknowledgments
Windows and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
Printing History
Edition 1.3, #981231
© Copyright 1997
All rights reserved.
For Users in the United States:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
¥ Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
¥ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
¥ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
¥ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
¥ Use of a shielded cable is required to comply with the Class Alimits of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
¥ You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could
void your authority to operate and/or obtain warranty service for this equipment.
For Users in Canada:
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise for digital apparatus set out on
the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique nÕemet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables
aux appareils numeriques de la class A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique
edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.
CAUTION!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
EXTERIOR PANELS. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. OPERATE THE UNIT ONLY ON 110-120 VAC, 50/60
Hz. FOR PRINTERS THAT HAVE BEEN SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA, OPERATE THE UNIT ONLY ON 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. USE PRINTER
ONLY WITH THE INCLUDED POWER SUPPLY.
ii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Getting Started
I. Choosing a Good Location ..........................................................1
II. About Moisture Condensation....................................................1
III. Unpacking and Inspection...........................................................2
Chapter 2: Powering Up the Printer
I. Applying Power ............................................................................3
II. Identifying the Printer Features..................................................5
Chapter 3: Ribbons and Cards
I. About Ribbons ...............................................................................6
II. Loading Ribbon into the Printer .................................................7
III. About Cards .................................................................................10
IV. Loading Cards into the Printer .................................................10
V. Printing a Self Test.......................................................................12
Chapter 4: Using the Quatro ID Card Printer
I. Connecting the Printer to your Computer ..............................13
II. Installing the Windows Printer Driver ....................................14
III. Installing the 32-Bit Print Spooler for Windows 95/98 .........16
IV. Setting up the Windows Printer Driver...................................18
V. Printing a Card ............................................................................26
Chapter 5: Maintenance
I. Supplies Required .......................................................................27
II. Standard Printhead Cleaning ....................................................28
III. Expanded Printhead Cleaning..................................................29
IV. Cleaning the PrinterÕs Case .......................................................29
V. Cleaning the Inside of the Printer.............................................30
VI. Clearing a Card Jam....................................................................30
VII. Clearing a Ribbon Jam................................................................31
VIII. Cleaning the Card Feed Rollers ................................................31
IX. Cleaning the Drive Roller ..........................................................33
X. Maintaining the Cleaning Rollers.............................................33
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting ..........................................................................35
Chapter 7: Technical Specifications ............................................................41
iii
Appendix A: Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module
I. Magnetic Track Options .............................................................42
II. Track Locations............................................................................45
III. Sending Track Information ........................................................45
Appendix B: Interfacing Information
I. Introduction..................................................................................47
II. Centronics-Type Parallel Interface............................................47
Index .................................................................................................................48
iv
Chapter 1: Getting Started
THANK YOU...
...for choosing the Quatro ID Card Printer. This fast, compact
printer has been designed to print high-quality, full-color ID
cards from virtually any Windows¨application program. It
offers many features which easily allow you to create durable
photo ID cards complete with high resolution graphics, text,
bar codes, and more.
To begin using Quatro, please refer to the remainder of this
manual. The Quatro UserÕs Manual is your complete step-bystep guide to efficiently setting up and printing with your new
Quatro ID Card Printer.
I. CHOOSING A GOOD LOCATION
¥ Place unit in a location with adequate air circulation to
prevent internal heat build up.
¥ Do not place unit near heat sources such as radiators or air
ducts or in a place subject to direct sun-light, excessive
dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
¥ Allow for adequate clearance above the unit to
accommodate the height of the unit with its Top Cover
and Printhead Assembly open.
II. ABOUT MOISTURE CONDENSATION
If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, or
is placed in a very damp room, moisture may condense inside
the unit. Should this occur, print quality may not be optimum.
Leave the unit turned OFF in a warm, dry room for several
hours before using. This will allow the moisture to evaporate.
Getting Started 1
III. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
While unpacking your Quatro ID Card Printer, inspect the
carton to ensure that no damage occurred during shipping.
Also, make sure the following items are included:
¥ Printer
¥ Power Transformer
¥ Attachable Card Output Hopper
¥ Printer Driver Software
¥ 32-Bit Print Spooler Software
¥ Warranty Statement and Registration Card
¥ This manual and other printed information
2 Getting Started
Chapter 2: Powering Up the Printer
DESK-TOP
TRANSFORMER
!
I. APPLYING POWER
1. Locate the ÒDesk-Top TransformerÓ supplied with your
system. Check that it is properly configured for the power
used in your country.
CAUTION!
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THE PLUG
CONFIGURATION OR THE VOLTAGE, DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO USE THE PRINTER. CONTACT YOUR
AUTHORIZED QUATRO RESELLER FOR
INFORMATION ON THE CORRECT TRANSFORMER.
USE YOUR PRINTER ONLY IF YOU ARE CERTAIN
THAT THE PLUG AND POWER RATING ARE
CORRECT.
THE QUATRO TRANSFORMER IS DESIGNED FOR
DESKTOP USE ONLY.
Powering Up the Printer 3
2. Plug the DC power plug end of the transformer cord into
the Power Input Port on the rear panel of Quatro.
Power Input Port
NOTE:
Optional external transformer must be a Listed Class 2 device with an
output rating of 16.5 volts and 3.5 amps AC (alternating current).
The alternating current should be between 50 and 60 Hz.
3. Plug the AC power plug end of the transformer cord into an
available wall outlet. The wall outlet should be located near
the printer and should be easily accessible.
Power is automatically applied to the printer when it is
plugged in. Press the on/cancel button if you wish to turn
the printer OFF.
4 Powering Up the Printer
II. IDENTIFYING THE PRINTER FEATURES
This illustration shows the features found on the front of your
Quatro ID Card Printer.
On/Cancel Button
Card Output
Hopper
On/Cancel LED Light
On-Line LED Light
On-Line Button
Top Cover
Card Input Hopper
The on/cancel button turns the printer ON and OFF. It also
serves to cancel the current print job and reset the printer for
the next print job. If a card is left within the printer after a print
job is canceled, it will automatically be ejected when the printer
is turned back ON.
The on-line button takes the printer on and off-line. The
printer must have the on-line light illuminated in order to
print. When flashing, the on-line light also serves to indicate
a print error condition. Such conditions are discussed in
Chapter 6 of this manual.
The Card Input Hopper is where blank cards are loaded. See
Chapter 3, Section IV for complete instructions on loading
cards.
The Card Output Hopper is where printed cards eject. An
Attachable Card Output Hopper is included with your printer
and serves to catch cards once they have finished printing. To
attach this hopper, simply open the Top Cover of the printer
and slip it over the edge of the printerÕs baseplate. Once the
Top Cover is closed, it will hold the hopper securely in place.
The Top Cover tilts from front-to-back to open and is how you
access the inside of the printer to load cards and ribbon. See
Chapter 3 for an illustration of how this cover opens as well as
for instructions on loading print supplies. Note that the Top
Cover must be shut in order for Quatro to print.
Powering Up the Printer 5
Chapter 3: Ribbons and Cards
I. ABOUT RIBBONS
The Quatro ID Card printer has the following ribbon types
available for printing:
¥ Standard Resin Black (K) ribbon with no clear overlay
panel (produces 1,000 prints)
¥ A variety of Colored Resin ribbons with no clear overlay
panel (produce 1,000 prints)
¥ Premium Resin Black (K) ribbon with no clear overlay
panel (produces 1,000 prints)
¥ A gold Metallic Resin ribbon with no clear overlay panel
(produces 1,000 prints)
¥ Dye-Sublimation Black (BO) ribbon with a clear overlay
panel (produces 500 prints)
¥ Full-Color (YMCBO) ribbon with a dye-sublimation black
panel and a clear overlay panel (produces 250 prints)
¥ Full-Color (YMCKO) ribbon with a resin black panel and a
clear overlay panel (produces 250 prints)
The ribbons which have a clear overlay panel will print an
ID card and place a clear, protective overlay over the cardÕs
printable area. All color or monochrome dye-sublimation cards
must have this overlay applied to them. If it is not applied, your
cardÕs dye-sublimation image will quickly begin to wear or
fade. Be sure the Overlay option within the printer driver setup
window is selected when printing with ribbons which have a
clear overlay panel. See Chapter 4, Section IV for instructions
on enabling or disabling the printerÕs Overlay option.
NOTE:
The only time you should not utilize a ribbonÕs clear overlay panel is
if you intend to apply a separate, custom overlaminate to a card
immediately after printing.
The ribbons which utilize a resin black, are intended for
printing bar codes onto cards which can be read by both infrared and visible light bar code scanners. Bar codes printed with a
dye-sublimation black can only be read by a visible light bar
code scanner. Cards printed solely with monochrome resin text,
bar codes, or images do not require any type of protective
overlay.
6 Ribbons and Cards
The black monochrome resin ribbons are available in both a
premium and standard quality. The premium resin black
ribbon provides maximum durability and is ideal for
applications such as access control where cards are repeatedly
swiped through a magnetic stripe reader. The standard resin
black ribbon provides high durability ideal for most general
purpose ID card applications.
In addition to a standard black resin ribbon, Quatro also
provides several other standard resin ribbons in a variety of
spot colors including blue, green, red, and metallic gold. All
monochrome resin ribbons provide 1,000 prints. The blue,
green, and metallic gold ribbons are capable of printing bar
codes which can be read by visible light bar code scanners only.
Bar codes printed with the red ribbon are NOT readable.
Please note that Quatro requires specialized ribbons in order to
function properly. To order additional ribbons, contact your
authorized Quatro reseller.
IMPORTANT! Watches, rings, bracelets, and other jewelry can damage the
printhead if accidentally bumped against it. For best results,
remove such items before installing or removing ribbons.
II. LOADING RIBBON INTO THE PRINTER
Follow these steps to load ribbon into the Printer:
1. Remove the ribbon from its packaging. Do not touch the
colored portion of the ribbon. Oil or dirt from your hands
can impair print quality.
2. The supply end of the ribbon is the side with the fresh,
unused ribbon on it. The ribbon take-up is the other end.
Note that the black plug in the supply ribbon core must be
present in order for Quatro to print properly.
Ribbons and Cards 7
3. Open the Top Cover of the printer by gently grasping the
front sides of the cover and lifting upward. The cover will
tilt open from front-to-back.
4. Open the Printhead Assembly by gently pulling up on the
assemblyÕs Release Tab and lifting upward. Allow the
assembly to swing completely open.
Release Tab
Printhead
Assembly
5. Place the supply end of the ribbon in between the two
black Ribbon Drive Hubs located on the right-hand side of
the printerÕs interior. Make certain that the ribbon is fed
from underneath the ribbon roll. HINT: The Ribbon Drive
Hub nearest you, as you are looking into the printer from
the front, is spring loaded. Use the end of the ribbon
supply core to push in this Ribbon Drive Hub when
inserting the ribbon.
8 Ribbons and Cards
Take-up Ribbon
Drive Hubs
Ribbon Sensor
Supply Ribbon
Drive Hubs
6. Place the take-up end of the ribbon roll in between the two
black Ribbon Drive Hubs located on the left-hand side of
the printerÕs interior. Load the ribbon take-up end of the
ribbon just as you loaded the ribbon supply end. When
loaded properly, the ribbon should feed underneath both
ends of the ribbon roll.
Supply Roll
Take-Up Roll
7. Grasp the Release Tab and gently lower the Printhead
Assembly to close it. Lift slightly on the Release Tab to
latch the assembly shut. Close the printerÕs Top Cover.
When you start to print, the Ribbon Drive Hubs will
automatically engage the notches on both cores of the
ribbon roll.
IMPORTANT!
Cleaning Roller Assembly
Do not reverse the ribbon. Damage may occur to the
thermal printhead!
Ribbons and Cards 9
III. ABOUT CARDS
The Quatro ID Card Printer prints onto standard CR-80 size
cards (3.375"L x 2.125"W x .030"/ 86mmL x 54mmW x .75mm)
which have a clean, level, polished PVC surface. Although
Quatro is equipped with card cleaning rollers, it is very
important to always print onto cards designed for direct-tocard, thermal printing. For this reason, a special card stock is
available which is specifically designed for printing with
Quatro.
This card stock provides a level, polished PVC surface free of
fingerprints, dust, and any other types of embedded
contaminants. In addition, this card stock is packaged and
shipped in dust-free plastic bags. To order compatible card
stock, contact your authorized Quatro reseller.
IMPORTANT!
Never run cards with a contaminated, dull, or uneven
surface through the printer. Printing onto such cards will
ultimately lead to poor print quality and will greatly reduce
the life of your printhead. In addition, always store your
card stock in its original packaging or in a clean, dust-free
environment. Do not print onto cards which have been
dropped or soiled. Printheads damaged by contaminated
or poor quality cards will automatically void the
printheadÕs factory warranty.
IV. LOADING CARDS INTO THE PRINTER
Quatro holds a maximum of 50 CR-80 size cards in its Card
Input Hopper. The printer will automatically feed each card off
the top of the stack. To load the cards into the printer, refer to
the following steps:
1. Open the Top Cover of the printer by gently grasping the
front sides of the cover and lifting upward. The cover will
tilt open from front-to-back.
10 Ribbons and Cards
2. Remove a stack of 50 or fewer cards from the card
packaging. Do not touch the area of the cards on which you
intend to print. Oil or dirt from your hands can impair print
quality. Handle cards only along the edges.
3. Load the stack of cards into the printer by depressing the
spring loaded Card Input Tray and pushing the stack all the
way to the front of the Card Input Hopper. Always load
cards with the top or primary print side facing up.
If inserting cards with a magnetic stripe, be sure the
magnetic stripe is positioned downward and that the
stripe is oriented toward the rear of the printer. If
inserting smart cards, be sure the end of the card
containing the smart card chip is inserted first.
Card Stack
Card Input Tray
4. Once the cards have been inserted, remove the top card and
throw it away if you suspect it has been contaminated with
oil from your fingertips. Close the printerÕs Top Cover.
Ribbons and Cards 11
V. PRINTING A SELF TEST
Now that ribbon and cards are installed, a self test should be
performed to check for proper operation of the printer. The
standard self test function requires only that a full-color ribbon
and at least one card is installed. A sample of the self test
pattern is shown below.
1. If power is ON, turn it OFF now by pressing the on/cancel
button. The LED indicator lights should no longer be
illuminated. Verify that a full-color ribbon is installed and
that cards are properly loaded.
2. Press and hold the on-line button.
3. While holding the on-line button down, turn the printer
power back ON by quickly pressing and releasing the
on/cancel button.
4. Release the on-line button. The gray scale self test pattern
will begin printing approximately 10 seconds after the online button is released.
v1.x.x
12 Ribbons and Cards
Self Test Example: (Actual size)
Chapter 4: Using the Quatro ID
Card Printer
I. CONNECTING THE PRINTER TO YOUR COMPUTER
The Quatro ID Card Printer is designed to be used with
nearly any IBM-PC or compatible running Windows 3.1x,
Windows 95/98, or Windows NT. A minimum of a 486 DX class
computer with 4MB RAM or higher is required. For best
performance, a Pentiumª class computer with 16 MB RAM or
higher is recommended.
The printer is equipped with an ECP-compatible, high-speed
Centronics parallel port. This port is the means through which
the printer receives data from your computer. To connect the
printer to your computer, obtain a shielded, bi-directional
parallel cable and refer to the following steps:
1. Connect the Centronics-type parallel side to the printer.
Snap the fastening clips into place.
2. Connect the other side to the back of your PC at the
PARALLEL connector.
The printer must have its on-line light illuminated to receive
data. If the light is not ON, press the on-line button.
Using the Quatro ID Card Printer 13
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