FARGO electronic SW HDMI User Manual

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

 DTC500-LE (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders) (See DTC510 information)  DTC510 (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)  DTC515 (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)  DTC515-LC (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)  DTC520 (Dual-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)  DTC525 (Dual-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)  DTC525-LC (Dual-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

Part Number: L000699

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DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0), property of FARGO Electronics, Incorporated

Copyright  2002 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 6.0 1 March 2006 DTC500 Card Printer/Encoders User Guide Revision 5.0 1 January 2004 Same document title Revision 4.0 15 September 2003 Same document title

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edition, McGraw-Hill)

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

FARGO Electronics, Incorporated Support Services 6533 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (USA) (952) 941-9470 (800) 459-5636 FAX: (952) 941-7836 www.fargo.com E-mail: sales@fargo.com

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Introduction

Reviewing the DTC500 Series Printers Overview table

DTC500 Series Input

Hoppers

DTC500-LE (SingleSided Card Printer/Encoders)

See DTC510 information for DTC500LE.

DTC510 (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC515 (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC515-LC (SingleSided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC520 (Dual-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

1 100 N/A Optional N/A

2 200 Included Optional Optional

2 200 Included Optional Included

2 100 N/A Optional N/A

Card Capacity

Security Encoding

Modules

Lamination Module

DTC525 (Dual-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC525-LC (DualSided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

2 200 Included Optional Optional

2 200 Included Optional Included

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How to use the manual

The DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0) is, in fact, the troubleshooting and field service manual for the entire DTC500 card printer. The manual is designed to provide Installers and Technicians with quick, efficient lookup of related procedures, components and terms. The manual can be used effectively either in soft or hard copy, depending on the preference of the Installer or Technician.

Manual Description

Sequence of Operations, Glossary of Terms and Technical/Functional Specifications (hyper-linked)

Table of Contents (hyperlinked)

Troubleshooting, Replacement, Removal, Diagnostic and Navigation Procedures (in hyper-linked Sections)

Cross-Referencing (hyperlinked)

Comprehensive Index (hyper-linked)

You can go directly to the Sequence of Operations, Glossary of Terms, Technical Specifications and Functional Specifications to learn how to use the processes, procedures, functions and windows for the DTC500 Card Printer/Encoders within concise, correlative tables.

You can use the Table of Contents to quickly locate, for example a procedure, the index or an appendix.

You can go directly to Specifications, General Troubleshooting, Printer Adjustments, Parts Replacement, Printer Packing, Board Level Diagnostics, LCD On-Line Menu Navigation and Firmware Updates to find troubleshooting, removal and replacement procedures. The section titles are always labeled according to their function for consistent usage.

You can use the cross-referencing links to quickly locate an error message or a procedure.

You can use the Comprehensive Index to quickly locate information on the DTC500 Card Printer/Encoders, relating to a specification, a procedural step, a window or screen, a component, a term, a qualifier or a related feature to this printer.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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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

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.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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212223

DTC500 Card Printer/Encoders Overview

Reviewing the DTC500 Block Diagram

2526

Motors Sensors Parts

1 Hopper Lift 13 Card Detection 24 Card Input Roller 2 Hopper Transport 14 Flipper Table Card 25 Cleaning Cartridge

3 Encoding/Flipper Feed 15 Encoding TOF 26 Flipper Table Roller 4 Flipper Stepper 16 Flipper Home 27 Flipper Table 5 Ribbon Supply 17 Print TOF 28 Encoding Module 6 Ribbon Take-up 18 Ribbon Sensor Array 29 Encoding Feed Roller 7 Headlift 19 Ribbon Encoder 30 Card Feed Roller 8 Card Feed Stepper 20 Print Headlift 31 Platen Roller 21 Thermistor 32 Printhead 22 Cover Interlock 33 Printhead Cooling Fan 23 Release Lever 34 Card Input Hopper 24 RFID 25 Hopper Lift 26 Hopper Transport 27 Card Feed

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC 525 Sequence of Operations

The following sequence describes a DTC525 doing a dual sided full color print job with magnetic encoding.

Step Process

1 The File information is received from the PC. 2 The Flipper Stepper activates and rotates the Flipper Table until the Flipper

Home Sensor is activated.

3 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table back a specific number of steps

(based on the Flipper Offset setting) to return the Flipper Table to a level position.

4 The Card Detection Sensor detects the presence of a Card in the exception

feed.

5 The Hopper Lift Motor activates and lowers the Card Hopper until the Hopper Lift

Sensor detects a change in state.

6 The Card Detection Sensor detects the presence of a Card.

If no card is seen, the following takes place: a. The Hopper Lift Motor activates and raises the Card Hopper until the Hopper

Lift Sensor detects a change in state.

b. The Hopper Transport Motor activates and moves to the other Hopper until

the Hopper Position Sensor detects a change in state.

c. The Hopper Lift Motor activates and lowers the card Hopper until the Hopper

Lift Sensor is activated.

d. The Card Detection Sensor detects the presence of a Card.

7 The Card Feed Stepper activates and feeds a card through the Cleaning Roller

and onto the Flipper Table.

8 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table a certain number of steps (based

on the Encoder Angle setting) to position the card for Encoding.

9 The Encoder/Flipper Feed Motor activates until the Card passes the Encoding

TOF Sensor.

10 The Encoding Feed Motor feeds the Card back to the Flipper Table while the

Magnetic Encoding Head transfers data onto the Magnetic Stripe.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC 525 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

11 Repeat Steps 9 to 10 for each Encoding and Verification pass.

12 The Card is centered on the Flipper Table based on input from the Flipper Table

Card Sensor.

13 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table a specific number of steps (based on

the Flipper Offset setting) to the Home the Flipper Table. 14 The Card Feed Motor feeds the Card to the Print TOF Sensor. 15 The Ribbon Drives turn ON and move until the correct panel is found by the Print

Ribbon Sensor Array (5 reflective). All Stop. (Note: The Print Ribbon Encoder is

active during this step.) 16 The Headlift Motor engages and moves the printhead down until the Headlift

Sensor is activated. All Stop. 17 The Fan turns ON (as required) and blows cool air over the Printhead.

(Note: The Printhead Thermistor determinates the Printhead Temperature.) 18 Ribbon Drive and Card feed Motors activate and the printhead burns image data

until the image data is depleted. All Stop. (Note: The Ribbon Encoder is active

during this step.) 19 The Headlift Motor engages, moving the printhead up until the Headlift Sensor is

activated. All Stop. 20 The Card Feed Motor feeds the Card back to the Print TOF Sensor. 21 Repeat steps 14 to 20 for the appropriate Number of Color/Overlay Panels. 22 The Card Feed Motor transports the Card back to the Flipper Table. 23 The Flipper Stepper rotates in order to invert the Card. 24 The Card Feed Motor activates and moves the card to the Print TOF Sensor. All

Stop. 25 The Flipper Stepper rotates to return the Flipper Table to a level position. 26 Repeat Steps 14 to 20 for the appropriate Number of Color/Overlay Panels. 27 The Card Feed Motor activates to feed the Card out of the Printer.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC 520 Sequence of Operations

The following sequence describes a DTC525 doing a dual sided full color print job with magnetic encoding.

Step Process

1 The File information is received from the PC. 2 The Flipper Stepper activates and rotates the Flipper Table until the Flipper Home

Sensor detects a change in state.

3 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table back a specific number of steps

(based on the Flipper Offset setting) to return the Flipper Table to a level position.

4 The Card Detection Sensor detects for the presence of a Card in the exception

feed.

5 The Hopper Lift Motor activates and lowers the Card Hopper until the Hopper Lift

Sensor detects a change in state.

6 The Card Detection Sensor detects the presence of a Card. 7 The Card Feed Stepper activates and feeds a card through the Cleaning Roller

and onto the Flipper Table.

8 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table a specific number of steps (based on

the Encoder Angle setting) to position the card for Encoding.

9 The Encoder/Flipper Feed Motor activates until the Card passes the Encoding

TOF Sensor. 10 The Encoding Feed Motor feeds the Card back to the Flipper Table while the

Magnetic Encoding Head transfers data onto the Magnetic Stripe. 11 Repeat Steps 9 to 10 for each Encoding and Verification pass. 12 The Card is centered on the Flipper Table based on input from the Flipper Table

Card Sensor.

14 The Card Feed Motor feeds the Card to the Print TOF Sensor.

15 The Ribbon Drives turn ON and move until the correct panel is detected by the

Print Ribbon Sensor Array (5 reflective). All Stop. (Note: The Print Ribbon

Encoder is active during this step.)

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC 520 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

16 The Headlift Motor engages and moves the Printhead down until the Headlift

Sensor detects a change in state. All Stop. 17 The Fan turns ON (as required) and blows cool air on the Printhead.

(Note: The Printhead Thermistor determines the Printhead Temperature.) 18 Ribbon Drive and Card feed Motors activate and the printhead burns image data

until the image data is depleted. All Stop. (Note: The Ribbon Encoder is active

during this step.) 19 The Headlift Motor engages, moving the printhead up until the Headlift Sensor is

activated. All Stop. 20 The Card Feed Motor feeds the Card back to the Print TOF Sensor. 21 Repeat Steps 14 to 20 for the appropriate Number of Color/Overlay Panels. 22 The Card Feed Motor transports the Card back to the Flipper Table. 23 The Flipper Stepper rotates to invert the Card. 24 The Card Feed Motor activates and moves the Card to the Print TOF Sensor. All

Stop. 25 The Flipper Stepper rotates to return the Flipper Table to a level position. 26 Repeat steps 14 to 20 for the appropriate Number of Color/Overlay Panels. 27 The Card Feed Motor activates to feed the Card out of the Printer.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC 515 Sequence of Operations

The following sequence describes a DTC515 doing a full color print job with magnetic encoding.

Step Process

1 The File information is received from the PC. 2 The Flipper Stepper activates and rotates the Flipper Table until the Flipper Home

Sensor detects a change in state.

3 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table back a specific number of steps

(based on the Flipper Offset setting) to return the Flipper Table to a level position.

4 The Card Detection Sensor detects for the presence of a Card in the exception

feed.

5 The Hopper Lift Motor activates and lowers the Card Hopper until the Hopper Lift

Sensor detects a change in state.

6 Card detection sensor detects for the presence of a card.

If no card is seen, the following takes place:

a. The Hopper Lift Motor activates and raises the card Hopper until the Hopper

Lift Sensor detects a change in state.

b. The Hopper Transport motor activates and move to the other Hopper until the

Hopper Position Sensor detects a change in state.

c. The Hopper Lift Motor activates and lowers the Card Hopper until the Hopper

Lift Sensor detects a change in state.

d. The Card Detection Sensor detects for the presence of a Card.

7 The Card Feed Stepper activates and feeds a Card through the Cleaning Roller

and onto the Flipper Table.

8 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table a specific number of steps (based on

the Encoder Angle setting) to position the Card for Encoding.

9 The Encoder/Flipper Feed Motor activates until the Card passes the Encoding

TOF Sensor.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC 515 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

10 The Encoding Feed Motor feeds the Card back to the Flipper Table while the

Magnetic Encoding Head transfers the data onto the Magnetic Stripe.

11 Repeat Steps 9 to 10 for each Encoding and Verification pass.

12 The Card is centered on the Flipper Table based on input from the Flipper Table

Card Sensor. 13 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table a certain number of steps (based on

the Flipper Offset setting) to return the Flipper Table to a level position. 14 The Card Feed Motor feeds card to the Print TOF Sensor. 15 The Ribbon Drives turn ON and move until the correct panel is found by the Print

Ribbon Sensor Array (5 reflective). All Stop. (Note: The Print Ribbon Encoder is

active during this step.) 16 The Headlift Motor engages and moves the Printhead down until the Headlift

Sensor is activated. All Stop. 17 The Fan turns ON (as required) and blows cool air on the Printhead.

(Note: The Printhead Thermistor determines the Printhead Temperature.) 18 The Ribbon Drive and Card Feed Motors activate and the Printhead burns the

image data until the image data is depleted. All Stop. (Note: The Ribbon Encoder

is active during this step.) 19 The Headlift Motor engages and moves the Printhead up until the Headlift Sensor

detects a change in state. All Stop. 20 The Card Feed Motor feeds the Card back to the Print TOF Sensor. 21 Repeat Steps 14 to 20 for the appropriate Number of Color/Overlay Panels. 22 The Card Feed Motor activates to feed the Card out of the Printer.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC500-LE/DTC 510 Sequence of Operations

The following sequence describes a DTC510 doing a full color print job with magnetic encoding.

Step Process

1 The File information is received from the PC. 2 The Flipper Stepper activates and rotates the Flipper Table until the Flipper Home

Sensor detects a change in state.

3 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table back a specific number of steps

(Based on the Flipper Offset setting) to return the Flipper Table to a level position.

4 The Card Detection Sensor detects the presence of a Card in the exception feed. 5 The Hopper Lift Motor activates and lowers the Card Hopper until the Hopper Lift

Sensor detects a change in state.

6 The Card Detection Sensor detects for the presence of a card. 7 The Card Feed Stepper activates and feeds a Card through the Cleaning Roller

and onto the Flipper Table.

8 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table a specific number of steps (based on

the Encoder Angle setting) to position the card for Encoding.

9 The Encoder/Flipper Feed Motor activates until the card passes the Encoding TOF

Sensor. 10 The Encoding Feed Motor feeds card back to the flipper table while the Magnetic

Encoding Head transfers data onto the Magnetic Stripe. 11 Repeat Steps 9 to 10 for each encoding/verification pass. 12 The Card is centered on the Flipper Table based on input from the Flipper Table

Card Sensor.

13 The Flipper Stepper rotates the Flipper Table a specific number of steps (based on

the Flipper Offset setting) to return the Flipper Table to a level position.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC500-LE/DTC 510 Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

14 The Card Feed Motor feeds card to the Print TOF Sensor. 15 The Ribbon Drives turn ON and move until the correct panel is found by the Print

Ribbon Sensor Array (5 reflective). All Stop. (Note: The Print Ribbon Encoder is

active during this step.) 16 The Headlift Motor engages and moves the Printhead down until the Headlift

Sensor is activated. All Stop. 17 The Fan turns ON (as required) and blows cool air over the Printhead.

(Note: The Printhead Thermistor determines the Printhead Temperature.) 18 The Ribbon Drive and Card Feed Motors activate and the Printhead burns the

image data until the image data is depleted. All Stop. (Note: The Ribbon

Encoder is active during this step.) 19 The Headlift Motor engages and moves the Printhead up until the Headlift Sensor

is activated. All Stop. 20 The Card Feed Motor feeds card back to the Print TOF Sensor. 21 Repeat steps 14 to 20 for the appropriate Number of Color/Overlay Panels. 22 The Card Feed Motor activates to feed the Card out of the Printer.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the DTC500 Boot up Sequence

Step Process

1 The Printer checks the installed memory in the Printer. 2 The Printers Firmware is initialized. 3 The Headlift Motor activates and cycles the Printhead one full rotation. 4 The Encoding Feed Motor activates and the Magnetic TOF Sensor checks for

the presence of a Card.

4 The Hopper Transport Motor activates until the Hopper Position Sensor detects

a change in state.

5 The Print Ribbon moves forward until it finds the panel, pauses, advances to

magenta, then backs up to yellow (where the Ribbon Sensor detects marks in the ribbon.

6 The Hopper Lift Motor activates and raises the Hopper until the Hopper Lift

Sensor detects a change in state.

7 The Card Feed Motor activates to clear any Cards from the Card path.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Lamination

Lamination Station

Reviewing the Lamination Module Sequence of Operations

The LAM sequence of operations begins after printing has occurred with the Card Printer.

Step Process

1 The card is fed onto the Lamination Module Flipper Table. 2 The card is fed to the Card Position Sensor. 3 The Lamination Ribbon Motor begins cycling until the Upper Lamination Sensor

detects the mark.

4 The Card Feed Motor activates to center the card on the Platen Roller. 5 The Lamination Roller Lift Motor cycles until the Lamination Roller Lift Sensor

detects state change.

Securing

Latches

Lamination

LED Light

Cancel

Button

Resume

(pause) Button

Card Output

Hopper

Continued on the next page

Top Cover

Rejection Card Hopper

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Reviewing the Lamination Module Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

6 The Card Feed Motor and the Lamination Ribbon Motor activate for the length of

the card.

7 The Lamination Roller Lift Motor cycles until Lamination Roller Lift Sensor detects

state change.

8 The card is fed back to the Flipper Table. 9 The Flipper Table Clutch engages.

10 The Flipper Table Motor activates until the Card is inverted based on the Flipper

offset setting. 11 The Flipper Table Clutch disengages. 12 The card is fed off the Flipper Table. 13 The Flipper Table Clutch engages. 14 The Flipper Table Motor activates until the Flipper Table is homed. 15 The Flipper Table Clutch disengages. 16 Repeat Steps 2 through 7. 17 The card is fed out of the Printer.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Reviewing the Lamination Module Boot up Sequence

Step Process

1 The Lamination Headlift turns until head up position is returned from Headlift

Sensor.

2 The Lamination Ribbon motor activates to determine the presence of a roll of

lamination. 3 The Lamination Flipper table homes itself. 4 The Card sensor checks for the presence of a card and ejects it if found.

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Table of Contents

Section 1: Specifications_________________________________________________________ 6

Reviewing the DTC500 Series Printers Overview table ________________________________________6 Regulatory Compliances ________________________________________________________________7 Agency Listings_______________________________________________________________________8 Technical Specifications ________________________________________________________________8 Functional Specifications ______________________________________________________________13

Printer Components: LCD display to Parallel Interface Port_________________________________15 Printer Components: LCD and Softkey Control Pad_______________________________________19 Printer Components: Centronics-Type Parallel Interface ___________________________________24 Printer Components: Print Ribbons ____________________________________________________25 Printer Components: Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes _____________________________________25 Printer Components: Blank Cards _____________________________________________________26 Reviewing the upgraded 81754 PVC Cards ______________________________________________27 Printer Components: Card Input and Output Hoppers______________________________________29 Printer Components: Lamination Roller ________________________________________________30

Reviewing the Card Lamination Module __________________________________________________31

Determining the Ready Status of the Card Lamination Module_______________________________32 Reviewing the Lamination Top Cover and Station_________________________________________33 Reviewing the Securing Latches and Lamination LED light _________________________________34 Reviewing the Cancel button _________________________________________________________35 Reviewing the Resume (pause) button __________________________________________________36 Reviewing the Rejection Card Hopper and Card Output Hopper______________________________37 Reviewing the Module and Printer interaction____________________________________________38 Reviewing the Module and LCD display interaction _______________________________________39 Reviewing the Module’s Programmed Default Temperature_________________________________40 Reviewing the Laminator Temperature Adjustment________________________________________41

Reviewing the Overlaminates ___________________________________________________________42

Reviewing the Thermal Transfer Film and PolyGuard Overlaminates__________________________42 Reviewing the CR-90 or CR-100 Patch Size _____________________________________________43 Reviewing the Overlaminate Design ___________________________________________________43

Reviewing the Visual Security Solutions __________________________________________________44

VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application _____________________________________44 Custom HoloMarkTM Cards _________________________________________________________44 Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers ______________________________________________44 Visual Security - Fargo Certified Overlaminates (Special Order in 50 quantity minimum)__________44 Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances ________________________________________________45 VeriMarkTM - Application Specifications_______________________________________________45 HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM - Application Specifications ________________________45

Section 2: General Troubleshooting ______________________________________________ 46

Reviewing the LCD display and LED light_________________________________________________46

Troubleshooting the LCD Messages____________________________________________________46 Verifying the Encoding Settings for DTC500 Series Card Printer and Encoders__________________53 Verifying Encoder Settings for DTC 510/DTC 515 (Symptom A) ____________________________54 Verifying Encoder Settings for DTC 510/DTC 515 (Symptom B) ____________________________54 Verifying the Encoding Settings for the DTC 520/DTC 525 _________________________________58

Communications Errors________________________________________________________________62

Resolving the Communication Errors___________________________________________________62

Card Feeding Errors __________________________________________________________________67

Resolving the Card Feeding Errors_____________________________________________________67 Resolving the Card Jam on the Flipper Table_____________________________________________70 Resolving the Card Hopper Jam Error Message___________________________________________72 Resolving the Card Hopper Empty Error Message_________________________________________73

Encoding Errors______________________________________________________________________74

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Resolving the No Magnetic Encoder Error Message _______________________________________74 Resolving the No ENC Response Error Message__________________________________________74 Resolving the Failed Magnetic Encode Error Message _____________________________________75 Resolving the No Prox Encoder Error Message ___________________________________________75 Resolving the No Smart Encoder Error Message __________________________________________76 Resolving the Failed Smart Encode Error Message ________________________________________76 Removing the Card Jam in the Printer’s Magnetic Encoding Area ____________________________77 Removing the Card Jam in the Printer’s Smart Card Encoding Area___________________________78 Resolving the Printer not reading Encoded Magnetic Track Data _____________________________79 Resolving the Magnetic Stripe Data being printed on a Card problem _________________________81

Printing Process Errors ________________________________________________________________82

Resolving the Ribbon Alignment Error Message__________________________________________82 Resolving the Print Ribbon Error Message ______________________________________________83 Resolving the Print Ribbon Out Error Message ___________________________________________83 Resolving the Ribbon Jam/Broke Error Message__________________________________________83 Resolving the Wrong Print Ribbon Error Message ________________________________________84 Resolving the Unknown Ribbon Type Error Message ______________________________________85 Resolving the Headlift Error Message __________________________________________________86 Resolving the Printer pausing between panels error________________________________________87 Resolving the Printhead Temp Error Message ____________________________________________88 Resolving the Flipper Alignment Error Message __________________________________________89

Firmware Errors _____________________________________________________________________90

Resolving the Update Firmware Now __________________________________________________90 Resolving an Upgrade Failed error_____________________________________________________90 Resolving a Program Exception Error __________________________________________________93

Diagnosing the Image Problems _________________________________________________________94

Resolving the Pixel failure problems ___________________________________________________94 Resolving the Card surface debris problems _____________________________________________97 Resolving the incorrect Image Darkness problems _______________________________________100 Resolving the Ribbon wrinkle problems _______________________________________________103 Resolving the excessive Resin Printing problems ________________________________________105 Resolving the incomplete Resin Printing problems _______________________________________107 Resolving the cut off or off-center Card Image problems __________________________________109 Resolving the poor Image Quality problems ____________________________________________110

Printing a Test Image ________________________________________________________________111

Reviewing the Gray/Align YMC/K Self-Test ___________________________________________111 Reviewing the Color/Resin YMCK Self-Test ___________________________________________112 Reviewing the Color Bars YMC Self-Test ______________________________________________112 Reviewing the Card Count Self-Test __________________________________________________113 Reviewing the Magnetic Test option __________________________________________________113

Section 3: Card Lamination Module ____________________________________________ 114

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________114 Loading the Overlaminate_____________________________________________________________115 Adjusting the Card Lamination Module __________________________________________________118

Adjusting the Card Flattener_________________________________________________________118 Adjusting the Card Guide Rail _______________________________________________________120 Adjusting the Internal Card Guide ____________________________________________________124 Attaching the Card Lamination Module ________________________________________________126

Section 4: Printer Adjustments_________________________________________________ 132

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________132

Adjusting the Internal Card Guide ____________________________________________________133 Printer Driver options ________________________________________________________________135 Using the Device options tab___________________________________________________________135

Adjusting for the Ribbon Type_______________________________________________________136

Adjusting for the Color matching _____________________________________________________137

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Adjusting for the Resin Dither _______________________________________________________138

Using the Print Both Sides option (DTC520/DTC525 only) ________________________________139

Using the Split 1 Set of Ribbon Panels option (DTC520/DTC525 only) _______________________140

Using the Print Back Side First option _________________________________________________141

Using the Print on Back Side Only option (DTC520/DTC525 only) __________________________142

Using the Rotate Front by 180 Degrees option___________________________________________143

Using the Rotate Back by 180 Degrees option (DTC520/DTC525 only)_______________________144

Using the Buffer Single Card option __________________________________________________145

Using the Link Card to Print Job option________________________________________________146

Using the Disable Printing option_____________________________________________________147 Using the Image Color tab_____________________________________________________________148 Using the K Panel Resin tab ___________________________________________________________152

Selecting the Full Card with the K Panel Resin tab _______________________________________153

Selecting the Defined Area(s) with the K Panel Resin tab __________________________________154

Selecting the Undefined Area(s) with the K Panel Resin tab ________________________________155

Defining the Area to activate the Card Grid _____________________________________________156

Measuring the Total Card area _______________________________________________________157

Defining the positioning of the area on the Card _________________________________________159

Selecting the Print YMC under the K and Print K Only options _____________________________161 Using the Magnetic Encoding tab _______________________________________________________163

Using the Encoding Mode option _____________________________________________________164

Encoding the Mode/Coercivity/Magnetic Track Selection__________________________________166

Using the Magnetic Track Selection option _____________________________________________168

Reviewing the Enable MLE Support checkbox __________________________________________169

Using the Magnetic Track options ____________________________________________________170

Using the Bit Density radio buttons ___________________________________________________171

Using the Character Size radio buttons_________________________________________________171

Using the ASCII Offset ____________________________________________________________172

Using the LRC Generation radio buttons _______________________________________________173

Using the Character Parity radio buttons _______________________________________________173

Using the Verification option ________________________________________________________174

Reviewing the Shift Data Left _______________________________________________________175

Reviewing the ISO Track Locations___________________________________________________176

Reviewing the Sample String ________________________________________________________176

Sending the Track Information_______________________________________________________177

Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table_________________________________________178 Using the Overlay/Print Area tab _______________________________________________________179

Using the Overlay/Print Area dropdown menu __________________________________________180

Using the Overlay/Print Area ________________________________________________________181

Using Security Options (Visual Security Solutions)_______________________________________187

Selecting Orientation - Landscape under Card tab ________________________________________188

Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (A to D) ___________________________189

Selecting Orientation - Portfolio under Card tab _________________________________________190

Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (E to H)____________________________191

Selecting the VeriMark radio button __________________________________________________192

Selecting the HoloMark radio button __________________________________________________193

Reviewing the Custom VeriMark Card ________________________________________________194

Reviewing the Custom HoloMark Card ________________________________________________195

Using SmartShield Area dropdown menu ______________________________________________196 Using the Card tab___________________________________________________________________197

Selecting the Card Size_____________________________________________________________198

Using the Card Hopper Selection (DTC515/DTC525 only) option ___________________________200

Reviewing the Orientation __________________________________________________________203

Specifying the Copies______________________________________________________________203

Using the Test Print button__________________________________________________________204

Clicking on the About button ________________________________________________________205

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Using the Image Position button______________________________________________________206 Using the Lamination tab (only with Card Lamination Module) _______________________________209

Selecting the Lamination Position ____________________________________________________210

Selecting the Lamination Side _______________________________________________________211

Selecting the Lamination Type_______________________________________________________212

Selecting the Lamination Type_______________________________________________________213

Adjusting the Transfer Dwell Time and Transfer Temperature ______________________________214

Selecting the Sensors button and Defaults button_________________________________________214

Calibrating the Card Lamination Module’s Lamination Sensor______________________________215

Section 5: Cleaning___________________________________________________________ 216

Safety Messages (review carefully)______________________________________________________216

Cleaning the Printhead (850102) _____________________________________________________217

Replacing the Card Cleaning Tape____________________________________________________218

Cleaning the Platen and Card Feed Rollers _____________________________________________220

Cleaning the Platen________________________________________________________________223

Cleaning the Printer's Exterior _______________________________________________________224

Cleaning the Printer's Interior________________________________________________________224

Cleaning the Magnetic Encoder ______________________________________________________226

Section 6: Packing the DTC500 Card Printer _____________________________________ 229 Section 7: Board Level Diagnostics ______________________________________________ 230

Board Errors _______________________________________________________________________230

Resolving the EE Memory Error _____________________________________________________230

Resolving the EE Checksum Error____________________________________________________230

Resolving the DRAM Memory Error__________________________________________________231

Resolving the RAM Memory Error ___________________________________________________231

Resolving the FPGA Error __________________________________________________________231 Sensor Testing______________________________________________________________________232

Reviewing the Sensor Location and Voltages ___________________________________________233

Reviewing the Sensor Layout on Ribbon Sensor array ____________________________________234

Section 8: LCD On-Line Menu Navigation _______________________________________ 235

Entering the LCD Menu and selecting an Option ___________________________________________235

Using the Softkey and Scroll buttons __________________________________________________236 Accessing the Menu Option Structure Tree________________________________________________236

Selecting from the Menu Option Structure Tree__________________________________________237 Using the LCD Menu ________________________________________________________________238

Printing the Self-test_______________________________________________________________238

Reviewing the Gray/Align YMC (DTC510/515) and Gray/Align YMC/K (DTC520/525) Self-Test _239

Reviewing the Color/Resin YMCK Self-Test ___________________________________________239

Reviewing the Card Count YMC Self-Test _____________________________________________240

Reviewing the Standard Resin Self-Test _______________________________________________240

Using the Magnetic Test option (only with Magnetic Encoding Module) ______________________241

Setting up the Printer ______________________________________________________________241 Print TOF and Print EOF Alignment Procedures ___________________________________________242

Preparing to Adjust the Print TOF and Print EOF ________________________________________243

Setting the Print TOF ______________________________________________________________243

Setting the Print EOF ______________________________________________________________244

Adjusting the Ribbon Tension _______________________________________________________246

Setting the Printhead Resistance______________________________________________________247

Adjusting the Image Darkness _______________________________________________________248

Changing the Encoder Settings_______________________________________________________249

Adjusting the Magnetic TOF ________________________________________________________250

Changing the Hopper Settings _______________________________________________________252

Changing the BAUD Rate Settings ___________________________________________________253

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Adjusting the Flipper Offset _________________________________________________________253

Viewing the Report Supplies ________________________________________________________254

Using the Show the Error Count Tool _________________________________________________254

Showing the Card Count____________________________________________________________255

Selecting the System Upgrade (Firmware Upgrade) ______________________________________255

Section 9: Firmware Updates __________________________________________________ 256

Firmware Updater Application Program__________________________________________________256 Downloading Firmware Updates________________________________________________________258 Updating the Printer's Firmware ________________________________________________________259

Updating the Main Firmware ________________________________________________________259

Updating the LCD Firmware ________________________________________________________262

Section 10: DTC500 Enhancement Kit Instructions Overview _______________________ 264

Reviewing the Parts (included with the Kit; 1 set per Card Printer)___________________________264

Reviewing the required Tools________________________________________________________265

Reviewing the required Media supplies ________________________________________________265 Updating the Process Strategy__________________________________________________________266

Determining the Card Printer qualifications for the Update_________________________________266

Unpacking the Card Printer _________________________________________________________267

Removing the Printer's main plastic casing _____________________________________________268

Inspecting the Drive Pulley _________________________________________________________269

Installing the Push-Clip onto the Drive Roller ___________________________________________271

Removing and installing the Card Feed Roller (D850415) _________________________________272

Installing the Sensor Holder _________________________________________________________274

Installing the new Card Input Hopper in the single Hopper units (DTC510/520) ________________277

Installing the new Card Input Hopper in the dual Hopper units (DTC515/525)__________________280

Applying the Close Door While Printing Label (L000188) _________________________________283

Applying the Ribbon Loading Label (L000108) _________________________________________284

Replacing the plastic Printer casing ___________________________________________________285

Powering up the Unit and confirming its Ready status_____________________________________286

Upgrading the Firmware to Version 1.5.1 ______________________________________________287

Confirming the Printer operations ____________________________________________________290

Removing the Media from the Printer _________________________________________________298

Repackaging the Printer ____________________________________________________________298

Section 11: Fargo Technical Support____________________________________________ 300

Contacting Fargo Technical Support_____________________________________________________300 Reading the Serial Numbers on a Fargo printer ____________________________________________301

Finding out when a Fargo Card Printer was manufactured _________________________________301

Reviewing Example No. 1: Serial Number 80453289_____________________________________301

Reviewing Example No. 2: Serial Number A1280224 ____________________________________301

Section 12: Reviewing Spare Parts Lists _________________________________________ 302

Reviewing the Spare Parts List for DTC500 Series Card Printer_____________________________302

Reviewing the Spare Parts List for the DTC500 LAM_____________________________________302

Glossary of Terms ____________________________________________________________ 303 Index_______________________________________________________________________ 323

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Section 1: Specifications

The purpose of this section is to provide the User with specific information on the Regulatory Compliances, Agency Listings, Technical Specifications and Functional Specifications for the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0).

Reviewing the DTC500 Series Printers Overview table

DTC500 Series Input

Hoppers

DTC510 (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC515 (Single-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC515-LC (SingleSided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC520 (Dual-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC525 (Dual-Sided Card Printer/Encoders)

DTC525-LC (DualSided Card Printer/Encoders)

1 100 N/A Optional N/A

2 200 Included Optional Optional

2 200 Included Optional Included

2 100 N/A Optional N/A

2 200 Included Optional Optional

2 200 Included Optional Included

Card Capacity

Security Encoding

Modules

Lamination Module

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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

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Agency Listings

Term Description

Emissions Standards

Safety Standards

EMC: ITS (EN 55022 Class B:1995), FCC Class B, EN 50082-1:1997, BSMI, CRC c1374, CE and CCIB

UL 1950, CSA C2.2 (No.950-95) and TüV-GS (IEC-950), CE and CCIB.

Technical Specifications

Term Description

Accepted Standard Card Size

Accepted Card Thickness

Accepted Card Types

Accepted Card Compositions

CR-79 Adhesive Back: 3.303 in. x 2.051 in. (83.9mm x 52.1mm) (cannot be laminated with DTC515-LC or DTC525-LC)

CR-80: 3.375 in. x 2.125 in. (85.6mm x 54mm) (corresponds to ID1) .010 in. (10 mil) to .050 in. (50 mil) (.254mm to 1.27mm); unless

laminating. HID Proximity Cards, Mifare Contactless Smart Cards and Contact

Smart Cards PVC or polyester cards with polished PVC finish; monochrome resin

required for 100% polyester cards.

Barcodes Code 39, Code 128 B & C with and without check digit (available with

embedded font and bar code option): 2 of 5, UPC-A, EAN 13 and PDF-417 2D bar code and other symbologies (available via Windows driver).

Card Input Hopper Capacity

Card Output Hopper Capacity

 DTC510/520: Single-stack hopper, 100 cards (30 mil); auto or

manual feed

 DTC515/525: Dual-stack hopper, 200 cards (30 mil); auto or

manual feed

 DTC515-LC/525-LC: Dual Hopper; 200 cards (.030”); auto or

manual feed

100 cards (30 mil)

Continued on the next page

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Technical Specifications (continued)

Term Description

Card Cleaning Removable card cleaning cartridge with replaceable cleaning tape. Colors Up to 16.7 million colors and 256 shades per pixel. Dimensions DTC510/515/520/525: 10.75 in. H x 18.5 in. W x 11 in. D (273mm x

470mm x 279mmD). DTC515-LC/525-LC: 10.75 in. H x 30.5 in. W x 11 in. D (273mm x

775mm x 279mmD). LC Module: 10.25” H x 30” W x 11”D/260mm H x 762mm W x

279mmD

Display SmartScreen LCD Control Panel; LED display on Card Lamination

Module.

Fonts Resident Swiss Bold 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 22 are available with

embedded font and bar code option.

TrueType fonts are available via the Windows driver. Humidity 20% to 80% Non-Condensing. Interface

 Centronics Parallel, IEEE 1284 compliant

 Optional EIA-232C serial interface (for embedded fonts and bar

codes option)

 Optional USB-to-Parallel Interface Cable (Windows

98/Me/2000/XP)

Memory 4 MB RAM Operating

65ºF to 80ºF (18ºC to 27ºC). Temperature

Print Area

CR-80 edge-to-edge: (3.37 in. x 2.12 in./85.5mm x 53.5mm)

CR-79: (3.3 in. x 2.051 in./83.8mm x 52.1mm)

Continued on the next page

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Technical Specifications (continued)

Term Description

Print Speed – Batch Mode

 DTC510/515: 7 seconds per card/514 cards per hour (K)*

 DTC510/515: 12 seconds per card/300 cards per hour (BO)*

 DTC510/515: 27 seconds per card/133 cards per hour

(YMCKO)*

 DTC520/525: 35 seconds per card/102 cards per hour

(YMCKOK)*

 DTC515-LC/525-LC: 30 seconds per card/133 cards per hour

(YMCK/lamination)*

 DTC525-LC: 36 seconds per card /102 cards per hour

(YMCKK/lamination)*

*Indicates the print Ribbon type and the number of Ribbon panels

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

B=Dye-Sublimation Black and O=Overlay.

 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.

 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. (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.) Printing Method Dye-Sublimation/Resin Thermal Transfer. Overlaminate

Options (for LC)

Thermal Transfer Overlaminate, .25 mil thick PolyGuard Overlaminate, 1.0 mil and .6 mil thick All overlaminates available in clear, holographic globe design or

custom holographic design

Continued on the next page

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Technical Specifications (continued)

Term Description

Options

Encoding Options

 Printer Cleaning Kit  External Print Server (Windows only; required for stand-alone

networking of printer/encoders)

 Card Lamination Module (DTC515 and DTC525 only)  Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes to print from AS/400, mainframe

and other systems

o Code 39, Code 128 B & C with and without check digit o 2 of 5 o UPC-A o EAN 13 o PDF-417 2D bar code and other symbologies available via

Windows driver

o Resident: Swiss Bold 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 22

 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 all e-card options or 3rd party

Smart card encoding)

Fargo Certified Supplies

Printing Resolution

 Contactless Smart Card Encoder (MIFARE)  Contact Smart Card Encoder reads from and writes to all

ISO7816-1/2/3/4 memory and microprocessor smart cards (T=0,

T=1) as well as synchronous cards

 Prox Card Encoder (HID read-only); I class Fargo Card Printer/Encoders require highly specialized media to

function properly. To maximize printed card quality, printhead life and printer/encoder reliability, use only Fargo Certified Supplies. Fargo warranties are void, where not prohibited by law, when non-Fargo Certified Supplies are used.

Up to 16.7 million colors and 256 shades per pixel. 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm)

Continued on the next page

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Technical Specifications (continued)

Term Description

Print Ribbon options

 Full Color with resin black and overlay panel, YMCKO, 400 prints  Full Color with two resin black panels and overlay panel,

YMCKOK, 350 prints

 Full Color, no resin black, no overlay panel, YMC, 700 prints,

must be used with overlaminate

 Full Color with resin black, no overlay panel, YMCK, 500 prints,

must be used with overlaminate

 Full Color with 2 resin black panels, no overlay panel, YMCKK,

400 prints, must be used with overlaminate

 Dye-Sublimation black, BO, 500 prints  Resin black, green, blue, red, white, silver, gold, scratch-off, 1000

prints Security Features SmartGuard, SmartShield, Card Hopper Lock (available only on

DTC515/525/515-LC/525-LC)

Software Drivers

Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ NT/ 2000/XP; Optional Macintosh (not available on the DTC515-LC/525-LC).

Supply Voltage

 DTC510/515/520: 100-240 VAC, 1.2A  DTC525/515-LC/525-LC: 100-240 VAC, 2.2A

Supply

50 Hz/60 Hz.

Frequency 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 DTC510/515/520/525: 24 lbs. (10.8 kg).

DTC515-LC/DTC525-LC: 43 lbs./19.5kg LC Module: 19 lbs./8.6 kg.

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Functional Specifications

The card Printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve its direct-to-card print quality for Dye-Sublimation and resin thermal transfer. The card Printer will print from any IBM-PC® or compatible running Windows® 95/98/Me, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

The following describes how each of these technologies works:

Function Description

DyeSublimation

Dye-Sublimation is the print method the card Printer uses to produce smooth, continuous-tone images that look photographic. (Note: This process uses a dye-based Ribbon roll that is partitioned by a number of consecutive color panels.)

 Process Colors: The panels are grouped in a repeating Series of

three process colors - yellow, magenta and cyan (YMC), along the entire length of the print Ribbon.

 Panels: The Printer always prints the yellow panel first, followed by the

magenta panel and the cyan panel.

 Printhead: As the print Ribbon passes beneath the Printhead,

hundreds of thermal elements within the Printhead heat the dyes on the Ribbon. (Note: When these dyes are heated, they vaporize and diffuse into the surface of the card. A separate pass is made for each of the three color panels on the Ribbon.)

 Color Shades: By combining the colors of each panel and by varying

the heat used to transfer these colors, it is possible to print up to 16.7 million different shades of color. (Note: This blends one color smoothly into the next, producing photo-quality images with absolutely no dot pattern.)

 Dye-Diffusion Thermal Transfer: It is the process of heating a dye

suspended in a cellulous substrate until the dye can flow, diffusing into the dye receptive surface of the card or InTM. This produces the image in the surface of the card.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Functional Specifications (continued)

Function Description

Resin Thermal Transfer

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. (Note: This produces very durable, saturated printing.)

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Printer Components: LCD display to Parallel Interface Port

Component Description

Access Card Slot

Card Thickness Adjustment Lever

Card Cleaning Cartridge

Card Input Hopper

Card Output Hopper

Card Supply Window

Card Input Hopper Lock

The SmartGuard Access Card is inserted in this slot and is used with the Printer's optional SmartGuard Security Feature.

Adjusts the Printer to feed varying card thicknesses.

Automatically cleans cards for higher print quality. (Note: Replace this tape after every 3000 cards or as needed.)

Load blank cards into this hopper.

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

Check the current card supply at-a-glance, without having to open the Card Hopper Door.

 If using the DTC515 or DTC525 Card Printer, this lock allows you to

lock the Card Input Hopper Door to help prevent the theft of blank cards.

 If using the DTC510 or DTC520 Card Printers, this lock is not

available.

Exception Card Slot

Insert a single exception card into this slot if you would like to print onto

a card other than those loaded in the Card Input Hopper. LCD display Displays the current status of the Printer. LED light Indicates Printer ON, OFF, pause and error conditions.

Continued on the next page

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Power Port

Power Switch

Printer Components: LCD display to Serial Interface Port (continued)

Component Description

Printhead

This Print Station component actually does the printing. (Note: This

component is fragile and must not be bumped or touched with anything

other than a cleaning pen.) Power Switch This switch turns the Printer power ON and OFF. Power Port This port connects to the (included) power cord. Securing

These latches lock the Print Station securely in place when closed. Latches

Softkey Buttons The button function is displayed above the button. The buttons change

depending upon the Printer's mode of operation.

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Parallel Interface Port

(Smart Card option only)

(Font / Bar Code option only)

Printer Components: LCD display to Serial Interface Port (continued)

Component Description

scroll buttons These buttons are used to scroll through menus and sub-menus and to

adjust certain menu options. Parallel

Interface Port Serial Interface

Port Serial Interface

Port

This port connects to a Windows PC with a parallel cable.

For Smart Card option: This port is provided only if your Printer

includes an optional Smart Card Contact Station.

For Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes option: This port is provided

only if your Printer includes optional embedded fonts and bar codes

support.

Continued on the next page

Serial Interface Port

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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LCD Display

Softkey Buttons

Card Cleaning Cartridge

Printer Components: LCD display to Serial Interface Port (continued)

Refer to the previous table.

Top Cover

Securing

Latches

Card Output

Hopper

Printhead

Print Station

LED Light

Scroll Buttons

Card Input Hopper

Card Supply Window

Exception Card Slot

Card Input Hopper Lock

Access Card Slot

Card Thickness Adjustment Lever

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Printer Components: LCD and Softkey Control Pad

The Printer provides a four line, eighty (80) character LCD display that communicates helpful information about the Printer's operation.

 The top three lines of the LCD display will always be used to communicate print status,

error messages and menu options.

 The bottom line of the LCD display will always be used to communicate the current

function of the Printer's softkey buttons.

This section describes how the LCD display and Softkey Control Pad work together.

Component Description

Softkey Buttons

The Printer has three softkey buttons that appear below the LCD display. (Note: Their current function is indicated by the words appearing above them. This function will change according to the Printer's current mode of operation.)

 Press the corresponding softkey button for the correct selection.

(Note: If no word appears above a particular button, this indicates it has no function in that particular mode of operation.)

 Use the scroll buttons to scroll through help text, to navigate through

the Printer's menus and to adjust certain Printer settings. (Note: The Printer has scroll buttons on its control pad located just to the right of the LCD display.)

 If scrolling through a list, this symbol will change to if you have

reached the bottom of the list or if you have reached the top.

LCD display The Printer's LCD display will change according to the Printer's current

mode of operation.

System Check Screens

When the Printer is first powered ON, the Printer's system check screens will briefly appear to:

 Display and test the amount of installed Printer memory.  Align the print Ribbon.  Display the READY screen and current Firmware version.

Continued on the next page

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Printer Components: LCD and Softkey Control Pad (continued)

Component Description

Ready/Printer Open Screens

Print Status Screen

Once the Printer has finished its system check and with the Print and Transfer Stations closed, the Printer will display READY to indicate that the Printer is ready for operation. (Note: The Printer will stay in this mode until it receives a print job or it is turned OFF.)

If the Top cover and Printhead Arm are opened, the Printer Open screen will appear.

 Press either the Forward or Back buttons to move the Printer's card

path Rollers in the indicated direction.

In any of these screens, the Printer will always display the Menu option above the center softkey button.

 Press this button to access the Printer's menu options. (Note: The

Menu option is available only in the Ready/Printer Open screens.)

During operation, the LCD will indicate the current Print Status by showing you the area of the Printer that is active. It does this by displaying the following icons on the second line:

 FDR Indicates the Feeder Station is feeding a blank card into the

Printer.

 ENC Indicates the Encode Station is encoding a card (appears only if

you are using a Printer with an optional built-in Encoding Module).

 PRT Indicates the Print Station is printing onto the film.  LAM indicates the Lamination Station is applying an overlaminate to a

card (appears only if using a Printer equipped with the optional Card Lamination Module. See Section 3: Card Lamination Module on page

114.

Since the Printer is capable of performing several of these functions simultaneously, one or all of these icons may appear at once, depending on if you are printing just one card or a batch of cards.

The Print Status screen always displays Cancel in the lower left and Pause in the lower right.

Continued on the next page

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Printer Components: LCD and Softkey Control Pad (continued)

Component Description

The Cancel button

Use this button to cancel print jobs and reset the Printer for the next print job.

 This Cancel function will cancel all print jobs in the Printer and will

completely reset the Printer. In this case, be sure to cancel the print jobs from the PC before pressing YES.

Caution: To avoid this, select the Print in Single Card Mode option from the Printer driver before sending the next print job. If a card is left within the Printer after a print job is canceled, it will automatically be ejected.

Pause button Use this button to pause the Printer at any time during operation. (Note:

The Printer will always finish its current task before pausing. When the Printer is paused, the LED light will flash and the Pause softkey button will change to Resume.)

Press Resume to continue Printer operation.

Continued on the next page

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LED Light

Printer Components: LCD and Softkey Control Pad (continued)

Component Description

LED light This light works in conjunction with the Printer's LCD display to help

communicate the Printer's current status. (Note: It is especially effective when the User is too far away from the Printer to read the LCD display.) The following explains how to interpret both LED lights on the exterior of the Printer.

 Off: Indicates the Printer power is OFF.  Solid GREEN: Indicates the Printer is powered ON and ready for

operation.

 Flashing GREEN: Indicates a Printer ERROR or ATTENTION

condition. (Note: Refer to the Printer's LCD display for information.)

Continued on the next page

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Printer Components: LCD and Softkey Control Pad (continued)

Component Description

Error Screens Your Printer is capable of communicating two similar yet different types

of message screens:  The first is called an ERROR screen. This screen appears if an error

occurs and will completely stop Printer operation.

 In this case, the LCD will display ERROR on the first line and a brief

description of the error on the second line.

 If multiple errors occur at the same time, the first line will display

ERROR 1 of 2 or whatever the total number of errors may be.

To see the other error(s), use the scroll keys.

 Press the HELP button to bring up the help screen explaining the

nature of the error and how to correct it. If necessary, use the scroll buttons to scroll down the paragraph of help text.

 Press QUIT when you are done reading. Once the error is corrected,

resume operation or reset the Printer according to how you were instructed in the help screen.

Attention Screens

The second type of prompt is called an ATTENTION screen.

 This screen will not stop Printer operation and serves to communicate

helpful reminder (e.g., when running low on print supplies).

 This screen communicates any other Printer conditions of which you

should be aware.

In this case, the LCD will display ATTENTION on the first line and a brief description of the condition on the second line.

 If multiple messages need to be communicated at the same time, the

first line will display ATTENTION 1 of 2 or whatever the total number of messages may be.

 Like error messages, help text explaining the particular condition can

also be accessed by pressing the HELP button.

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WIRE DIAGRAM

19 Through 30

19 Through 25

141325

Printer Components: Centronics-Type Parallel Interface

The card Printer is equipped with a standard 8-bit Centronics-type parallel interface port. (Note: 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.)

 If your Printer is equipped with optional embedded font and bar code support, it will

include a DB-9, RS-232c, male serial connector. This port is used only for applications where the Printer will be connected to a terminal device such as an AS400.

 If your Printer is equipped with an optional E-Card encoding Station, it will include a DB-

9, female serial connector. This port is used only for applications where the Printer will be connected to an external Smart Card interface.

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. (Note: It mates with a standard, bi-directional PC to Printer parallel cable. For best results, keep the interface cable to under 6 feet in length.)

PIN 1

DB36P

DB25P 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 36

Shell Shell

PIN 1

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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.

This letter code indicates the type of Ribbon panel used with each Ribbon.

= Dye-Sublimation Yellow Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Magenta Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Cyan Panel

= Resin Black Panel

= Overlay Panel

Printer Components: Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes

The information in this section applies only if your Printer is configured with the embedded fonts and bar codes option. See the DTC Online User’s Guide for additional information on Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes.

 This option provides select fonts and bar codes which are resident inside the Printer,

allowing you to print resin black text and bar codes directly from a terminal device such as an AS400.

 If printing from a standard Windows application, the included Printer driver supports any

TrueType font or bar code currently installed on your computer.

The existing and new Firmware updates for the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders with the Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes option (require Firmware Version 1.5.9) and without the Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes option (require Firmware Version 2.0.0-b2) are described here. See Technical Update No. 46 (dated 11/06/2002).

 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders with Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes: The

latest version of Firmware supported by the Card Printer/Encoders is Firmware Version

1.5.9. (Technician Note: The Card Printer/Encoders will not support Firmware Version

2.0.0-b2 or optional Card Lamination Module compatibility.)

 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders without Embedded Fonts and Bar Codes:

The latest version of Firmware supported by the Card Printer/Encoders is Firmware Version 2.0.0-b2. (Technician Note: This version provides support for the optional Card Lamination Module.)

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Printer Components: Blank Cards

Caution: Never run cards with a contaminated, dull or uneven surface through the Printer. Printing cards on this surface can lead to poor print quality and can 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/85.6mm L x 54mm W) or CR-79 sized cards (3.303” L x 2.051” W/83.9mm L x 52.1mm W) with a thickness of 10 mil to 50 mil. This does not apply for

the LC printers.

Card Design

Card Surface

UltraCard Stock

The Printer will 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 directto-card Dye-Sublimation printing.)

Suitable cards must have a polished PVC surface free of fingerprints, dust or any other types of embedded contaminants.

 Cards must have a completely smooth, level surface in order for the

Printer to achieve consistent color coverage.

 Some types of Proximity cards, for example, have an uneven surface

which will inhibit consistent color transfer.

 Some Smart Card chips are raised slightly above the cards surface,

which also results in poor color transfer.

Due to the importance of using high-quality blank cards, a factory-approved card stock called UltraCard™ is available and recommended for best results.

 UltraCard stock has a glossy PVC laminate on top and bottom and is

optically inspected to provide the cleanest, most scratch and debrisreduced cards possible.

 Two types of these cards are available: UltraCard and UltraCard III.

UltraCard stock has a PVC core and offers medium card durability. UltraCard III stock has a 40% polyester core and offers high durability.

Both types of UltraCards produce printed images with a glossy, photo-quality finish.

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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.

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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: Card Input and Output Hoppers

Type Description

Card Input Hopper

Card Output Hopper

The Card Input Hopper is where cards are initially loaded for printing, as shown below. The Printer's hopper provides a large door that opens up wide to make card loading simple and closes securely to help protect the card stock. (Note: The Printer will hold a maximum of 100 cards in each Card Input Hopper, based on a standard 30 mil. card thickness.)

All standard Card Printers provide a 100 card capacity Card Output Hopper (based on a standard 30 mil card thickness). (Note: This hopper stores the cards after they are printed.)

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Printer Components: Lamination Roller

Danger: The Printer’s Lamination Roller can reach temperatures exceeded 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 Adjustment

New Temperature Setting

To change the temperature of the laminator, adjust its temperature through the Lamination tab within the Printer driver setup window.

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.

 Disconnect the Printer's power cord. (Technician Note: Both the Power Switch and the Printer’s power cord

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 Card Lamination Module

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

Select Printer models support the attachment of an optional Card Lamination Module. This module can be ordered pre-installed on your Printer from the factory or can be ordered separately as a field upgradeable module.

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Determining the Ready Status of the Card Lamination Module

Caution (Technician Note): Review these requirements:

 If you are using a DTC525 Card Printer, you must have version 2.0.0-b2 or higher of the

Printer’s Main Firmware to use the Card Lamination Module.

 If you do not have these versions, the Card Lamination Module will not function properly.

To check the version of your Printer’s Firmware, simply turn the Printer power OFF and ON. (Note: The Firmware version will display momentarily on the Printer’s LCD display during startup.)

 If you are in need of a Firmware upgrade, please go to Fargo’s website (www.fargo.com)

for the latest Firmware file and updating instructions. (Note: This file must be updated prior connecting the Card Lamination Module to the Printer.)

 Technician Note: All DTC525 units manufactured after Serial Number A2350145 are

ready to have a Card Lamination Module attached to them.

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Lamination

Lamination Station

Reviewing the Lamination Top Cover and Station

Component Description Cross Reference

Lamination Top Cover

Lamination Station

Lamination

LED Light

Opens to allow access to the Lamination Station, overlaminate and card path.

Transfers overlaminates onto cards via its heated lamination Roller. The Lamination Station must be closed in order for the Printer to begin laminating.

Securing

Latches

Cancel

See the Loading the

Overlaminate in Section 3,

page 115. See the Loading the

Overlaminate in Section 3,

page 115.

Top Cover

Button

Resume

(pause) Button

Card Output

Hopper

Rejection Card Hopper

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Reviewing the Securing Latches and Lamination LED light

Component Description Cross Reference

Securing Latches

Lamination LED light

Locks the Lamination Station securely in place when closed.

The Lamination LED light works in conjunction with the Printer's LCD display to help communicate the Printer's current status. The following explains how to interpret the LED light.

 Off: Indicates the Printer and lamination

module power is OFF.

 Solid Green light: Indicates the Card

Lamination Module is ready for operation.

 Slow Flashing Green light: Indicates

the lamination module's (pause) button was pushed and that the lamination module is paused. This also occurs when the Lamination Station is open.

 Fast Flashing Green light: Indicates

the lamination module is in need of attention due to an error or an error condition. Refer to the Printer's LCD display for information.

See the Using the

Lamination tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in

Section 5, page 209. See the Troubleshooting the

LCD Messages in Section 2,

page 46.

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Reviewing the Cancel button

Component Description Cross Reference Cancel

Button

The Cancel button serves to cancel the current lamination job and reset the Card Lamination Module for the next lamination job.

 If a card is left within the lamination

module after a print job is canceled, it will automatically be ejected into the Rejection Card Hopper. (Note: With the Lamination Module's Transfer Station open, this button can also be used to manually rotate the Feed Rollers forward. This is helpful when cleaning the Rollers or if clearing jammed media.)

 If you are printing and laminating

simultaneously and you would like to cancel both the print and lamination jobs, press the Printer's CANCEL softkey button. (Note: This will cancel all jobs in the Printer. Any card currently laminating will finish and eject. The lamination module's Cancel button cancels only the lamination job.)

See the Section 3: Card

Lamination Module on

page 114.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Resume (pause) button

Component Description Cross Reference Resume

(pause) button

Press the Resume button to resume operation after an error condition is cleared.

 If an error occurs, the lamination

module's LED will flash and the Printer's LCD will report the specific error.

 If this happens, correct the error and

press the lamination module's Resume button to continue printing.

Press this button to pause the lamination module during normal operation. (Note: The lamination module will always finish its current task before pausing.)

 If this button is pressed while a card

is being laminated, the lamination module will pause only after the current card has finished laminating and the lamination module has reached a safe stopping point.)

See the Using the Lamination

tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in Section

5, page 209.

 If the Printer is paused, the LED

light will flash slowly and will return to solid when operation is resumed. (Note: with the Lamination Station open, the Resume button can also be used to manually rotate the Feed Rollers backward. This is helpful when cleaning the Rollers or when clearing jammed media.)

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Reviewing the Rejection Card Hopper and Card Output Hopper

Component Description Cross Reference

Rejection Card Hopper

Card Output Hopper

The Rejection Card Hopper helps to separate potentially bad cards from a stack of good cards, which it eject into the Card Output Hopper.

The Printer will automatically eject cards into this hopper to indicate:

 There is a printing error, laminating

error or encoding error.

 There is a card is left in the Printer after

a print job is canceled or the Printer restarted.

Stores up to 100 printed cards (30 mil cards).

a. When the hopper has reached its

maximum capacity of cards, note that the operation pauses and an Output Hopper Full message appears on the Printer's LCD display.

b. Remove the stack of cards from the

hopper.

See the Using the

Lamination tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in Section 5, page

209.

See the Using the

Lamination tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in Section 5, page

209.

c. Press the lamination module's Resume

button to continue. (Note: If printing onto oversized cards, the Card Output Hopper Door should be placed in the open position in order for these larger cards to eject properly.)

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Reviewing the Module and Printer interaction

Term Description Cross Reference

Module and Printer interaction

The Card Lamination Module works in conjunction with the Printer to apply a variety of different overlaminates to printed cards, providing increased card durability and security.

The Lamination Module features its own LED indicator light and control buttons so it can conveniently be operated separately from the Printer. (Note: This means that when printing a batch of cards, for example, the Printer can be encoding and printing one card while the lamination module laminates another card for maximum efficiency.)

In fact, you can even open the lamination module to replace the overlaminate while the Printer is printing or encoding and vice versa.

See the Using the Lamination

tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in Section

5, page 209.

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Reviewing the Module and LCD display interaction

Term Description Cross Reference

Module and LCD display interaction

For ease of operation, the Card Lamination Module works in tandem with the Printer's LCD display to communicate status message such as when an error occurs or when it is time to replace the overlaminate material.

If a lamination error does occur, the Lamination Module's LED will flash and an attention level message will appear on the Printer's LCD display. (Note: Since it is an ATTENTION level message, it will not interrupt printing.)

a. Correct the error. b. Press OK to clear the LCD's

ATTENTION message.

c. Press the Lamination Module's

Resume button to resume operation or its Cancel button to cancel the current lamination job and accept the next. (Note: If canceled, the canceled card will eject into the Rejection Card Hopper.)

See the Using the Lamination

tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in Section

5, page 209.

Continued on the next page

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Reviewing the Module’s Programmed Default Temperature

Term Description Reference

Programmed Default Temperature

Upon initial power up, the Lamination Module is programmed to heat the Lamination Roller up to its default temperature.

 Target Temperature: If a print job is

sent while the lamination module is heating up, the Printer's LCD display will read Laminator Warming. This will alternate with LAM Temp: [current] [target] which shows the current temperature of the Lamination Roller and the target temperature it is trying to reach. (Note: This indicates that the lamination Roller is heating to its preset temperature.)

 Initial Heating Process: The initial

heating process will generally take about 3 to 4 minutes. (Note: The LCD display will read Laminator Warming or Laminator Cooling whenever the Lamination Roller is heating up or cooling down to the prescribed temperature. When the Lamination Module has reached its target temperature, lamination will begin.)

See the Using the Lamination

tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in Section

5, page 209.

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Reviewing the Laminator Temperature Adjustment

Term Description

Laminator Temperature Adjustment

To change the temperature of the Laminator, adjust its temperature through the Lamination tab within the Printer Driver setup window.

 New Temperature Settings: 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.)

 Automatic Reset: 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. (Note: Pressing the lamination module's or Printer's Cancel button or switching the Printer power OFF and ON both serve to reset the Laminator to its default temperature.)

See the Using the Lamination

tab (only with the Card Lamination Module) in Section

5, page 209.

 Consistent Temperature: The

temperature setting within the Printer driver stays the same until it is changed.

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Reviewing the Overlaminates

IMPORTANT! Fargo Card Printers require highly specialized overlaminates to function

properly. To maximize Printer life, reliability, printed card quality and durability, you must use only Fargo Certified Supplies. For this reason, the Fargo warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use non-Fargo Certified Supplies. To order additional materials, please contact the authorized reseller.

Reviewing the Thermal Transfer Film and PolyGuard Overlaminates

Term Description Cross Reference

Thermal Transfer Film and PolyGuard Overlaminates

The Card Lamination Module will accept either a Thermal Transfer Film overlaminate or a polyester patch overlaminate called PolyGuard™.

 Thermal Transfer Film: The Thermal

Transfer Film overlaminate is a relatively thin material which covers a card edgeto-edge and provides a medium level of card durability and security.)

 PolyGuard overlaminate: PolyGuard

is a much thicker material which does not cover edge-to-edge, but provides an extremely high level of card durability and security. (Note: 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 card durability and security.)

See the Loading the

Overlaminate procedure in

Section 3, page 115.

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Reviewing the CR-90 or CR-100 Patch Size

Term Description Cross Reference

CR-90 or CR-100

PolyGuard overlaminate is available in a standard CR-80 patch size as well as a CR90 and CR-100 patch size for laminating oversized CR-90 or CR-100 cards. (Note: Thermal Transfer Film overlaminate will accommodate CR-80 and CR-90 card sizes, but is not recommended for CR-100 cards.)

See the Loading the

Overlaminate procedure in

Section 3, page 115.

Reviewing the Overlaminate Design

Term Description Cross Reference

Design Both PolyGuard and the Thermal Transfer

Film overlaminates are available in either a clear or generic secure holographic-type design. (Note: Custom holographic-type overlaminates are also available with specific designs, patterns, logos and security features.)

Please contact the authorized reseller for more information about custom Overlaminates.

See the Loading the

Overlaminate procedure in

Section 3, page 115.

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Reviewing the Visual Security Solutions

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

IMPORTANT! Fargo Card Printers require highly specialized print Ribbons to function

properly. To maximize Printer life, reliability, printed card quality and durability, you must use only Fargo Certified Supplies. For this reason, your Fargo warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use non-Fargo Certified Supplies. To order additional materials, please contact your authorized reseller.

Reviewing the LCD display and LED light

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

The purpose of this section is to provide the User with specific procedures relating to the LCD/SmartGuard Messages, Communication Errors, Card Feeding Errors, Encoding Errors, Printing Process Errors and Diagnosing the Image Problems for the DTC500 series card Printer.

Troubleshooting the LCD Messages

Message Cause Solution

Aligning Ribbon If this appears as a prompt, it

indicates the print Ribbon is self-aligning to the proper position for printing.

If this appears as an ERROR, it indicates the print Ribbon is not installed properly or is damaged.

Card Hopper Empty

Card Hopper Jam Indicates that the Card

Indicates the Printer has run out of blank cards.

Hopper is unable to move from one hopper to the next.

See Resolving the Ribbon Alignment

Error Message in Section 2, page 82.

See the Resolving the Card Hopper

Empty Error Message procedure in

Section 2, page 73.

Clear any obstructions and close the hopper door.

See Resolving the Card Hopper Jam

Error Message in Section 2, page 72.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

ation or

Troubleshooting the LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause Solution

Card Jam Indicates that a card is

jammed in the Print St card flipping area of the Printer.

Card Jam: Flipper Indicates that a card is

jammed in the card flipping area of the Printer.

Card Jam: Print Indicates that a card is

jammed in the Print Station of the Printer.

Card Jam: Mag Indicates that a card is

jammed in the magnetic encoding area of the Printer.

Card Jam: Smart Indicates that a card is

jammed in the Smart Card encoding area of the Printer.

Data Input Indicates that the print data

sent to the Printer is corrupt or has been interrupted.

See Card Feeding Errors in Section 2, page 67.

See Resolving cards jamming on the

Flipper table in Section 2, page 70.

See Card Feeding Errors in Section 2, page 67.

See Removing the Card jam in the

Printer’s Magnetic Encoding Area in

Section 2, page 77. See Removing the Card jam in the

Printer’s Smart Card Encoding Area in

Section 2, page 78. See Resolving the Communication

Errors in Section 2, page 62.

Data Timeout Indicates that the print data

sent to the Printer is corrupt or has been interrupted.

DRAM Memory Error

Indicates that the Printer's Memory Module is bad or is not installed properly.

See Resolving the Communication

Errors in Section 2, page 62.

See Resolving the DRAM Memory

Error in Section 7, page 231.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Troubleshooting the LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause Solution

EE Checksum Error

Indicates that the permanent circuit board memory is bad.

EE Memory Error Indicates that the permanent

circuit board memory is bad.

Ejecting Used Card

Indicates that the system Firmware has detected a card already in the Printer.

Failed To Initialize

Indicates that an unexpected hardware error has occurred.

Flipper Alignment Indicates that the Printer is

unable to align the Flipper table.

FPGA Indicates that an unexpected

hardware error has occurred.

FPGA Load Fail Indicates that an unexpected

hardware error has occurred.

See Resolving the EE Checksum

Error in Section 8, page 230.

See Resolving the EE Memory Error in Section 8, page 230.

This card has been ejected; however, it may contain encoded data and should be disposed of in a proper manner.

See Board Errors in Section 8, page

230. See Resolving the Flipper Alignment

Error Message in Section 2, page 89.

See Resolving the FPGA Error in Section 8, page 231.

FPGA Timeout Indicates that an unexpected

hardware error has occurred.

Head Lift Indicates that the Printer was

unable to raise or lower the Printhead.

See Resolving the FPGA Error in Section 8, page 231.

See Resolving the Headlift Error

Message in Section 2, page 86.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Troubleshooting the LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause Solution

Head Resistance Error

The LCD requires that a value be input for the Print Head Resistance.

Head Voltage Error

A hardware fault has prevented a correct setting of the Printhead voltage.

Hopper 1 Empty Card Hopper 1 has run out

of cards. (Note: The Printer will continue printing from Hopper 2 if First Available is set as the Card Hopper Selection in the Driver.)

Hopper 2 Empty Card Hopper 2 has run out

of cards. (Note: The Printer will continue printing from Hopper 1 if First Available is set as the Card Hopper Selection in the Driver.)

Enter a value for head resistance in the LCD's Printer Setup menu.

See Setting the Printhead Resistance in Section 8, page 246.

A default value will be used.

See the Resolving the Card Hopper

Empty Error Message procedure in

Section 2, page 73.

See the Resolving the Card Hopper

Empty Error Message procedure in

Section 2, page 73.

Invalid Flip Command

Invalid Print Ribbon

Indicates that the Printer received a command to print both sides of the card, but this model does not support dual-sided printing.

Indicates an unauthorized Ribbon.

Press CANCEL to reset the Printer or RESUME to print onto two separate cards.

Install a valid, Fargo-authorized Ribbon and press RESUME to continue.

See Resolving the Unknown Ribbon

Type Error Message in Section 2,

page 85.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Troubleshooting the LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause Solution

Mag Encode Failed

Indicates that the card's Magnetic Stripe was not encoded properly.

Multiple Cards Fed

Indicates that two or more cards were fed from the Card Hopper.

No ENC Response

Indicates that there is no response from the Encoder control module.

No MAG Encoder Indicates that the Printer has

received encoding data, but the Printer is not configured with this Encoder type.

No Ribbon Installed

Indicates that the Printer is trying to print with no print Ribbon installed.

No Smart Encoder

Indicates that the Printer has received encoding data, but the Printer is not configured with this Encoder type.

See Resolving the Failed Magnetic

Encode Error Message in Section 2,

page 76. See Resolving the Card Feeding

Errors in Section 2, page 67.

See Resolving the No ENC Response

Error Message in Section 2, page 74.

See Resolving the No Magnetic

Encoder Error Message in Section 2,

page 74.

Install the proper print Ribbon and press RESUME to continue or CANCEL to reset the Printer.

See Resolving the No Smart Encoder

Error Message in Section 2, page 76.

Pause... Indicates the Printer is

paused.

Press the Printer's RESUME button to continue or CANCEL to clear all pending print jobs and reset the Printer.

Please Clean Printer

This message appears every 3,000 prints to remind you to

See the Cleaning the Printer

procedure in Section 4, page 209. perform the recommended Printer maintenance.

Please Remove Card

Indicates that the card is jammed in the Print Station

See Card Feeding Errors in Section 2,

page 67. or card flipping area of the Printer.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

Continued on the next page

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Troubleshooting the LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause Solution

Print Data Indicates that the print data

sent to the Printer is corrupt or has been interrupted.

Print Ribbon Low Indicates that the print

Ribbon will soon run out.

Print Ribbon Out Indicates that the print

Ribbon has run out.

Print Station Open

Indicates that the Print Station is open during printing.

Print Timeout Indicates that the Printer was

unable to complete the print process.

Printhead Temp Indicates that the Printhead

Temperature Regulator is not functioning properly.

See Communications Errors in

Section 2, page 53.

If printing a large number of cards,

replace the Ribbon now or monitor the

Printer until the Ribbon is gone and

install a new Ribbon.

Install a new Ribbon and press

RESUME to continue.

Close the Station and press the

Printer's RESUME button to continue

or CANCEL to reset the Printer.

See Communications Errors in

Section 2, page 53.

See Resolving the Printhead Temp

Error Message in Section 2, page 88.

Program Exception

RAM Memory Error

Ribbon Jam/Broken

Indicates that the system Firmware has detected an error while attempting to process the current print job.

Indicates that the Printer's Memory Module is bad or not installed properly.

The print Ribbon is either jammed or broken.

See the Updating the Printer’s

Firmware procedure in Section 8,

page 259.

See Resolving the DRAM Memory

Error in Section 7, page 231.

See Resolving the Ribbon Jam/Broke

Error Message in Section 2, page 83.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Troubleshooting the LCD Messages (continued)

Message Cause Solution

Smart Encode Failed

The card's smart chip was not encoded properly.

Starting Self-test The self-test print is

preparing to print.

Testing Memory The Printer's memory is

being tested.

Top Cover Open A print job was started with

the Top Cover open.

Unable To Feed Card

The Printer is unable to feed a card from the Card Hopper.

Unknown Ribbon Type

The Printer does not recognize the Ribbon installed.

Update Failed The Firmware update was

interrupted or not completed successfully.

See Resolving the Failed Smart

Encode Error Message in Section 2,

page 76.

See the Printing the Self-test

procedure in Section 7, page 238.

Upon completion, the Printer will

continue its normal boot up sequence.

Close the Printer and press RESUME

to continue or CANCEL to reset the

Printer.

See Resolving the Card Feeding

Errors in Section 2, page 67.

See Resolving the Unknown Ribbon

Type Error Message in Section 2,

page 85.

See Resolving an Upgrade Failed

error in Section 2, page 90.

Update Firmware Now

An error has occurred in trying to load the Firmware.

The system Firmware MUST be

updated.

See Updating the Printer's Firmware

in Section 9, page 259.

Wrong Print Ribbon

The print Ribbon installed in the Printer does not match the Ribbon type selected in

See Resolving the Wrong Print

Ribbon Error Message in Section 2,

page 84. the Printer driver.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Verifying the Encoding Settings for DTC500 Series Card Printer and Encoders

The purpose of this Technical Update is to clarify Encoding Settings in the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders. To ensure the proper function of your DTC500 Series Printer, all of the Printer’s Encoding Options must be set correctly in the Printer’s LCD display. Please refer to the tables (on the next page) to review the proper settings for (a) the different DTC500 Series Printer models and (b) the different symptoms related to incorrect settings.

Follow these instructions to access your DTC500 Series Printer displays:

 Use the Printers LCD display touch pad to press the Menu button.  Use the down arrow button to scroll down and select Setup Printer.  Use the down arrow button to scroll down and select the Encoder Settings.

The three (3) Encoding Options available are Mag, Smart and Prox. These options must be set up according to the Printer model to avoid printing issues.

 If you are unsure what your Printer should be set to at this time, please see the tables on

the following pages.

 You can compare your Printer’s part number (located on the silver label on the bottom of

your Printer) to the part number (shown in the tables on the following pages) in order to find the Printers correct settings.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Verifying Encoder Settings for DTC 510/DTC 515 (Symptom A)

Symptoms of incorrect settings (Symptom A): Printer will try to rotate the Flipper Table

during a print job. The Flipper (however) is not powered and the printer will stall out with a Flipper Jam or Data Time Out error.Table 1 (DTC 510 and DTC 515), Technical Update No. 66 (dated 09/24/2003)

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 510 No Encoding

DTC 515 No Encoding

85301

85351

Mag None Smart None Prox None

Verifying Encoder Settings for DTC 510/DTC 515 (Symptom B)

Symptom of incorrect settings (Symptom B): Flipper Table will freely rotate and cause

card jams at the Flipper Table.

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 510 Magnetic encoding

DTC 515 Magnetic encoding

DTC 510 Docking Station

DTC 515 Docking Station

85302

85352

85303

85353

Mag Installed Smart None Prox None Mag None Smart Installed Prox None

DTC 510 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoding

DTC 515 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoding

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

85304

85354

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

Continued on the next page

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Verifying Encoder Settings for DTC 510/DTC 515 (Symptom B) (continued)

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 510 JIS II Magnetic Encoder

DTC 515 JIS II Magnetic Encoder

DTC 510 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoder

DTC 515 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoder

DTC 510 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder

DTC 515 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder

DTC 510 Docking Station, MIFARE Contactless Smart Card Encoder

85305

85355

85306

85356

91101

91201

91102

Mag Installed Smart None Prox None Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

Mag None Smart Installed Prox None

Mag None Smart Installed

DTC 515 Docking Station, MIFARE Contactless Smart Card Encoder

DTC 510 Docking Station, HID Prox Reader

DTC 515 Docking Station, HID Prox Reader

DTC 510 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card encoder MIFARE Encoder

91202

91104

91204

91105

91205

Prox None

Mag None Smart Installed Prox Installed

Mag None Smart Installed Prox None

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Verifying Encoder Settings for DTC 510/DTC 515 (Symptom B) (continued)

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 510 Docking Station, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Encoder

DTC 515 Docking Station, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Encoder

DTC 510 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 515 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 510 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card encoder

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card encoder

DTC 510 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, MIFARE Encoder

91106

91206

91107

91207

91108

91208

91109

Mag None Smart Installed

Prox Installed

Mag None

Smart Installed

Prox Installed

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

Mag Installed Smart Installed

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic

91209

Encoder, MIFARE Encoder DTC 510 Docking Station, Magnetic

Encoder, HID Prox Reader

91110

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic

91210

Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

Prox None

Mag Installed

Smart Installed Prox Installed

Continued on the next page

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Verifying Encoder Settings for DTC 510/DTC 515 (Symptom B) (continued)

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 510 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card encoder

DTC 510 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 510 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

91111

91211

91112

91212

91113

91213

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

Mag Installed Smart Installed

Prox Installed

Mag Installed

Smart Installed Prox Installed

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic

91114 Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 515 Docking Station, Magnetic

91214 Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder,

MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox Installed

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Verifying the Encoding Settings for the DTC 520/DTC 525

Symptoms of incorrect settings: Printers card feed motor for the flipper table will rotate

backwards and then produce a Card Jam error.

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 520 No Encoding

DTC 525 No Encoding

DTC 520 Magnetic encoding

DTC 525 Magnetic encoding

DTC 520 Docking Station

DTC 525 Docking Station

DTC 520 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoding

DTC 525 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoding

85401

85451

85402

85452

85403

85453

85404

85454

Mag None Smart None Prox None Mag Installed Smart None Prox None Mag None Smart Installed Prox None Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

DTC 520 JIS II Magnetic Encoder

DTC 525 JIS II Magnetic Encoder

85405

85455

Mag Installed Smart None Prox None

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Verifying the Encoding Settings for the DTC 520/DTC 525 (continued)

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 520 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoder

DTC 525 Docking Station + Magnetic Encoder

DTC 520 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder

DTC 525 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder

DTC 520 Docking Station, MIFARE Contactless Smart Card Encoder

DTC 525 Docking Station, MIFARE Contactless Smart Card Encoder

DTC 520 Docking Station, HID Prox Reader

DTC 525 Docking Station, HID Prox Reader

85406

85456

91301

91401

91302

91402

91304

91404

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

Mag None Smart Installed Prox None

Mag None Smart Installed

Prox None

Mag None Smart Installed Prox Installed

DTC 520 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card encoder MIFARE Encoder

DTC 525 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card encoder MIFARE Encoder

91305

91405

Mag None Smart Installed Prox None

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Verifying the Encoding Settings for the DTC 520/DTC 525 (continued)

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 520 Docking Station, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Encoder

DTC 555 Docking Station, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Encoder

DTC 520 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 525 Docking Station, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 520 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card encoder

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card encoder

DTC 520 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, MIFARE Encoder

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, MIFARE Encoder

91306

91406

91307

91407

91308

91408

91309

91409

Mag None Smart Installed

Prox Installed

Mag None

Smart Installed

Prox Installed

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

Mag Installed Smart Installed

Prox None

DTC 520 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, HID Prox Reader

91310

91410

Mag Installed

Smart Installed Prox Installed

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Verifying the Encoding Settings for the DTC 520/DTC 525 (continued)

Printer Model Part No. Proper Encoder Display

Settings

DTC 520 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card encoder

DTC 520 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 520 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

91311

91411

91312

91412

91313

91413

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox None

Mag Installed Smart Installed

Prox Installed

Mag Installed

Smart Installed Prox Installed

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder, MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC 525 Docking Station, Magnetic Encoder, Contact Smart Card Encoder,

91314

91414 MIFARE Encoder, HID Prox Reader

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

Mag Installed Smart Installed Prox Installed

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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. Be sure the correct setup options within the Printer driver are selected. d. 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 an I-EEE 1284 compliant cable to reduce the effect of radio emissions

from computers, monitors and other equipment that can broadcast Radio frequency interference (RFI).

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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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 the peripheral).

d. Alternative: Add a second Parallel Port into the computer (if a second

Printer is required).

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Resolving the Communication Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

5 Determine the nature of the problem with printing from the application.

a. Print a self-test from the Printer to ensure that the Printer (itself) is

functioning properly. See the Printing the Self-test in Section 8, page 238. 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) via Start > Programs >

Accessories > WordPad. Follow this procedure:

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

 Select File > Page Setup and click on the Printer button.

 Ensure that the DTC500 Series Card Printer is selected and click OK.

 Change all the margin settings to zero (0) and click OK.

 Select File > Print on the Menu Bar.

 Go to File on Menu Bar and select Print.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Resolving the Communication Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

6 Determine if the Parallel Port mode is set correctly.

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

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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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.  Run the System Tool - Disk Defragmenter (found in the Accessories folder

of the Start Menu) if using Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP,.  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.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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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 and print Ribbons 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 Exception Card Slot until the card stops.

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

Printer first and that the sticky side is facing DOWNWARD

e. Press the FORWARD button several times to feed the Cleaning Card all

the way through the Printer.

Continued on the next page

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Resolving the Card Feeding Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Ensure the Card Thickness Lever is set correctly, as shown below.

a. Press the Card Thickness Lever Lock and then push the Card Thickness

Lever up or down 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.)

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Insert cards neatly stacked.

Card Feed Roller

Resolving the Card Feeding Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Ensure that the cards are loaded properly in the Input Hopper.

5 Verify that the Hopper Lift (A000124) is operational.

a. Check for static build up between cards. (Note: Occasionally, a static

charge will build up between the surfaces of two or more cards causing them to stick together.)

b. Reduce or eliminate this static charge by separating the cards manually

before placing them in the input hopper.

a. Load the cards into the Printer by inserting them straight into the hopper

and setting them on the feed Roller.

a. Reset Power to the Printer. b. Open the Card Hopper Door and watch to verify that the Hopper Cycles

on startup.

c. If the Hopper does not cycle on startup, remove the top cover and verify

that the Hopper Lift Motor is plugged in properly.

d. If the Hopper Lift Motor is plugged in, disconnect it and attach a 9-volt

battery to the leads.

e. If the Motor turns, replace the Main Board (as needed). See the

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

Card Hopper

(side view)

Cards

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Resolving the Card Jam on the Flipper Table

Symptom: Cards are jamming on or at the Flipper Table or a Card Jam: Flip error is

displayed on the LCD.

Step Procedure

1 Verify that the Card Feed Roller on the Flipper table is not running

backwards. (Note: Having an Encoder installed in the Printer will determine the direction that the Card Feed Roller on the Flipper Table will rotate.)

a. Open the Top Cover and remove any cards that are jammed inside the

Printer, as shown below.

b. Reset power on the Printer to clear any error messages that are on the

LCD. c. Press the MENU button on the LCD. d. Press the Down Arrow button and select PRINTER SETUP. e. Scroll through the menu and select ENCODER SETUP. f. Ensure that the appropriate Encoders settings are set to Installed or

None, based on the options that are installed in the Printer. g. Press the Save button to save any changes that have been changed.

Continued on the next page.

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Resolving cards jamming on the Flipper Table (Continued)

Step Procedure

Ensure that the Flipper Table is level. (Note: This procedure does not apply to Printers with a Stationary Flipper Table, such as a DTC510/515 without any Encoders installed.)

a. Open the Top Cover and remove any cards that are jammed inside the

Printer. b. Reset power on the Printer to clear any error messages that are on the

LCD. c. Press the MENU button on the LCD. d. Press the Down Arrow button and select PRINTER SETUP. e. Scroll through the menu and select FLIPPER OFFSET. f. Select Level.

 If the cards are feeding over the Feed Rollers on the card path,

adjust the value by +2. OR

 If the cards are feeding under the Card Feed Path, adjust the value

by –2.

3 Ensure that the Flipper Table Tension Spring is providing appropriate

tension. a. Open the Top Cover on the Printer. b. Remove the Ribbon. c. Rotate the Flipper Table to an angle perpendicular to the Card Feed

Path. d. Using the Forward button, insert a card onto the Flipper Table. e. Once fed onto the Flipper Table (D850855), manually pull the card from

the Flipper table. (Note: There should be sufficient resistance to prevent

the card from slipping from the Flipper table.) f. If there is not sufficient resistance, replace the U-shaped spring on the

back of the Flipper Table.

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Resolving the Card Hopper Jam Error Message

Step Procedure

1 Clear any obstructions.

a. Open the Input Hopper Door, as shown below. b. Remove any cards from the Input Hopper. c. Ensure that there are no cards that are partially fed out of the Card

Hopper.

2 Verify the mechanical operation.

a. Remove the Top Cover. b. Ensure that the guide belt for the Hopper Travel Assembly (D850253) is

intact and moves smoothly. c. Verify that the Hopper Travel Motor is properly meshed with the gear

assembly.

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Resolving the Card Hopper Empty Error Message

Symptom: The Hopper Empty error message is displayed on the LCD.

Step Procedure

1 Refill the hopper when convenient. 2 Be sure to load cards with the mag stripe toward the rear of the Printer. 3 Turn the Card Sensor off if it is determined that the Hopper’s Card Sensor

cannot see these types of cards. (Note: The activated Sensor indicates to the Printer that the Card Input Hopper is empty, and the cards will not feed.)

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Encoding Errors

Resolving the No Magnetic Encoder Error Message

Symptom: The Printer is receiving encoding data, but the Printer is not configured with this

Encoder type.

Step Procedure

1 Ensure the LCD Setting correct.

a. Press Select on the LCD. b. Select Setup Printer and Encoder Settings. c. Change the Mag Setting from None to Installed.

2 If the encoding data was sent in error, check the appropriate software user’s

manual for encoding instructions.

Resolving the No ENC Response Error Message

Symptom: There is no ENC response.

Step Procedure

1 Check the Magnetic Offset Setting.

a. Press Menu on the LCD. b. Select Setup Printer and Encoder Settings c. Select Magnetic TOF. d. Verify that the current value matches the default value listed on the back of

the Printer.

2 Determine if the Main Board is bad.

a. Replace the Main Board. See the Replacing the Main Board procedure in

Section 5, page Error! Bookmark not defined..

b. Determine if the error repeats itself after replacing the Main Board.

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Resolving the Failed Magnetic Encode Error Message

Symptom: The Magnetic Stripe was not encoded properly.

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.

a. Ensure that the Coercivity setting in the driver corresponds to the type of

cards that are being used.

 High Coercivity = 2750 Oersted  Low Coercivity = 300 Oersted

(Note: See the Using the Magnetic Encoding tab procedure in Section 3, page

163.)

Resolving the No Prox Encoder Error Message

Symptom: The Printer is receiving encoding data, but the Printer is not configured with this

Encoder type.

Step Procedure

1 Ensure the LCD Setting correct.

a. Press Select on the LCD. b. Select Setup Printer and Encoder Settings. c. Change the Prox Setting from None to Installed.

2 Check the appropriate software user’s manual for specific encoding

instructions if the encoding data was sent in error.

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Resolving the No Smart Encoder Error Message

Symptom: The Printer is receiving encoding data, but the Printer is not configured with this

Encoder type.

Step Procedure

1 Ensure the LCD Setting correct.

a. Press Select on the LCD. b. Select the Setup Printer and Encoder Settings. c. Change the Smart Setting from None to Installed.

2 Check the software user’s manual for encoding instructions if the encoding

data was sent in error.

Resolving the Failed Smart Encode Error Message

Symptom: The card's smart chip was not encoded properly.

Step Procedure

1 Check to ensure that the cards are loaded with the smart chip facing up and

are being fed into the Printer first.

2 Verify that the card is entering the E-card Docking Station properly..

a. Send an encoding print job from the computer. b. Watch the card feed into the Printer and enter the E-card Docking Station. c. Adjust the Flipper Offset (as needed) if the card is not feeding into the E-

card Docking Station properly. See Resolving the Card Jam on the Flipper Table in Section 2, page 70.

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Removing the Card Jam in the Printer’s Magnetic Encoding Area

Symptom: A card is jammed in the magnetic encoding area of the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Clear the jammed card.

a. Open the Top Cover. b. Use the arrows on the LCD panel to move the card forward or backward to

free the card.

2 Inspect the Card Feed Roller Motor for proper operation.

a. Leave the power ON and open the Top Lid and Printhead Arm. b. Press the FORWARD button to advance the card or the BACK button to

reverse the card. Use these buttons to move the card through the Printer.

3 Ensure that the cards are feeding into the Encoding Module properly.

a. Reset power on the Printer to clear any error messages. b. Select the Menu from the LCD. c. Select the Print Test Image from the menu. See the Printing the Self-test in

Section 8, page 238.

d. Select the Magnetic Test from the menu. (Note: A card is fed from the

input hopper onto the Flipper table and rotated into the Encoding Module.)

e. If the card appears to jam against the components of the encoding

assembly, adjust the Encoder angle of the Flipper Offset. See the Resolving the Card Jam on the Flipper Table procedure in Section 2, page

70.

4 Adjust the Flipper Offset.

a. Select Menu on the LCD display. b. Select Setup Printer. c. Select Flipper Offset. d. Select Encoder Angle. e. Change the setting on the small increments. (Note: A negative adjustment

will lower the side of the Flipper Table closest to the Exit Hopper.)

f. Press Select to save the new value.

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Removing the Card Jam in the Printer’s Smart Card Encoding Area

Symptom: A card is jammed in the Smart Card encoding area of the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Clear the jammed card.

a. Open the Top Cover. b. Use the arrows on the LCD panel to move the card forward or backward to

free the card.

2 Inspect the Card Feed Roller Motor for proper operation.

a. Leave the power ON and open the Top Lid and Printhead Arm. b. Press the FORWARD button to advance the card or the BACK button to

reverse the card. (Note: Use these buttons to move the card through the Printer.)

3 Adjust the Flipper Offset.

a. Select Menu on the LCD display. b. Select Setup Printer c. Select Flipper Offset. d. Select Encoder Angle e. Change the setting on small increments. (Note: A negative adjustment

will lower the side of the Flipper Table closest to the Exit Hopper.)

f. Press Select to save the new value.

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Resolving the Printer not reading Encoded Magnetic Track 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), as shown on the next page.

a. Open the program and type in: ~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890? b. Select File > Page Setup and click on the Printer button. c. Ensure that the DTC500 Series Card Printer is selected and click on OK. d. Change all the margin settings to zero (0) and click on OK. e. Go to File on Menu Bar and select Print. (Note: The Printer should then

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

Caution: Ensure that the Coercivity of the cards matches the setting

in the driver. 5 Compare the settings for the card reader to the settings in the driver. 6

Caution: Ensure that the Magnetic Stripe on the card is free of

scratches or voids.

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Resolving the Printer not reading Encoded Magnetic Track Data (continued)

See the previous procedure in this section.

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders User Guide (Rev. 6.0)

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Resolving the Magnetic Stripe Data being printed on a Card problem

Step Procedure

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

Sending the Track Information procedure in Section 3, page 177. 2

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

in the Accessories Program Group). See previous page for display.

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

b. Select File > Page Setup and click on the Printer button.

c. Ensure that the DTC500 Series Card Printer is selected and click OK.

d. Change all the margin settings to zero (0) and click OK.

e. Go to File on Menu Bar and select Print. (Note: The Printer should then

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

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Printing Process Errors

Resolving the Ribbon Alignment Error Message

Step Procedure

1 Check that the Ribbon is loaded properly and completely seated on the hubs. 2 Check that the marks on the Ribbon are complete. 3 a. Check the Motor operation to ensure that the Ribbon moves in both

Forward and Backward directions on Power Up.

b. Check the Ribbon types using the LCD. 4 Test the Ribbon Sensor.

a. Remove the back cover and locate the connector labeled J16 on the main

board.

b. Check the voltage for each of the five (5) Ribbon Sensors at their

connection to the Main Board.

c. Use a Multimeter to ground the negative lead to the chassis and put the

positive lead on pins 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 of J16 on the main board.

d. Place a RibbonTraq™ mark over the Ribbon Sensor. (Note: The voltage

should be less than 1 VDC.)

e. Remove the RibbonTraq mark from the Ribbon Sensor. (Note: The

voltage should be greater than 4 VDC.)

f. Replace the Sensor if the voltages are incorrect. See the Replacing the

Ribbon Sensor Array Assembly (840108) procedure in Section 5, page Error! Bookmark not defined..

6 Clear the jam and reboot the Printer if the Ribbon is jammed. 7 Repair the Ribbon.

Install a new Ribbon and press the Resume button to continue if the Ribbon is

out.

a. Repair the Ribbon by taping it back on to the take-up core if the Ribbon is

broken.

b. Press the Resume button to continue or Cancel to reset the Printer.

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