FARGO electronics DTC400, DTC300, DTC300M User Manual

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer
User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

Part Number: XXXXXX

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

TC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1), property of Fargo

D
Electronics, Incorporated

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

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

Revision Control

Date Document Title

Number

Revision 1.1 1 September 2004 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer

User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

Revision 1.0 1 July 2004 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer

User Guide (Rev. 1.0)

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

ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 American National Standard

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

The ASQ ISO 9000:2000 Handbook

(editors, Charles A. Cianfrani, Joseph J. Tsiakals and
John E. West; Second Edition; published by the American Society of Quality, Quality Press,
600 N. Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203)

Juran's Quality Handbook

(editors, Joseph M. Juran and A. Blanton Godfrey; Fifth Edition,

McGraw-Hill)

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

Fargo Electronics, Incorporated
Support Services
6533 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (USA)
[phone]
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.fargo.com
E-mail: [e-mail]

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

ii

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction _____________________________________________________ 1-1

How to use the manual__________________________________________________ 1-1
Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 1-2
DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer Overview _________________________ 1-3

Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Block Diagram _________________ 1-3
Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Sequence of Operations___________ 1-4
Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Boot up Sequence _______________ 1-7

Section 2: Specifications ____________________________________________________ 2-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 2-1
Regulatory Compliances ________________________________________________2-2
Agency Listings _______________________________________________________2-3
Technical Specifications ________________________________________________ 2-3
Visual Security Solutions (Specifications)___________________________________ 2-6

VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application_______________________ 2-6
Custom HoloMarkTM Cards ___________________________________________ 2-6
Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers________________________________ 2-6
Visual Security - Fargo Certified Overlaminates (Special Order in 50 quantity
minimum)__________________________________________________________ 2-6
Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances __________________________________ 2-6
VeriMarkTM - Application Specifications ________________________________2-7
HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM - Application Specifications __________ 2-7

Functional Specifications________________________________________________ 2-8

Printer Components: Front Cover _______________________________________ 2-9
Printer Components: Print Ribbons ____________________________________ 2-10
Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons___________________________ 2-11
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons ______________________ 2-12
Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons _________________ 2-13
Printer Components: Blank Cards______________________________________ 2-14

Section 3: Setup and Installation Procedures ___________________________________ 3-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 3-1
Printer Setup and Installation_____________________________________________ 3-3

Choosing A Good Location ____________________________________________3-3
About Moisture Condensation __________________________________________ 3-3
Unpacking and Inspection _____________________________________________ 3-4
Reviewing the Printer (front view) ______________________________________3-5
Reviewing the Printer (front view; Cartridge being installed)__________________ 3-5
Reviewing the LCD (top-front part of Printer) _____________________________ 3-6
Connecting the Printer power___________________________________________ 3-7
Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge _____________________________________ 3-8
Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper______________________________ 3-11
Lowering the Card Output Hopper _____________________________________3-14

Printer Driver Installation ______________________________________________3-15

Installing the Printer Driver ___________________________________________3-15

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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Printing a Test Print Image ___________________________________________ 3-27

Printer Transport _____________________________________________________ 3-29

Moving the Printer to another location __________________________________ 3-29

Section 4: General Troubleshooting __________________________________________ 4-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 4-1
Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 4-3
Communications Errors _________________________________________________4-4

Resolving the Communication Errors ____________________________________ 4-4

Print Process Errors ____________________________________________________ 4-6

Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper) ___________ 4-6
Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Two (2) or more card feed at the same time) ____4-9
Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Antenna is Corrupted) _________4-11
Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Sensor is Corrupted) __________4-13
Resolving the Mag Verify Error _______________________________________4-14
Resolving the No Mag Installed Error ___________________________________ 4-17
Resolving a Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue) ________________________4-19
Resolving a Ribbon Break Jam Error____________________________________ 4-21
Resolving a Ribbon Out Error _________________________________________ 4-23
Resolving a No Ribbon Installed Error __________________________________ 4-24
Resolving a Invalid Ribbon Error ______________________________________ 4-26
Resolving a Wrong Ribbon Error ______________________________________4-28
Resolving a Card Jam Error ___________________________________________ 4-30
Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error ______________________________ 4-32
Resolving the Cover Open Error Message________________________________ 4-34
Resolving the Blank Output issues _____________________________________ 4-35

Diagnosing Image Problems ____________________________________________4-38

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems ___________________________________ 4-38
Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems _____________________________4-39
Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems _________________________4-40
Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle problems____________________________________ 4-42
Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems__________________________ 4-44
Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems_________________________ 4-46
Resolving the Image Placement problems ________________________________ 4-47
Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems ______________________________ 4-50

Running the Self Test__________________________________________________ 4-51

Running the Standard Self Test Print____________________________________ 4-52
Running the Magnetic Self Test (HiCo Only) _____________________________ 4-53

Section 5: Printer Adjustments_______________________________________________ 5-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 5-1
Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 5-4
DTC400/DTC300 Print Driver Options_____________________________________ 5-5

Reviewing DTC400, DTC300 and DTC300M Printer Drivers _________________ 5-5
Reviewing DTC400 Printer Drivers______________________________________ 5-5
Reviewing DTC300 Printer Driver ______________________________________5-6
Reviewing DTC300M Printer Drivers____________________________________ 5-7

Using the Card tab _____________________________________________________ 5-8

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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Adjusting the Card Size Option _________________________________________ 5-8
Adjusting the Orientation Option________________________________________ 5-9
Selecting the number of copies ________________________________________ 5-10
Using the Diagnostics button under the Card tab___________________________ 5-11
Using the Clean Printer Option ________________________________________ 5-12
Using the Test Print button ___________________________________________ 5-14
Using the About button ______________________________________________5-15

Using the Device Options tab (DTC400/DTC300) ___________________________ 5-16

Adjusting the Ribbon Type option______________________________________ 5-16
Selecting the Auto Ribbon Select option _________________________________ 5-17
Adjusting the Color Matching option ___________________________________ 5-18
Adjusting for the Resin Dither _________________________________________ 5-19
Using the Rotate Image 180 Degrees option ______________________________ 5-20
Using the Disable Printing option ______________________________________ 5-21

Using the Device Options tab (DTC300M) _________________________________ 5-22

Adjusting the Ribbon Type option______________________________________ 5-22
Selecting the Auto Ribbon Select option _________________________________ 5-23
Adjusting for the Resin Dither _________________________________________ 5-24
Using the Rotate Image 180 Degrees option ______________________________ 5-25
Using the Disable Printing option ______________________________________ 5-26

Using the Resin Heat (K) option _______________________________________ 5-27
Using the Overlay Heat (O) option _______________________________________5-28
Using the Image Color tab (DTC400/DTC300)______________________________ 5-29

Using the Resin Heat (K) option _______________________________________ 5-30

Using the Overlay Heat (O) option _____________________________________5-31

Using the Color Matching option and Default button _______________________ 5-32
Using the Calibrate tab_________________________________________________ 5-33

Using the Image Position Controls _____________________________________ 5-34

Using the Sensors button _____________________________________________ 5-36

Using the Settings button _____________________________________________ 5-37
Using the Magnetic Encoding tab ________________________________________ 5-38

Using the Magnetic Track Selection radio buttons _________________________ 5-39

Using the Magnetic Track Options radio buttons __________________________ 5-41

Using the Bit Density radio buttons_____________________________________ 5-42

Using the Character Size radio buttons __________________________________ 5-43

Reviewing the Enable MLE Support checkbox____________________________ 5-44

Using the ASCII Offset radio buttons ___________________________________ 5-45

Using the LRC Generation radio buttons_________________________________ 5-46

Using the Character Parity radio buttons _________________________________ 5-46

Using the Shift Data Left checkbox_____________________________________ 5-47

Reviewing the ISO Track Locations ____________________________________ 5-48

Sending the Track Information ________________________________________ 5-49

Entering the Track Information ________________________________________ 5-49

Reviewing Tracks 1, 2 and 3 (in table format)_____________________________ 5-50

Reviewing the Track Data Note________________________________________ 5-50

Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table __________________________ 5-51

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Using the Overlay / Print Area tab________________________________________ 5-52

Using the Overlay / Print Area dropdown menu ___________________________ 5-53

Using the Overlay / Print Area_________________________________________ 5-55

Using the Defined Area Option ________________________________________ 5-57

Using Security Options (Visual Security Solutions) ________________________ 5-62

Selecting Orientation - Landscape under Card tab _________________________5-63

Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (A to D) _____________5-64

Selecting Orientation - Portrait under Card tab ____________________________ 5-65

Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (E to H) _____________ 5-66

Selecting the VeriMark radio button ____________________________________ 5-67

Selecting the HoloMark radio button____________________________________ 5-68

Reviewing the Custom VeriMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) _________ 5-69

Reviewing the Custom HoloMark Card (Custom Graphic in a 2D foil) _________ 5-70
Using the K Panel Resin tab_____________________________________________ 5-71

Selecting from the Print All Black With K Panel options ____________________5-72

Selecting the Full Card option _________________________________________ 5-73

Selecting the Defined Area(s) option____________________________________ 5-74

Selecting the Undefined Area(s) option__________________________________ 5-75

Selecting the Defined Area(s) function __________________________________ 5-76

Selecting the Print YMC under K and Print K Only options__________________ 5-83
Using the Printer Supplies tab ___________________________________________ 5-84

Reviewing the Ribbon Information _____________________________________ 5-85

Reviewing the Ribbon Level Indicator __________________________________ 5-86
Using the Printer Calibration Utility ______________________________________ 5-87

Using the Image Darkness Option ______________________________________ 5-88

Using the Print Top of Form Option ____________________________________ 5-89

Using the Print End of Form Option ____________________________________ 5-90

Using the Print Left of Form Option ____________________________________ 5-91

Using the Magnetic Encoder Voltage Offset Option ________________________ 5-92

Using the Mag Top of Form Option ____________________________________ 5-95

Using the Ribbon Tension Option ______________________________________ 5-97

Using the LCD Contrast Option________________________________________ 5-97

Section 6: Cleaning ________________________________________________________ 6-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 6-1
Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 6-2

Using the Required Supplies ___________________________________________ 6-3
Cleaning Procedures____________________________________________________ 6-4

Cleaning the Printhead ________________________________________________ 6-4

Cleaning the Card Feed and Cleaning Rollers ______________________________ 6-5

Cleaning the Printer's Interior __________________________________________ 6-6

Section 7: Parts Replacement ________________________________________________ 7-1

Section 8: Packing the Card Printer___________________________________________ 8-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 8-1

Section 9: Board Level Diagnostics ___________________________________________ 9-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 9-1

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 9-2
Sensor and Motor ______________________________________________________ 9-3

Reviewing the Sensor Location and Voltages ______________________________9-3

Reviewing the Motor Voltages (when active) ______________________________9-3

Section 10: Diagnostic Tool Utility___________________________________________ 10-1

Table of Contents _____________________________________________________ 10-1
Using the Diagnostic Tool Utility ________________________________________ 10-2

Selecting from the Printer Selection menu _______________________________ 10-2

Reviewing customized Diagnostic Utility tabs for your Printer _______________10-3
Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs _________________________________________ 10-4

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

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

Downloading Firmware Updates ______________________________________ 10-10

Selecting the Firmware File __________________________________________ 10-10

Placing the Printer in the Upgrade Mode________________________________ 10-11

Sending the Firmware File___________________________________________ 10-12

Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility _____________________10-13

Selecting the Self Tests tab in the Diagnostics Utility______________________ 10-24

Selecting the Card Samples tab in the Diagnostics Utility __________________ 10-25

Selecting the Magnetic Encoding tab in the Diagnostics Utility ______________ 10-26

Selecting the Help button in the Diagnostics Utility _______________________ 10-27

Selecting the About button in the Diagnostics Utility ______________________10-28

Selecting the Exit button in the Diagnostics Utility________________________ 10-29

Section 11: Firmware Upgrades_____________________________________________ 11-1

Section 12: Fargo Technical Support ________________________________________ 12-1

Table of Contents _____________________________________________________ 12-1
Contacting Fargo Technical Support ______________________________________12-1
Reading the Serial Numbers on a Fargo Printer _____________________________ 12-2

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

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

Reviewing Example No. 2: Serial Number A1280224______________________ 12-2

Section 13: Reviewing the Spare Parts List ____________________________________ 13-1

Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Spare Parts List ________________13-1

Section 14: Glossary of Terms ______________________________________________ 14-1

Section 15: Index___________________________________________________________ 2

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

vii

Section 1: Introduction

How to use the manual

The DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) is, in fact, the
troubleshooting and User Guide for the entire card Printer. The manual is designed to
provide Installers and Technicians with quick, efficient lookup of related procedures,
components and terms. The manual can be used effectively either in soft or hard copy,
depending on the preference of the Installer or Technician.

Manual Description

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

Table of Contents (hyper­linked)

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

Cross-Referencing (hyper­linked)

Comprehensive Index
(hyper-linked)

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

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

You can go directly to Specifications, General
Troubleshooting, Printer Adjustments, Parts Replacement,
Printer Packing, Board Level Diagnostics, 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,
for example, an error message or a procedure.

You can use the COMPREHENSIVE INDEX to quickly
locate information on the card Printer, relating to a
specification, a procedural step, a window or screen, a
component, a term, a qualifier, or a related feature to this
Printer.

Appendices You can use Appendix A and B to locate information

relating to engineering drawings and technical updates,
which are specific to the card Printer.

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Safety Messages (review carefully)

Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes

Danger: 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.

Caution: 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.

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer Overview

Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Block Diagram

Motors Sensors Parts

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

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

Fan

5 Ribbon Rewind

Motor

10 Printhead Thermistor 17 Card Input Hopper

11 Ribbon LED SNR 18 Magnetic Encoding

Head Module

12 RFID Antenna 19 Platen Roller

20 Pinch Roller

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Sequence of Operations

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

Step

Process

1 The File information is received from the PC

2 Printer checks the installed Ribbon type stored in memory against the Ribbon

type command that was sent from the Printer.

a. If Ribbon type does not match, the media light will begin flashing.

3 The Card Input Motor and Print Stepper Motor engage.

4 The Card Feed Sensor detects leading edge of card and disengages the card

input Motor.

Continued on the next page

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

Step Process

5 The Print Ribbon Drive engages.

6 The Print Ribbon Sensor looks for the color transition from Yellow to Magenta.

Print Ribbon Encoder detects number of revolutions required to use an entire color
panel.

7 The Print Stepper Motor engages.

8 The Card Feed Sensor detects trailing edge of card.

9 The Print Stepper Motor queues card to the middle of the platen Roller. All Stop

10 The Print Headlift Motor engages.

11 The Print Headlift Sensor detects closed state.

12 The Print Headlift Motor disengages.

13 The Print Stepper Motor engages.

14 The Print Cover Sensor checks for a closed state.

15 The Ribbon Drive Motor engages.

16 The Image data is burned by the Printhead until image data is depleted. All Stop.

17 The Thermistor engages Printhead Cooling Fan to maintain proper operating

temperature.

18 The Headlift Motor engages.

19 The Print Headlift Sensor detects an open state.

20 The Print Headlift Motor disengages.

21 The Print Stepper Motor engages.

22 The Print Ribbon Drive engages.

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

Continued on the next page

1-5

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Sequence of Operations (continued)

Step Process

23 The Card Feed Stepper Motor engages to queue card for magnetic encoding.

24 The Encoding data is written to the card.

25 The Card Feed Stepper will re-queue card for each verification pass required.

26 After Ribbon advances a few encoder clicks, assume Ribbon free of card. All Stop.

27 Repeat steps 9 through 23 for appropriate number of color/overlay panels.

28 The Card is ejected from the Printer.

29 All Stop.

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Boot up Sequence

Step Process

1 On Power up, the Printer checks the current state of the Card Feed Sensor and

the Headlift Sensor.

2 If the Headlift Sensor is found to be open, the Headlift Motor will turn until a

closed state is seen.

3 If the Card Feed Sensor is found to be blocked, the Card Feed Stepper will

engage to eject the card.

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Section 2: Specifications

The purpose of this section is to provide the User with specific information on the
Regulatory Compliances, Agency Listings, Technical Specifications and Functional
Specifications for the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1).

Table of Contents

Section 2: Specifications __________________________________________________ 2-1

Table of Contents ____________________________________________________ 2-1
Regulatory Compliances ______________________________________________ 2-2
Agency Listings _____________________________________________________ 2-3
Technical Specifications ______________________________________________ 2-3

Technical Specifications (continued)_________________________________ 2-4
Technical Specifications (continued)_________________________________ 2-5

Visual Security Solutions (Specifications)_________________________________ 2-6

VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application_____________________ 2-6

Custom HoloMarkTM Cards _________________________________________ 2-6

Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers______________________________ 2-6

Visual Security - Fargo Certified Overlaminates (Special Order in 50 quantity

minimum)________________________________________________________ 2-6

Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances ________________________________ 2-6

VeriMarkTM - Application Specifications ______________________________ 2-7

HoloMarkTM and Custom HoloMarkTM - Application Specifications ________ 2-7
Functional Specifications______________________________________________ 2-8

Printer Components: Front Cover _____________________________________ 2-9

Printer Components: Print Ribbons __________________________________ 2-10

Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons_________________________ 2-11

Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons ____________________ 2-12

Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons _______________ 2-13

Printer Components: Blank Cards____________________________________ 2-14

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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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 EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3 and
EN55024:1998 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.)

UL-GS The Card Printer has been tested and complies with EN 60950-

1:2001 and bears the UL-GS mark.

License Number: 1176

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

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT.

File Number: E145118, Volume 1, Section 22

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Agency Listings

Term Description

EMC Standards CE, FCC, CRC c1374, BSMI, ITS (EN 55022 Class B:1998, FCC

Class B, EN 55024: 1998).

Safety
Standards

UL IEC 60950-1 (2001), CSA 22.2 No. 60950 and UL-GS (EN 60950­1:2001).

Technical Specifications

Type Description

Accepted
Standard
Card Sizes

Accepted
Card
Thickness

Accepted
Card Types

Agency
Listings

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

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

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

Safety: UL 1950, CSA C2.2 and TüV-GS (IEC-950) Emissions: FCC
Class A, CRC c1374, Class A and TüV-EMC (IEC-801 -2, -3, -4; CISPR
22, Class B), CE, BSMI

Card Input
Hopper
Capacity

Colors

Dimensions 6.7"H x 13.1"W x 10.5"D / 170mmH x 333mmW x 267mmD

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

100 cards (30 mil)

DTC400/DTC300: Up to 16.7 million (DTC300M): Monochrome

Continued on the next page

2-3

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Technical Specifications (continued)

Type Description

Humidity 20-80% non-condensing

Interface USB 1.1

Memory 2MB RAM

Operating
Temperature

Print Area

Printer
Drivers

Print Method

Print Speed

65° to 80° F / 18° to 27° C

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M: CR-80 edge-to-edge

Windows 98SE, Me/2000/XP

• DTC400/DTC300: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Thermal Transfer

• DTC300M: Resin Thermal Transfer

• DTC400/DTC300: 30 seconds per card / 120 cards per hour

(YMCKO)

• DTC300M: 5 seconds per card / 720 cards per hour (K)

(Note: Indicates the print Ribbon type and the number of Ribbon panels
printed where Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan, K=Resin Black, B=Dye­Sublimation Black and O=Overlay.)

• Print speed is measured from the time a card feeds into the Printer to

the time it ejects from the Printer.

• Print speeds do not include the time needed for the PC to process the

image.

• Process time is dependent on the size of the file, the CPU, amount of

RAM and the amount of available resources at the time of the print.

Resolution 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm)

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

Continued on the next page

2-4

RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc.

Technical Specifications (continued)

Type Description

Supply

100-240 VAC, .6-1.3 A

Voltage

Supply

50 Hz/60 Hz

Frequency

System
Requirements

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

Weight 15 lbs. / 7 kg

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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Visual Security Solutions (Specifications)

VeriMarkTM Cards - 2-D holographic foil application

VeriMarkTM Cards are a low cost, customized 2-D holographic foil application, that is made
in two steps.

• The first step is to emboss a base foil 1.9 cm (L) x 1.3 cm (H) onto the surface of a

blank white card.

• The second step is debossing a custom made dye into the surface of the base foil -

leaving a customized image, logo or text provided by the customer.

• Two separate color foils are used to contrast the impression.

End Users will be able to choose between 8 different card placements (4 - landscape) and
(4-portrait) where the VeriMarkTM can be located. When its time to print through the Driver,
the End User will select the location on their organizations card design around which no
printing and overlay will be placed.

Custom HoloMarkTM Cards

A Custom HoloMark TM Card is a three-dimensional holographic image transferred to
metal foil and embossed to blank cards. The image is customer specific and the program
mirrors our holographic laminates program with a couple exceptions.

Visual Security - Card Stock Part Numbers

All Visual Security Cards will be offered on the following Fargo Card Stocks only:

• P/NNo. 81754 Ultra Card

• P/NNo. 81762 Ultra Card III with hi-coercivity magnetic stripe

• P/NNo. 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

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"

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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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Functional Specifications

This Card Printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve
its remarkable direct-to-card print quality for dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer.
The Card Printer will print from any IBM-PC® or compatible running Windows® 98SE, Me,
Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

The following describes how each of these technologies works:

Function Description

Dye­Sublimation

Resin
Thermal
Transfer

Dye-Sublimation is the print method the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M uses
to produce smooth, continuous-tone images that look truly photographic.
(Note: This process uses a dye-based Ribbon roll that is partitioned by a
number of consecutive color panels.)

The panels are grouped in a repeating series of these three process colors
along the entire length of the print Ribbon: yellow, magenta and cyan or
YMC.

The Printer always prints the yellow panel first, followed by the magenta
panel and the cyan panel. (Note: As the print Ribbon passes beneath the
Printhead, hundreds of thermal elements within the Printhead heat the
dyes on the Ribbon. When these dyes are heated, they diffuse into the
surface of the card. A separate pass is made for each of the three color
panels on the Ribbon.)

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

Resin Thermal Transfer is the print method the Printer uses to print sharp
black text and crisp bar codes, which can be read by both infrared and
visible-light bar code scanners.

• Used to print ultra-fast, one-color ID cards on the

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M. (Note: Like dye-sublimation, this process
uses the same thermal Printhead to transfer color to a card from a
resin-only print Ribbon or the resin black (K) panel of a full color print
Ribbon.)

• Solid dots of resin-based ink are transferred and fused to the surface of

the card. (Note: This produces durable, saturated printing.)

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Printer Components: Front Cover

Components Description

Front Cover

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

Printhead

The component of the Printer that actually does the printing. (Note: This
component is fragile and must not be bumped or touched with anything
other than a cleaning swab.)

Cancel button The Cancel button turns the Printer ON and OFF. (Note: It also

serves to cancel the current print job and reset the Printer for the next
print job.)

If a card is left within the Printer after a print job is canceled, it will
automatically be ejected when the Printer is turned back ON.

Pause button The Pause button is used to pause the Printer during normal operation

and also to resume operation after an error condition is cleared. (Note:
In general, as the icon above this button indicates, errors are related to
either the Ribbon or the cards. If an error occurs, the Pause LED will
flash.)

Card
Cleaning
Roller

Automatically cleans cards for higher print quality. (Note: Clean the
Card Cleaning Roller during every Ribbon change (every 250 cards) or
as needed.)

Card Input

Load blank cards into this Hopper.

Hopper

Power Port Connect to the included power cord.

USB Port Connect to a Windows PC with a USB cable.

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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 resin-only, dye-sublimation-only and combination dye-sublimation/resin versions.

To make it easier to remember which print Ribbons are which, a letter code has been
developed to indicate the type of Ribbon panels found on each Ribbon. This letter code is
as follows:

= Dye-Sublimation Yellow Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Magenta Panel

= Dye-Sublimation Cyan Panel

= Resin Black Panel

= Clear Protective Overlay Panel

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Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons

Resin-only print Ribbons consist of a continuous roll of a single resin color. No protective
overlay panel (O) is provided since resin images do not require the protection of such an
overlay. The following resin-only Ribbon types are available for use with both
DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M:

Type Description

Standard Resin Black
(K) (provides 1,000
prints)

Premium Resin Black
(K) (provides 1,000
prints)

Colored Resin

(provides 1,000 prints)

Metallic Resin

(provides 1,000 prints)

This Ribbon provides high resin durability ideal for most
general-purpose monochrome ID card applications. Resin black
bar codes are readable by both infrared and visible-light bar
codes scanners.

This Ribbon provides maximum resin durability ideal for
applications such as access control where cards are repeatedly
swiped through a Magnetic Stripe reader. Resin black bar codes
are readable by both infrared and visible-light bar codes
scanners.

(Note: Using a Premium Resin Black Ribbon will provide better
photo realistic output.)

Several colored resin Ribbons are available in a variety of colors
for customizing or color-coding resin-only ID cards.

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

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Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons

Note that the Printer requires both specialized and authorized print Ribbons in order to print
and function properly.

Step Procedure

1 Do not run the cards with a contaminated, dull, or uneven surface through the

Printer.

Caution: Printing onto such cards will ultimately lead to poor print

quality and will greatly reduce the life of the Printhead.

2 Always store the card stock in its original packaging or in a clean, dust-free

container.

3

Do not print onto cards that have been dropped or soiled. (Note: Printhead
damage caused by contaminated or poor quality cards will automatically void the
Printhead's factory warranty.)

4 If printing onto cards with a pre-punched slot, do not print over the area of the

card with the punched slot. (Note: To avoid this area when printing, use the
options in the Overlay / Print Area tab to omit printing in this area, or punch the
slot after the card has printed.)

Here is the table for Dye-Sublimation-Only Print Ribbon and Dye-Sublimation Black (BO)
(provides 500 prints).

Type Description

Dye­Sublimation­Only Print
Ribbon

It is available in a monochrome version. This Ribbon consists of dye­sublimation Ribbon panels which alternate with a clear protective Overlay
(O) Panel. Dye-Sublimation images must have an overlay panel applied
to them or they will quickly begin to wear or fade.

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Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons

Type Description

Dye­Sublimation/
resin print
Ribbon

Full-Color
(YMCKO)
(provides 250
prints)

The Dye-Sublimation/resin print Ribbon combines the yellow (Y),
magenta (M) and cyan (C) dye-sublimation panels with a resin black (K)
panel.

By combining both types of Ribbon panels, this Ribbon can be used to
print full-color, photo-quality images with the dye-sublimation panels
along with sharp, black text and bar codes with the resin black panel.

A clear overlay panel (O) is also included on most Ribbons to protect the
dye-sublimation images. Dye-Sublimation images must have an overlay
panel applied to them, or they will quickly begin to wear or fade.

This Ribbon is used to print full-color photo ID cards along with resin
black text and bar codes. Both infrared and visible-light bar code
scanners can read bar codes printed with resin black.

• An overlay panel (O) is included to protect the full-color dye-

sublimation printing.

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Printer Components: Blank Cards

Type Description

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

2.125"W / 85.6mmL x 54mmW) with a thickness of 30 mil (.030"/.762mm).

Card
Design

Card
Surface

UltraCard
Stock

The Printer will print onto any card with a clean, level and polished PVC
surface.

Although the Printer is equipped with card cleaning Rollers, it is very
important to always print onto cards specifically designed for direct-to-card
dye-sublimation printing.

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

Certain types of Proximity cards have an uneven surface that will inhibit
consistent color transfer.

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

surface which also results in poor color transfer.

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

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

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

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

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

• Both types of UltraCards produce printed images with a glossy, photo-

quality finish.

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Section 3: Setup and Installation
Procedures

The following guide will walk you through the installation of the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M
Card Printer Driver.

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

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

• Time Requirement (Printer): The time required to set up a standard

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Printer would be approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

The System Requirements are as follows:

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

Table of Contents

Section 3: Setup and Installation Procedures ___________________________________ 3-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 3-1
Printer Setup and Installation_____________________________________________ 3-3

Choosing A Good Location ____________________________________________3-3

About Moisture Condensation __________________________________________ 3-3

Unpacking and Inspection _____________________________________________ 3-4

Reviewing the Printer (front view) ______________________________________3-5

Reviewing the Printer (front view; Cartridge being installed)__________________ 3-5

Reviewing the LCD (top-front part of Printer) _____________________________ 3-6

Connecting the Printer power___________________________________________ 3-7

Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge _____________________________________ 3-8

Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge (continued) _________________________ 3-9
Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge (continued) ________________________ 3-10

Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper______________________________ 3-11

Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (continued) __________________3-12
Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (continued) __________________3-13

Lowering the Card Output Hopper _____________________________________3-14
Printer Driver Installation ______________________________________________3-15

Installing the Printer Driver ___________________________________________3-15

Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-16
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-17
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-18
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-19
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-20
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-21
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-22
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-23
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-24
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-25
Installing the Printer Driver (continued) _______________________________ 3-26

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Printing a Test Print Image ___________________________________________ 3-27

Printing a Test Print Image (continued)________________________________ 3-28

Printer Transport _____________________________________________________ 3-29

Moving the Printer to another location __________________________________ 3-29

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Printer Setup and Installation

Choosing A Good Location

Follow these guidelines:

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

• Use the Printer's dimensions as a guideline for the minimum clearances to the unit.

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

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

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

About Moisture Condensation

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

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

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Unpacking and Inspection

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

Check that the following items are included:

• Power Supply

• US Power Cable

• Europe Power Cable

• Software Installation CD/User Guide

• User Guide

• Warranty Statement, Registration Card and Compliancy Document

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Reviewing the Printer (front view)

Reviewing the Printer (front view; Cartridge being installed)

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Reviewing the LCD (top-front part of Printer)

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Connecting the Printer power

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

Step Procedure

1 Plug the AC adapter power cable into the back of the Printer. See Display A.

2 Plug the wall power cable into the AC power adapter.

3 Plug the wall power cable into a standard 110VAC power outlet.

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

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Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge

The Fargo DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer uses a one-piece, disposable Ribbon
Cartridge load system. Every full color Ribbon Cartridge contains a 250 “full color card count”
Ribbon and a Card Cleaning Roller.

Step Procedure

1 To install the Ribbon Cartridge, simply open the front Cover by pressing the

black rubber pad or touch pad and lowering the Cover down, as shown below.

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Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge (continued)

Step Procedure

2 a. Remove the liner on the Card Cleaning Roller before installing the Cartridge,

as shown in Display A (upper right arrow of display).

b. Remove the Ribbon securing tape, as shown in Display A (middle right arrow

of display).

3 Slide the Ribbon Cartridge into the Printer, as shown in this section.

4 Raise the front Cover and press the front Cover’s black rubber pad or touch pad

to secure it.

Display A – Shows the Print Ribbon Cartridge before it is installed or inserted into the Printer.
The Card Cleaning Roller (see arrow) is already inserted into the Print Ribbon Cartridge.

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Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge (continued)

Display B – Shows direction that Cartridge is inserted in the Printer.

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Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper

The Fargo DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Printer is capable of printing single load cards and
multiple feed cards (batch mode).

• To print using single feed, simply remove all cards from the Card Hopper, leave the Card

Hopper door closed and place a card in the single Feed Card Slot (which can be used
repeatedly).

• Again, the cards should be loaded with the print side down and (if applicable) the

magnetic strip up and towards the front of the Printer.

To print using Batch mode follow the instructions below.

Step Procedure

1 Open the Card Hopper Cover.

2 Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down until the Card Tray locks into place,

as shown in Display B in this section.

3 Load up to 100 cards into the Hopper with the print side down.

If using cards with a magnetic strip, the magnetic strip should be loaded with
the strip up and to the front of the Printer, as shown in Display C in this section.

4 Close the Card Hopper Cover to release the Card Tray.

Display A – This is a graphics showing how to insert the cards.

Continued on the next page

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Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (continued)

Display B - Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down. Insert the cards.

Here the Lever is still up.

Here the Lever is pressed down.

Continued on the next page

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Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (continued)

Here are the cards ready to insert.

Here the Input Hopper Door is closed.

Continued on the next page

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Lowering the Card Output Hopper

Step Procedure

1 The Fargo DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M comes with a Card Output Hopper (to

hold cards after they have been printed).

Pull on the Output Hopper and lower its Cover down until it snaps into place.

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Printer Driver Installation

Installing the Printer Driver

Step Procedure

1 Close all programs and insert the Software Installation CD into your computer’s

CD drive. After a few seconds, the CD’s installer program will automatically open.

Follow the CD’s on-screen Procedures to complete installation.

(Note: If the CD does not automatically open, use “My Computer” or “Windows
Explorer” to view the contents of the CD. Then, double-click on the Setup.exe file
listed on the CD.)

2 Click on the following buttons to install the appropriate Printer Driver and Online

User’s Guide, as shown below:

• DTC400 Card Printer/Encoder button

• DTC300 Card Printer/Encoder button

• DTC300M Card Printer/Encoder button

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

3 Wait during the installation.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

Click on the Next button to continue with the Setup program.

4

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

Read the License Agreement. Select the I accept the terms of the license

5

agreement option and click Next to continue.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

a. Select the Complete option to install the following components:

6

• Printer Driver Software

• Printer Driver User’s Guide

• Fargo Diagnostics Utility

(Note: Selecting Custom will provide the option to select which components to
install.)

b. Click Next to continue.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

Click Install to begin the installation.

7

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

Select the port that your Printer is connected to at this time. Click on the OK

8

button and continue with the installation.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

9 a. Connect the USB cable to the Printer.

b. Turn ON the Printer at this time if it is not already ON.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

10 Wait while the Driver components are being copied to your PC.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

11

Click on the Finish button to complete the Setup, as shown below.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

12

a. Click on the Yes button to exit the installer, as shown below.

b. Click on the No button to return to the installer’s main menu to install

additional software components.

Continued on the next page

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Installing the Printer Driver (continued)

Step Procedure

13

You have completed the installation.

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Printing a Test Print Image

Step Procedure

1 a. From your computer’s startup menu, select Settings > Printers and Faxes

(Windows XP) or > Printers (Windows 98SE, Me and 2000).

b. Double click on the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer under the

Printers window.

c. Select Printing Preferences under the Printer drop-down menu. This will bring

up the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Printing Preferences window.

a. Select the Card tab, and then click on the Test Print button, as shown in

2

Display A in this section. (Note: Ensure that a full color YMCKO Ribbon is
installed before proceding.)

b. When the Test Print button is selected, an image is copied to the Printer.

Display A - DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Printer Driver Card Tab:

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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Printing a Test Print Image (continued)

Step Procedure

3 This completes the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer/Encoder Installation

Guide.

For additional help regarding the Test Print and other related items please see
the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide located under Start >
Programs > Fargo.

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Printer Transport

Moving the Printer to another location

Step Procedure

1 The Printer can be transported by gripping it under the back lid, as shown in the

photo below.

2 You have completed the setup and installation procedures in this section.

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Section 4: General Troubleshooting

This section provides Troubleshooting procedures for this Printer for Communication Errors,
Card Feed Errors, Print Process Errors, Card Jam Errors, Encoding Errors and Diagnosing
Image Problems.

Table of Contents

Section 4: General Troubleshooting __________________________________________ 4-1

Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 4-1
Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 4-3
Communications Errors _________________________________________________4-4

Resolving the Communication Errors ____________________________________ 4-4

Resolving the Communication Errors (continued) ________________________4-5

Print Process Errors ____________________________________________________ 4-6

Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper) ___________ 4-6

Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper) (continued)4-7
Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper) (continued)4-8

Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Two (2) or more card feed at the same time) ____4-9

Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Two (2) or more card feed at the same time)
(continued) ______________________________________________________ 4-10

Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Antenna is Corrupted) _________4-11

Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Antenna is Corrupted) (continued)4-

12
Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Sensor is Corrupted) __________4-13
Resolving the Mag Verify Error _______________________________________4-14

Resolving a Mag Verify Error (continued) _____________________________4-15

Resolving a Mag Verify Error (continued) _____________________________4-16
Resolving the No Mag Installed Error ___________________________________ 4-17

Resolving a No Mag Installed Error (continued)_________________________ 4-18
Resolving a Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue) ________________________4-19

Resolving a Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue) (continued)_____________ 4-20
Resolving a Ribbon Break Jam Error____________________________________ 4-21

Resolving a Ribbon Break Jam Error (continued) ________________________ 4-22
Resolving a Ribbon Out Error _________________________________________ 4-23
Resolving a No Ribbon Installed Error __________________________________ 4-24

Resolving a No Ribbon Installed Error (continued) ______________________4-25
Resolving a Invalid Ribbon Error ______________________________________ 4-26

Resolving a Invalid Ribbon Error (continued)___________________________ 4-27
Resolving a Wrong Ribbon Error ______________________________________4-28

Resolving a Wrong Ribbon Error (continued)___________________________ 4-29
Resolving a Card Jam Error ___________________________________________ 4-30

Resolving a Card Jam Error (continued) _______________________________ 4-31
Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error ______________________________ 4-32

Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error (continued)___________________ 4-33
Resolving the Cover Open Error Message________________________________ 4-34
Resolving the Blank Output issues _____________________________________ 4-35

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Resolving the Blank Output issues (continued)__________________________ 4-36

Resolving the Blank Output issues (continued)__________________________ 4-37

Diagnosing Image Problems ____________________________________________4-38

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems ___________________________________ 4-38
Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems _____________________________4-39
Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems _________________________4-40

Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems (continued) _____________ 4-41
Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle problems____________________________________ 4-42

Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle problems (continued) ________________________ 4-43
Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems__________________________ 4-44

Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems (continued) ______________ 4-45
Resolving the Incomplete Resin Printing problems_________________________ 4-46
Resolving the Image Placement problems ________________________________ 4-47

Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued) ____________________ 4-48

Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued) ____________________ 4-49
Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems ______________________________ 4-50

Running the Self Test__________________________________________________ 4-51

Running the Standard Self Test Print____________________________________ 4-52
Running the Magnetic Self Test (HiCo Only) _____________________________ 4-53

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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Safety Messages (review carefully)

Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes

Danger: 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.

Caution: 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.

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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 98SE, Me/2000/XP Pentium

MB of RAM or higher

• 200 MB free hard disk space or higher

• USB Port

2 Confirm the correct installation of the Printer Driver.

class 233 MHz computer with 64

a. Close the software program and check the Printer Driver.

b. Reboot the computer.

c. Ensure the Printer Driver is installed correctly. (Note: Especially if an

obsolete Driver was recently removed.)

d. Ensure the correct setup options within the Printer Driver are selected.

e. Confirm that the Driver is current by checking at: www.fargo.com

3 Determine the problem with printing from the application.

a. Print a self-test from the Printer by holding down the Pause button on

power up to ensure that the Printer (itself) is functioning properly.

b. Print the Windows test page that is located in the General tab of the Driver.

c. Use WordPad (a Windows 98SE, Me/2000/XP word processing program in

the Accessories Program Group).

1) Go to the File menu and select Page Setup.

2) Click on the Printer button and select the
DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer.

3) Click OK and reset all four margins to zero. (Note: The WordPad
will automatically replace the values with it’s minimum margins.)

4) Open the program and type: “This is a Test.” then, go to File on the
menu bar and select Print.

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Communication Errors (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Determine whether there is adequate hard Drive space.

(Note: A large volume of temporary files on the computer can cause
communications errors.)

a. Access the temporary files by following this process:

• Search for all folders called TEMP. Once found, clear out the contents

of the folders.

• If using Windows 98SE, Me/2000/XP, run the System Utility - Disk

Defragmenter found in the Accessories folder of the Start Menu.

• Use a disk cleanup utility (such as Disk Cleanup found in the System

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

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Print Process Errors

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper)

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Cards will not feed at all.

• Printer Error State: Card is not being detected by the Card TOF Sensor 11

seconds after the initiation of a print job causing the Printer to produce an
error

• LCD Error Display: Card Not Fed

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Unable to Feed Card

Continued on the next page

I

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Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper) (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Check the card quality / loading.

a. Remove cards from the Card Hopper.

b. Ensure that the cards are not sticking together by fanning them out and then

lining them back together in straight deck.

c. Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down until the Card Tray locks into place.

d. Load up to 100 cards into the Hopper with the print side down.

e. Close the Card Hopper Cover to release the Card Tray.

f. Press on the Resume button.

g. If the cards do not feed, continue to Step 3.

3

Press the Cancel Print button on the Driver Monitor Error Display Message.

4 Reboot the Printer by cycling the power.

5 Check the Card Feed Motor.

a. Remove all cards from the Hopper.

b. Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down until the Card Tray locks into place.

c. Using the Fargo Diagnostic utility send a test print to the Printer. See the

Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs

.

d. Gently touch the Card Hopper Feed Roller to verify that it is turning

e. If Roller is NOT turning, continue to Step 7.

f. If Roller is turning, continue to Step 6.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Cards will not feed off the Hopper) (continued)

Step Procedure

6 Check Hopper Tray Spring Tension.

a. Open Card Hopper Cover.

b. Using the Fargo Diagnostic utility, send a test print to the Printer. See the

Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs

c. When the Card Hopper Feed Roller engages, push up on the Card Hopper

Tray.

g. If the cards feed, replace the Card Hopper Lift Spring.

d. If the cards do not feed, replace the Card Hopper Feed Roller.

7 Card Hopper Feed Roller is not turning during a print job.

a. Remove the Printer rear cover.

b. Ensure that the Card Hopper Feed Motor power cable is securely connected

to J-20 on the Printers Main Board.

.

c. Ensure that the Card Hopper Feed Motor power cable is securely connected

to the Card Hopper Feed Motor.

d. Use the Fargo Diagnostic utility to send a test print to the Printer. See the

Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs

e. If the Card Hopper Feed Motor is not moving, continue to Step 8.

8 Replace Card Hopper Feed Motor.

a. Replace the Card Hopper Feed Motor.

b. Use the Fargo Diagnostic utility to send a test print to the Printer. See the

Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs

c. If the Card Hopper Feed Motor does not turn, replace the Main Board.

.

.

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Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Two (2) or more card feed at the
same time)

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptoms: Two or more cards feed at the same time causing the cards to

jam at the Card Hopper Roller. Printer is out of cards.

• Printer Error State: Card is not being detected by card TOF Sensor 11

sec after the initiation of a print job causing the Printer to produce an error

• LCD Error Display: Card Not Fed

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Unable to Feed Card

Continued on the next page

I

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Resolving a Card Not Fed Error (Two (2) or more card feed at the same time)
(continued)

Step Procedure

2 Check card quality / loading.

a. Remove cards from the Card Hopper.

b. Ensure that the cards are not sticking together by fanning them out and then

lining them back together in straight deck.

c. Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down until the Card Tray locks into place.

d. Load up to 100 cards into the Hopper with the print side down.

e. Close the Card Hopper Cover to release the Card Tray.

f. Press on the Resume button.

g. If the cards do not feed, continue to Step 3.

3

Press the Cancel Print button on the Driver Monitor Error Display Message.

4 Reboot the Printer by cycling the power.

5 Check Card Feed TOF Sensor.

a. Remove the Printers rear cover.

b. Use a digital volt meter to place the Positive lead to pin 9 of the J-4 Main

Board connection and the negative lead to pin 12 of the J-4 Main Board
connection.

• The blocked Sensor should read +4.99 vdc.

• The open Sensor should read +1.5 vdc.

c. If the Card Feed TOF Sensor does not read properly, replace the Sensor.

6 Clean the Card Feed Roller.

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Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Antenna is Corrupted)

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Printer RFID Sensor does not detect a recognizable signal from

the Ribbon.

• Printer Error State: The Ribbon tag information is corrupted or incorrect.

• LCD Error Display: Ribbon RFID Error

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon RFID Error

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Antenna is Corrupted)
(continued)

Step Procedure

2 Replace the Print Ribbon

a. Replace the Print Ribbon Cartridge.

b. Press on the Resume button.

c. If the error continues, see Resolving the Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID

Sensor is Corrupted) in this section.

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Resolving a Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Sensor is Corrupted)

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Printer RFID Sensor does not detect a recognizable signal from

the Ribbon.

• Printer Error State: The Ribbon tag information is corrupted or incorrect.

• LCD Error Display: Ribbon RFID Error

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon RFID Error

2 Replace the Print Ribbon RFID Sensor.

a. Replace the Print Ribbon RFID Sensor.

b. Press on the Resume button.

c. If the error continues, replace the Printer Main Board.

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Resolving the Mag Verify Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: The Printer is unable to verify encoded data.

• Printer Error State: The Printer is unable to verify encoded data.

• LCD Error Display: Mag Verify

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Mag Verify

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Mag Verify Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Check to ensure that the cards are loaded with the Magnetic Stripe facing Up

and towards the front of the Printer.

3 a. Press on the Resume button.

b. If the error continues continue to step 4

4 Verify the Driver settings if cards are loaded properly. See the Using the

Magnetic Encoding tab procedure in .

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

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

reapplying power.

b. Remove the failed card.

c. Use a Magnetic Stripe reader or magnetic developer spray to determine if

data is being written to the Magnetic Stripe.

d. If data is not being written to the Magnetic Stripe,

• Open the front cover.

• Remove the Magnetic Module cover screw.

• Remove the Magnetic Module cover.

• Verify that the Magnetic Module is seated securely into the Magnetic

Module docking station.

e. If the Magnetic module is properly seated, replace the magnetic head (as

needed). (Note: See the current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide
for related instructions in the Parts Replacement Section.)

f. If data is being written to the Magnetic Stripe, the Magnetic Offset may

need to be adjusted. See the Using the Mag Top of Form Option

.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Mag Verify Error (continued)

Step Procedure

6 Verify that the coercivity of the cards matches the Driver Settings.

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Resolving the No Mag Installed Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: There is not Magnetic Encoder installed.

• Printer Error State: A print job with Magnetic encoding was sent with no

Magnetic encoder installed in the Printer.

• LCD Error Display: No Mag Installed

• Driver Monitor Error Display: No Mag Installed

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a No Mag Installed Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2

Press the Cancel Print button on the Driver Monitor Error Display Message.

3 Reboot the Printer by cycling the power.

4 Verify that the Printer has a Magnetic Encoder installed.

a. Open the front cover.

b. Remove the Magnetic Module cover screw.

c. Remove the Magnetic Module cover.

d. Verify that the Printer has a Magnetic Module installed. (Note: If the

Printer is equipped with a Magnetic Encoder Module, ensure that it is
seated securely into the Magnetic Module docking station. If the issue
persists, replace the Magnetic Module. See the
DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for replacement procedures.)

5 If the Printer has no Magnetic Encoder module, verify that the encoding data

was sent in error, check the appropriate software user’s manual for encoding
instructions.

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Resolving a Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue)

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: The Printer rolls through Ribbon and errors out

• Printer Error State: The Printer cannot find the next panel on the Ribbon.

• LCD Error Display: Ribbon Miscue

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon Sensor

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue) (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Open the front cover and remove the Ribbon Cartridge.

a. Check that the Ribbon is in good condition and not wrinkled or broken.

a. If Ribbon is broke or wrinkled, repair the Ribbon and wind up the take-

up roll 4-color panels past the damaged area.

3 Press on the Resume button.

If the issue persists, continue to Step 4.

4 Replace the Ribbon Cartridge.

a. Press on the Resume button.

b. If the issue persists, continue to Step 5.

5

Press the Cancel Print button on the Driver Monitor Error Display Message.

6 Reboot the Printer by cycling the power.

7 Using the driver calibration tab calibrate the Ribbon Sensor.

If the issue persists, continue to Step 8.

8 Replace the Ribbon Sensor.

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Resolving a Ribbon Break Jam Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: The Print Ribbon has become jammed or has broken in the

Printer

• Printer Error State: The Ribbon Supply Encoder Sensor has

unexpectedly stop receiving information from the Ribbon Encoder

• LCD Error Display: Ribbon BreakJam

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon BreakJam

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Resolving a Ribbon Break Jam Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Open the front cover and remove the Ribbon Cartridge.

• If Ribbon is broken, continue to Step 3.

• If Ribbon is in good condition, continue to Step 6.

3 Adjust the print offset (See Using the Print Top of Form Option)

If the issue persists, continue to Step 4.

4 Repair the Ribbon and wind up the take-up roll 4 color panels past the damage

area.

a. Press on the Resume button.

If the issue persists, continue to Step 5.

5 Use the Fargo Diagnostic utility to cycle the Printhead to ensure proper

printhead operation. See the Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs

.

• If the Printhead does not cycle properly, see Resolving the Headlift Motor /

Sensor Error.

If the Printhead functions properly, continue to Step 6.

6 Replace the Ribbon Cartridge.

a. Press on the Resume button.

If the issue persists, continue to Step 7.

7 Remove the rear cover in order to check that the Ribbon Encoder Sensor is

securely connected to the J-4 Main Board connection and to the Encoder
Sensor.

a. Press on the Resume button.

If the issue persists, replace the Encoder Sensor.

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Resolving a Ribbon Out Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Printer will not print.

• Printer Error State: The Ribbon Sensor has detected the End Of Ribbon

mark

• LCD Error Display: Ribbon Out

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon Out

2 Replace the Ribbon Cartridge

a. Press on the Resume button.

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Resolving a No Ribbon Installed Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Printer errors out as soon as it receives data from PC

• Printer Error State: The Printer RFID Sensor is not receiving a signal from

the Ribbon

• LCD Error Display: No Ribbon

• Driver Monitor Error Display: No Ribbon Installed

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a No Ribbon Installed Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Verify that a Ribbon Cartridge is installed in the Printer.

a. Press on the Resume button.

If the issue persist, continue to Step 3.

3 Remove the rear cover and check that the Ribbon RFID cable is securely

connected to the Main Board (J-5) and the RFID Sensor.

• If the connections are loose, reattach

• . Press on the Resume button.

• If the connections are good or if the issue persists, continue to Step 4.

4 Replace the Ribbon RFID Sensor.

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Resolving a Invalid Ribbon Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Printer errors out as soon as it receives data from the PC

• Printer Error State: The Ribbon installed does not match the Printer model.

• LCD Error Display: Invalid Ribbon

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Invalid Ribbon

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Invalid Ribbon Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Verify that the Ribbon Cartridge installed is designed for the correct Printer

model.

3 Press on the Resume button.

If the issue persists, continue to Step 4.

4 Remove the rear cover and check that the Ribbon RFID cable is securely

connected to the Main Board (J-5) and the RFID Sensor.

• If the connections are loose, reattach

• Press on the Resume button..

• If the connections are good or if the issue persists, continue to Step 5.

5 Replace the Ribbon RFID Sensor.

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Resolving a Wrong Ribbon Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Printer errors out as soon as it receives data from the PC

• Printer Error State: The Ribbon installed does not match the Printer Driver

information

• LCD Error Display: Wrong Ribbon

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Wrong Ribbon

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Wrong Ribbon Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Verify the Driver settings are correct.

a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

• If using Windows 98SE, Me, right click on the DTC400/DTC300 Card

Printer Icon and select Properties.

• If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the DTC400/DTC300 Card

Printer and select Printing Preferences.

b. Click on the Device Option tab.

c. Click on the auto select button.

d. Check that the Ribbon type matches the Ribbon selected.

3 Press on the Resume button..

If the issue persists, continue to Step 4.

4 Remove the rear cover and check that the Ribbon RFID cable is securely

connected to the Main Board (J-5) and the RFID Sensor.

• If the connections are loose, reattach

• Press on the Resume button...

• If the connections are good or if the issue persists, continue to Step 5.

5 Replace the Ribbon RFID Sensor.

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Resolving a Card Jam Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Card is jammed.

• Printer Error State: Card TOF Sensor is detecting no card motion

• LCD Error Display: Card Jam

• Driver Monitor Error Display: Card Jam

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Card Jam Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2 Look for a jammed card in the Printer.

a. Open the Printer’s front cover.

b. Remove the Ribbon Cartridge from the Printer.

c. Check to see if a card is jammed in the print station of the Printer.

d. If a card is found in the print station, continue to Step 3.

e. If no card was found in the print station, continue to Step 4.

3 Clearing a jammed card.

a. If a card is jammed in the Printer, use the Cancel button and the Pause

button to move the Feed Rollers and free the card.

b. The card can then be fed out of the Printer.

4 Test the Card Sensor.

a. Remove the rear cover.

b. Using a Digital Voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground.

c. Connect the positive lead to Pin 10 of J4.

• If blocked, the Sensor should read 4.9 to 5.5 VDC.

• If unblocked, the Sensor should read 0.15 to 0.18 VDC.

d. If the voltages do not read correctly, replace the Sensor. (Note: See the

current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for related instructions in
the Parts Replacement Section.)

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Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: The Printhead continuously cycles or does not cycle at all

• Printer Error State: Headlift Sensor is not detecting movement from the

Headlift Cam

• LCD Error Display: Head Lift Error

• Driver Monitor Error Display: General Error

Continued on the next page

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Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error (continued)

Step Procedure

2

Press the Cancel Print button on the Driver Monitor Error Display Message.

3 Reboot the Printer by cycling the power.

4 Cycle the Headlift Motors.

a. Use the Fargo Diagnostic utility to cycle the Printhead to ensure proper

printhead operation. See the Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs

a. Verify that the Headlift Motor turns.

b. If the Motor does not turn or jams, continue to Step 5.

5 Check the Headlift Motor Main Board Connection (J20).

a. Unplug the Printer.

b. Remove the back cover.

c. Verify that connection J20 is properly connected to the Main Board.

d. If the Motor does not turn, continue to Step 7.

6 Test the Headlift Sensor.

a. Remove the back cover.

b. Attach the positive lead from a Digital Voltmeter to Pin 1 of J9. Attach the

negative lead to the Pin 3 of J9.

.

• If open, the Sensor should read 0.17 to 0.9 VDC.

• If closed, the Sensor should read 4.9 to 5.5 VDC.

c. Replace the Sensor if the voltages do not read correctly. (Note: See the

current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for related instructions in
the Parts Replacement Section.)

d. If the Motor does turn, continue to Step 7.

7

Replace the Headlift Motor. (Note: See the current
DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for related instructions in the Parts
Replacement Section.)

a. If the Motor does turn, continue to Step 8.

8 Replace the Main Board.

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Resolving the Cover Open Error Message

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: The Printer errors immediately after sending a print job, or the

Rollers do not operate by pressing the cottons on the front panel (when the
cover is open).

• Printer Error State: The front cover Sensor detects that the cover is open

• LCD Error Display: Cover Open

• Driver Monitor Error Display: None

2 Check for debris, as follows:

a. Open the front cover and check that no debris has accumulated in the lid

Sensor opening. Use compressed air to clean the opening id as needed.

b. If the Sensor still does not work, continue to Step 3.

3 Check that the Sensor tab on the front cover is not damaged.

a. Open the front cover and examine the Lid Sensor tab for damage, if the

Sensor tab is damaged, replace the front cover. (Note: See the current
DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for related instructions in the Parts
Replacement Section.)

b. If the Sensor still does not work, continue to Step 4.

4

Replace the Main Board. (Note: See the current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M
User Guide for related instructions in the Parts Replacement Section.)

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Resolving the Blank Output issues

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

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

• Printer Error State: None

• LCD Error Display: None

• Driver Monitor Error Display: None

2 Run a self-test.

a. Clear any card jams.

b. Unplug power from the Printer.

c. While holding down the Pause button, reapply power.

(Note: A self-test card will be printed.)

3 Look for an image on the Ribbon.

a. After a self-test has been run, open the top cover.

b. Remove the Print Ribbon from the Printer.

c. Visually inspect the set of panels that were last used by the Printer.

d. If an image is noticeable on the used Ribbon, continue to Step 4.

e. If an image is not noticeable on the used Ribbon, continue to Step 5.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Blank Output issues (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Adjust the placement.

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

reapplying it.

b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer.

• If using Windows 98SE, Me, right click on the

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer Icon and select Properties.

• If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the

DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer and select Printing
Preferences.

c. Click on the Calibrate tab.

d. Click on the Settings button.

e. Adjust the Image Placement Setting by +5.

f. Click on the OK button.

g. Print a self-test.

h. After adjusting the Image Placement, if a white border appears on the card,

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

i. If still having blank card issues, continue to Step 5.

5 Check the Printhead connections.

a. Remove the Printer power and USB cables.

b. Turn the Printer over to gain access to the base plate.

c. Remove the one (1) thumbscrew from the Printhead cover plate and

remove the cover plate.

d. Depress the Printhead locking tabs and remove the Printhead.

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

Printhead) are properly seated.

f. Remove the Back Cover.

g. Ensure that the Printhead Power/Data Cable is properly seated on J16 on

the Main board.

h. If still having blank card issues, continue to Step 6.

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Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Blank Output issues (continued)

Step Procedure

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

a. Remove the back cover.

b. Using a Digital Voltmeter, connect the negative lead to ground.

c. Probe Pins 1 to 5 of the Printhead power connection on J16.

d. Ensure that a voltage between 22 to 23 VDC is read on each pin.

• If less than 22 volts is read on any of the pins, replace the Printhead.

• If still having issue with blank cards, replace the Main Board. (See the

current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for instructions on
replacing the Main Board in the Parts Replacement Section.)

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Diagnosing Image Problems

Resolving the Pixel Failure problems

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: A thin line or scratch travels the entire length of the card (See

sample image below).

• Printer Error State: None

• LCD Error Display: None

• Driver Monitor Error Display: None

2 Check the card stock for scratches. Replace the cards (as needed).

3 Examine the Printhead for visible damage.

4 Clean the Printhead. See the Cleaning the Printhead procedure.

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

Assembly (D900023).

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Resolving the Card Surface Debris problems

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

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

(See sample image below).

• Printer Error State: None

• LCD Error Display: None

• Driver Monitor Error Display: None

2 Ensure the cards are clean and stored in a dust-free environment. Do not use

cards with embedded contaminants in the surface.

3 Clean the inside of the Printer. See Cleaning the Printer's Interior.

4 Clean the Cleaning Roller. See Cleaning the Card Feed and Cleaning Rollers.

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Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

• Symptom: Printed cards are too dark or too light.

• Printer Error State: None

• LCD Error Display: None

• Driver Monitor Error Display: None

2 Run a self-test to ensure that the issue is not with the Driver settings.

3

Adjust the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer
Driver. See Using the Image Color tab

procedure.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems (continued)

Step Procedure

4

Correct the Image Darkness. See the Using the Image Darkness option
procedure.

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Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle problems

All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in
the Printer.

Step Procedure

1 Review the following information.

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

• Printer Error State: None

• LCD Error Display: None

• Driver Monitor Error Display: None

2 Confirm that the Printer is using the most current Driver via:

http://www.fargo.com

3

Reduce the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer
Driver. See the Using the Image Color tab

.

Continued on the next page

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Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle problems (continued)

Step Procedure

4 Reduce the Image Darkness. See the Using the Image Darkness option

procedure.

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