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Polaroid XPS Card Printer
Installation and User Guide
June 2011
Part No. 539957-020 Rev. A
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Notice
Please do not attempt to operate or repair this equipment without adequate training.
Any use, operation, or repair you perform that is not in accordance with the information
contained in this documentation is at your own risk.
Proprietary Notice
All drawings and information herein are the property of the owner. All unauthorized use
and reproduction is prohibited.
Trademark Acknowledgments
Polaroid and Polaroid & Pixel are trademarks of PLR IP Holdings, LLC, used under
license. All other trademarks are the property of the respective owner who has not
sponsored, endorsed or approved this product. PLR IP Holdings, LLC does not
manufacture this product or provide any Manufacturer's Warranty or support.
ScreenCheck North America
2621 Corrinado Court
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
260-484-0611 X 281 for Service or Warranty Information
www.polaroid-id.com
© 2011. The design and information contained in these
materials is protected by U.S. and/or international copyright
laws and/or treaties.
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Chapter 1: Welcome to Card Printer Information_____________________________________ 1
About the Printer _______________________________________________________________ 1
Printer Components ________________________________________________________ 2
Printer with Input Hopper ________________________________________________ 2
Inside a printer__________________________________________________________ 3
Printer with Duplex Option_______________________________________________ 3
Inside a printer with a duplex option _____________________________________ 4
Printer Configuration Label _________________________________________________ 4
Printer System ______________________________________________________________ 6
Tasks and Users _________________________________________________________ 6
Chapter 2: Installation Requirements________________________________________________ 9
PC Requirements___________________________________________________________ 9
Requirements for a Network Connection _______________________________ 10
Requirements for a USB Connection ____________________________________ 10
Site Requirements _________________________________________________________ 11
Electrical Requirements____________________________________________________ 12
Chapter 3: Install the Printer _______________________________________________________ 13
Choosing Your Installation Method ____________________________________ _____ 13
Connecting More Than One Printer _____________________________________ 14
Prepare the Printer ________________________________________________________ 15
Load Cards ____ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ _______ _ 16
Load Print Ribbon______________________ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ ___ ____ _ 16
Load Cleaning Roller___________________ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____ ___ ____ _ 17
Install Ribbon Cartridge ________________________________________________ 18
Install the Printer Driver_____________________________________________________ 19
USB Installation using the Installation CD_________________________________ 19
USB Installation using a downloaded driver ______________________________ 23
Network Installation using the Installation CD ____________________________ 27
Network Installation using a downloaded driver _________________________ 31
Retrieve the Printer IP Address __________________________________________ 37
Chapter 4: Printing Cards__________________________________________________________ 39
Printing Cards: Printer with Input Hopper ________________________________________ 40
Printing from ID Software___________________________________________________ 40
Printing from Other Software _______________________________________________ 40
Chapter 5: Using the Printer ________________________________________________________ 43
Use the Front Panel_______________________________ ____ _________________________ 43
Power switch______________________________________________________________ 43
LCD panel ________________________________________________________________ 43
User button and light ______________________________________________________ 44
Down Arrow, Up Arrow, and Enter keys _____________________________________ 44
Ribbon Light ______________________________________________________________ 44
Card Light ________________________________________________________________ 45
Use the LCD Menus_______________________________ ____ _________________________ 45
LCD Menus________________________________________________________________ 46
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Messages and Conditions _____________________________________________________ 46
Messages on the Printer____________________________________________________ 46
Messages on the XPS Card Printer Driver ____________________________________ 47
Messages on the Printer Manager __________________________________________ 47
Other Messages ___________________________________________________________ 47
Responding to Messages ______________________________________________________ 48
Message 100: Request not supported ___________________________________ 49
Message 101: Job could not complete__________________________________ 49
Message 102: Card not in position ______________________________________ 50
Message 103: Printer problem __________________________________________ 50
Message 104: Critical problem__________________________________________ 50
Message 105: Magstripe data error _____________________________________ 51
Message 106: Magstripe data not found ________________________________ 51
Message 107: Magstripe read data error ________________________________ 52
Message 108: Magstripe read no data __________________________________ 52
Message 109: Print ribbon problem______________________________________ 52
Message 110: Print ribbon out or missing_________________________________ 53
Message 111: Card not picked _________________________________________ 53
Message 112: Card hopper empty______________________________________ 54
Message 113: Close cover to continue _________________________________ 54
Message 114: Cover opened during job ________________________________ 54
Message 115: Wait for print temperature ____________________ ____________ 55
Message 116: Magstripe not available __________________________________ 55
Message 117: Reader not available_____________________________________ 55
Message 118: Print ribbon type problem ________________________________ 56
Message 119: Print ribbon not supported _______________________________ 56
Message 120: User paused the printer __________________________________ 56
Message 121: Print ribbon ID problem __________________________________ 56
Message 122: Magnetic stripe format problem __________________________ 57
Message 123: Insert new card then continue ____________________________ 57
Message 124: Insert same card then continue __________________________ 57
Printer Driver Messages_______________________________ _________________________ 58
Message 500: The printer is not available. The card cannot print. _________ 58
Message 501: The printer connection was lost. Printing the card
is canceled. _____________________________________ ____ ___ _______ ___ ____ _ 58
Message 502: The card data is missing or is not usable. The card
cannot print. __________________________________________________________ 59
Message 503: The magnetic stripe data is missing. The card
cannot print. __________________________________________________________ 59
Message 505: Bonjour is not installed. Cannot connect to the printer. _____ 59
Message 506: A card is currently processing. ____________________________ 60
Clean the Printer _________________________________ _____________________________ 61
Run a cleaning card__ _______ ____ ___ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___ _______ ___ ____ _ 61
Clean the printhead_______________________________________________________ 63
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Chapter 6: Card Design and Setup_________________________________________________ 65
Card Components ____________________________________________________________ 66
Color Printing______________________________________________________________ 66
Print Ribbon ___________________________________________________________ 66
Managing Color _______________________________________________________ 67
Printing Text ___________________________________________________________ 67
Printing Graphics_______________________________________________________ 67
Monochrome Printing______________________________________________________ 68
Monochrome Panels in Full-Color Ribbon________________________________ 69
Monochrome Ribbon __________________________________________________ 69
Printing Bar Codes _____________________________________________________ 69
Printing Text ___________________________________________________________ 70
Printing Graphics ______________________________________________________ 70
Topcoat Printing___________________________________________________________ 70
Card Design: Magnetic Stripe__________________________________________________ 71
About Magnetic Stripe_____________________________________________________ 71
Magnetic Stripe Formats ___________________________________________________ 72
Card Design: Smart Card ______________________________________________________ 73
About Smart Card_________________________________________________________ 73
Requirements__________________________________________________________ 74
Smart Card Codes on the Printer Label__________________________________ 74
Printing and Non-Printing Areas ____________________________________ ____________ 75
Standard Magnetic Stripe Area ____________________________________________ 75
Smart Card Non-printing Area______________________________________________ 75
Other Areas ___________________________________________________________ 76
Card Layout __________________________________________________________________ 76
Backgrounds______________________________________________________________ 76
Image Placement _________________________________________________________ 76
Badges ___________________________________________________________________ 77
Settings_______________________________________________________________________ 77
Windows Properties and Preferences _______________________________________ 77
Printer Manager ___________________________________________________________ 77
Chapter 7: Printer Driver ___________________________________________________________ 79
Communication with the Printer____________________________________________ 79
Using the driver____________________________________________________________ 80
Chapter 8: Updates, Upgrades, and More __________________________________________ 83
Updates ______________________________________________________________________ 83
Updating the Driver________________________________________________________ 83
Upgrades and Printer Options__________________________________________________ 84
Deviations ____________________________________________________________________ 84
Chapter 9: Removing a Printer from a Windows PC__________________________________ 87
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting_______________________ ________________________________ 91
Tools for Troubleshooting ___________________________________________________ 91
Locate the Problem____________________________________________________ 91
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Fixing the Printer System ________________________________________________ 93
The XPS Card Printer Driver _____________________________________________ 93
ID Software____________________________________________________________ 93
Using the Printer Plug-in____________________ _____________________________ 94
Other Components of the System_______________________________________ 94
Installation Troubleshooting ________________________________________________ 94
USB Installation Troubleshooting_________________________________________ 95
Network Installation Troubleshooting ____________________________________ 97
Driver Problems____________________________________________________________ 97
The driver does not detect the network-connected printer _______________ 98
The driver does not detect the USB-connected printer ___________________ 99
Unexpected messages appear_________________________________________ 99
The driver status or Windows print queue does not
provide expected data ___________________ ____ ___ ____ ___ ___ _______ ___ 100
Card Appearance ______________________________________________________ 101
Something did not print ______________________________________________ 101
Printing includes unexpected data ___________________________________ 102
The color printing has flaws ___________________________________________ 102
The printing is too light________________________________________________ 104
The printing in too dark_______________________________________________ 104
The monochrome printing has flaws___________________________________ 105
Magnetic Stripe ______________________________________________________ ___ 105
For Managers Only ______________________________________________________ 106
Chapter 11: Supplies and Parts ________________________________________ ____ ______ 109
Print Ribbon ____________________________________________________________ 109
Color Print Ribbon____________________________________________________ 109
Monochrome Print Ribbon____________________________________________ 110
Print Ribbon Storage Guidelines________________ _______________________ 110
Cards___________________________________________________________________ 111
Card Size____________________________________________________________ 111
Card Material _______________________________________________________ 111
Pre-Punched Cards _________________________________________________ 112
New Cards for Color Printing______________________ ____________________ 112
Adhesive Backed Cards______________________________________________ 112
Card Quality Guidelines _________________________________________________ 112
Card Surface ________________________________________________________ 112
Card Handling_______________________________________________________ 113
Card Storage________________________________________________________ 113
Replacement Parts ______________________________________________________ 113
Printhead Cartridge________________ ____ ___ _______ ____ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ 113
Print Ribbon Cartridge________________________________________________ 114
Cleaning Supplies____________________________________________________ 114
Cleaning Roller Spindle ______________________________________________ 114
Large Output Hopper Option ________________________________________ 114
Lock Option _________________________________________________________ 114
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Power Supply _______________________________________________________ 114
200-Card Input Hopper_______________________________________________ 114
Cables used with the Printer______________________________________________ 115
Data Cable _______________________ ____ ___ ____ _______ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ 115
Power Cable ________________________________________________________ 115
Chapter 12: How-To Topics ______________________________________________________ 117
How to Install a Large Output Hopper ____________________________________ 119
How to Install the 200-Card Input Hopper Option __________________________ 120
Install the Lock Option ___________________________________________________ 121
How to Adjust the Colors Printed _________________________________________ 122
Brightness ___________________________________________________________ 122
Contrast_____________________________________________________________ 123
Color Balance _______________________________________________________ 123
How to View Card Counts using the Driver ________________________________ 125
How to View Card Counts from the Printer LCD Menu _____________________ 126
How to Change a Card Design __________________________________________ 127
How to Run a Cleaning Card_____________________________________________ 129
How to Clean the Printhead _____________________________________________ 130
How to Set the Driver Network Port Value _________________________________ 131
How to Encode Magnetic Stripe without Printing __________________________ 132
How to Change the LCD Backlight _______________________________________ 133
How to Get the Printer Network IP Address ________________________________ 134
How to Get the Printer USB IP Address_____________________________________ 135
How to Load Cards______________________________________________________ 136
How to Load Ribbon_____________________________________________________ 136
Load Cleaning Roller _______________________________________ _______ ___ ___ 137
Install Ribbon Cartridge __________________________________________________ 137
How to Open Printing Preferences________________________________________ 138
Open Preferences from My XPS Card Printer___________________________ 138
Open Preferences from the Start Menu in Windows 7 or Vista___________ 139
Open Preferences from the Start Menu in Windows XP _________________ 139
How to Open the Printer Manager________________________________________ 140
How to Open the Printer Properties _______________________________________ 142
Open Printer Properties from My XPS Card Printer ______________________ 143
Open Printer Properties from the Start Menu in Windows 7 or Vista ______ 143
Open Printer Properties from the Start Menu in Windows XP_____________ 144
Printer Permissions____________________________________________________ 144
How to Print Driver Sample Cards____________________________ _____________ 145
How to Print a Printer Test Card___________________________________________ 146
How to Print on Both Sides of the Card____________________________________ 147
How to Print More Than One Copy of a Card _____________________________ 149
How to Rotate the Card _________________________________________________ 149
How to View Printer Status _______________________________________________ 150
Printer Status_________________________________________________________ 150
Port Type ____________________________________________________________ 151
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Printer Information ___________________________________________________ 151
Option Information___________________________________________________ 151
Supplies _____________________________________________________________ 151
Test _________________________________________________________________ 152
How to Find the Printer Serial Number_____________________________________ 152
Viewing the Serial Number from the Front Panel _______________________ 153
How to Set Magnetic Stripe Coercivity____________________________________ 154
How to Set the Print Area ________________________________________________ 155
How to Set the Print Resolution ___________________________________________ 156
How to Set Static IP Address Type____ _____________________________________ 157
How to Use Print Blocking Escapes________________________________________ 160
About Printing Areas _________________________________________________ 160
Print Blocking ___________________ _____________________________________ 161
Topcoat Add Statement _____________________________________________ 161
Topcoat Remove ____________________________________________________ 162
Full Card Topcoat Options____________________________________________ 162
How to Use Magnetic Stripe Escapes _____________________________________ 164
Using Magnetic Stripe Escapes _______________________________________ 164
Supported Escape Codes ____________________________________________ 165
How to Use Magnetic Stripe Fonts ________________________________________ 166
How to View the Driver Version ___________________________ ________________ 167
How to View Network Information ________________________________________ 168
Chapter 13: Legal Notices__________________ _____________________________________ 169
Safety and Compliance _________________________________________________ 169
Regulatory Compliance _________________________________________________ 169
Notice for USA (FCC notice) __________________________________________ 169
Notice for Canada __________________________________________________ 169
Notice for Europe ___________________________________________________ 169
Notice for Taiwan ___________________________________________________ 170
Notice for Japan ____________________________________________________ 170
Notice to All Users _______________________________________________________ 170
Liability Statement_______________________________________________________ 170
Safety __________________________________________________________________ 171
Safe environment____________________________________________________ 171
Safe human interface________________________________________________ 171
Acknowledgments ______________________________________________________ 171
Fonts ________________________________________________________________ 172
Disclaimer_______________________________________________________________ 172
Proprietary Notice _______________ ___ ___ ____ ___ _______ ____ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ 172
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Revision Log
Polaroid XPS Card Printer
Installation and User Guide
Revision Date Description of Changes
A June 2011 First release of this document as a single file.
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Chapter 1: Welcome to Card
Printer Information
This manual describes the XPS Card Printer and how to use it.
Before you use the printer, install and set up the printer. In most cases, install the
Windows driver for the printer as part of setup. See “Install the Printer” for the
steps to follow.
Please read this XPS Card Printer Installation and User Guide thoroughly before you
use the printer.
Each card program has specific features, and it is important for you to understand
the features of your card program. Talk with your supervisor, system
administrator, or other person to understand the features of your card program. It
will help you to successfully print cards using the printer.
About the Printer
Card printers are compact printers that
apply images and text to plastic cards.
The card printer can print full-color and
monochrome images, depending on the
type of print ribbon installed.
There are several options available for
the card printer including magnetic
stripe, smart card, automatic duplex,
and reject hopper. The configuration
label on the printer can help you
determine the options installed. See the
“Printer Configuration Label ” for
more information about the factoryinstalled options.
The card printer is available with or without automatic duplex. Click one of the
following to view the different options:
• “Printer with Input Hopper”
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• “Printer with Duplex Option”
HINTS & TIPS
• The printer is designed to issue cards either one at a time or in batches — up
to 100 cards at a time. An optional 200-card input hopper is available for some
printers.
• A busy issuance site might issue up to 10,000 cards a month.
• Often, a site will have busy times and slow times. During busy times, the site
might use more than one printer to keep up with demand.
Printer Components
Printer with Input Hopper
2 Welcome to Card Printer Information
Page 13
Inside a printer
Printer with Duplex Option
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Inside a printer with a duplex option
Printer Configuration Label
The printer has a label on the side of the cover
arm that shows the components installed. Find
the label on the side of the cover arm:
The label shows:
• Printer name, which also appears on the
model label
• Configuration, which includes options in the
printer:
• Date and country of assembly
• The MAC address to use when the printer is connected using an Ethernet
network
The printer label provides information that is useful when requesting service. It
can also help you know the components installed. Some components might be
installed by the dealer or sales group. The information for those items should be
hand-written on the label.
4 Welcome to Card Printer Information
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Printer System
The card printer is used with other equipment and software to create a card
production system. The system produces cards for a specific purpose and the
cards must meet requirements. Ask about the requirements for cards that you
produce, or see “Card Design and Setup” for typical requirements.
The system can include:
1. A PC, with software to support
the printer, such as:
• The XPS Card Printer Driver
• ID software designed
for Windows.
specifically to capture, format,
and save the data for cards.
2. “Capture” devices, such as:
3. The printer with supplies and a facility power source.
4. A data connection between the printer and PC, which can be a USB
Tasks and Users
In most work places, more than one person uses the printer. Each person might
use it differently.
• A retail application such as
®
Microsoft
Photoshop
Word or Adobe®
®
.
• See “Installation
Requirements”.
• A digital camera to take photos for ID badges and other cards, connected
to the PC.
• A signature capture pad or fingerprint reader.
connection or a network connection. (Do not use both connections with one
printer.)
• The Operator makes cards using the printer, loads supplies, and handles
minor problems such as a card jam.
• The Manager sets up the card making system, sets up card designs, and
might identify new ways to use the card printer in the organization.
6 Welcome to Card Printer Information
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Information for Users
This guide provides operator information and describes how to install, use the
printer, and perform routine tasks.
An additional Solution Guide is available for use by Administrators or by
professionals designing a new system for printing cards.
When the XPS Card Printer Driver is installed, the information is also installed.
The installation creates a Windows desktop icon called My XPS Card Printer. Use
My XPS Card Printer to choose the user level. This sets the type of information
you view.
Using My XPS Card
Printer, you can also:
• Open the
Printers Window
to view the
status of the
printer and to
view settings.
• Print a guide on
a paper printer.
• Link to the web
site.
For non-Windows Users
The information for the card printer can be viewed and printed from other
operating systems, such as Linux.
Insert the Driver CD into the PC, open a file and folder browser, and open the
Documentation folder. Select a document to view.
My XPS Card Printer is a Windows application. It does not run on non-Windows
operating systems.
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8 Welcome to Card Printer Information
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Chapter 2: Installation
Requirements
Your installation method depends on how many users will print to
the card printer, the operating system you will use to send card
data and other decisions in your environment.
This section describes:
• “PC Requirements”
• “Site Requirements”
• “Electrical Requirements”
• “Choosing Your Installation Method”
PC Requirements
Use a PC that meets or exceeds the following:
• A 32- or 64-bit processor, running at 1 GHz or faster
• Memory (RAM):
• 2 GB or more
• At least 1GB free space on the hard drive
• One of the following operating systems:
• Windows 7, 32- or 64-bit
• Windows Vista, 32- or 64-bit
• Windows XP, 32-bit
• Windows MSXML 6.0 and the Windows XPS Essentials pack are
required to install the printer driver. The driver installer checks the
operating system for these files and installs them if needed.
• Windows 2003 Server, 32- or 64-bit
• Windows 2008 Server, 32- or 64-bit
®
• Apple
driver installer checks the operating system for this application and installs it
if needed.
Bonjour® for Windows is required to install the printer driver. The
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• USB 2.0 port or Ethernet network connection
• ID software to capture and organize the data to appear on each card.
Requirements for a Network Connection
To install a printer on a network, the following components are required:
• An Ethernet network that uses the TCP/IP protocol and can run at 100
megabits per second, also called 100base-T. Printers also support 10base-T.
• An Ethernet cable to connect the printer to the network. An Ethernet cable is
not supplied with the printer.
• A PC that meets the requirements listed above, that is connected to and
communicating with the network.
• You can connect many network printers to one PC. The maximum number of
printers depends on the capacity of the network to deliver data to the printer.
Requirements for a USB Connection
To install a printer using a USB connection, the following components are
required:
• A high speed USB port. USB 2.0 is recommended.
• A USB cable to connect the printer to the PC. A USB cable is supplied with the
printer.
• A PC that meets the requirements listed above.
• If you need to connect two card printers to a PC with one USB port, use a
single, independently-powered USB hub to which both printers can be
connected.
• Up to four card printers can be connected to a PC using USB cables.
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Site Requirements
Set up and use the printer in an
environment that meets the
following requirements.
• Provide space for the printer
and for clearance around the
printer. The printer
dimensions and clearance
area is shown in the table
below.
Printer
Model
ABCDEFG
Dimensions (inches/mm)
10.00
P3500S
P3500S with
Smart Card
P5500S
Options such as a large output stacker and 200-card input hopper add height to the
printer. Additional clearance is required when using these options.
254
10.00
254
10.00
254
8.80
224
8.80
224
8.80
224
4.00
102
4.00
102
4.00
102
6.85
174
6.85
174
6.85
174
4.00
102
4.00
102
4.00
102
15.37
390
21.21
539
21.21
539
4.00
102
4.00
102
4.00
102
• Place the printer in an environment with temperatures ranging from 60° F to
95° F (15° C to 35° C).
• Use a single phase, 3-wire, grounded receptacle.
• Keep all dust, dirt, food, and liquids away from the printer.
• Keep paper and foreign materials off the printer.
• Place the printer on a sturdy, level surface.
• Place the printer away from direct sunlight.
• Do not place printer near heating ducts, fans, or other air vents.
• Do not use the printer for purposes other than the intended use.
• Prevent debris from entering the printer.
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• Place the printer in a clean office environment.
Electrical Requirements
The power supply has earned the ENERGY STAR® and is rated as follows:
Printer Model Electrical Requirements
P3500S
The power supply detects the input voltage, and works within the range stated.
The printer is ENERGY STAR qualified only when used with the included power
supply.
110-240V/50-60 Hz/3.0 AmpP5500S
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Chapter 3: Install the Printer
This section provides information about installing
the printer and driver on a PC running a supported
Windows operating system. Printer installation
includes preparing the printer and then installing
the driver.
Most often, the driver is installed using the installation CD shipped with the
printer. The driver installation procedure prompts you to power on the printer
and when to connect cables.
Installation includes the following steps:
1. “Choosing Your Installation Method”
2. “Prepare the Printer”
• “Load Cards”
• “Load Print Ribbon”
• “Load Cleaning Roller”
3. “Install the Printer Driver”
Choosing Your Installation Method
Your installation method depends on how many users will print to the card
printer, the operating system you will use to send card data and other decisions
in your environment.
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The printer can be installed using one of the following installation methods:
Driver CD
The printer ships with a CD in the printer carton. In most cases,
install the driver from the CD using one of the following cable
types:
• Install the Driver using a USB cable (see “USB Installation
using the Installation CD”)
• Install the Driver using a Network cable (see “Network
Installation using the Installation CD”)
Download
If you do not have access to the installation CD, install the driver
from a downloaded driver file:
• Install the printer using a USB connection and a
downloaded driver file (see “USB Installation using a
downloaded driver”)
• Install the printer using a Network connection and a
downloaded driver file (see “Network Installation using a
downloaded driver”)
Connecting More Than One Printer
There are several choices for connecting more than one printer to a PC or for
having more than one PC connected to a printer. You can connect to several
printers installed on a network, or connect multiple printers to a PC using USB
cables.
Use the following guidelines to install more than one printer using USB cables:
• Connect and install one printer at a time. The PC cannot run more than one
installation program at a time.
• USB protocol allows devices to be connected to the PC through another USB
device. USB protocol also uses hubs to which multiple USB devices can be
connected.
If you need to connect two card printers to a PC with one USB port, use an
independently-powered USB hub to which both printers can be connected.
• Up to four card printers can be connected to a PC using USB cables.
• Use one powered high-speed (USB 2.0) hub. Do not daisy-chain multiple
hubs.
• The printer(s) must be powered on for the PC to detect it. It must remain
powered on during installation.
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To Install Additional Printers
For each USB printer installed after the initial USB installation, follow these
instructions:
1. Load supplies and then power on the printer. See “Prepare the Printer” for
the steps to follow.
2. Log on to the PC as a user with Administrator access.
3. Connect the printer to the PC using a USB cable.
4. The operating system detects the new device. It might display a popup during
installation.
5. If the operating system does not display a popup within a few minutes, check
the Printers window to see if the icon for the new printer is displayed. At
times, the software installs without displaying the popup.
6. The operating system usually uses the existing driver files to install the driver
for this printer. Insert the driver CD only if you are prompted for it.
Using more than one printer on a PC
When using more than one printer on a PC, keep the following in mind:
• Select the printer to use in the ID software or other application. Card jobs will
be sent to the selected printer even if more than one card printer is attached to
the PC.
• When messages are displayed, the title bar of the message box displays the
name of the printer causing the message. Keep track of which printer has
which name.
• Each printer has its own icon in the Printers window, and each printer has
separate Properties and Printing Preferences dialog boxes. Settings are not
shared among printers.
Prepare the Printer
Prepare the printer to print cards by installing supplies including blank card
stock, print ribbon, cleaning roller, and optional equipment. For more
information on optional equipment, see Install Printer Options.
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Load Cards
If you are using a manual feed
printer, skip this step and keep a
supply of blank cards close to
the printer. For printers with an
input hopper, continue with
these steps:
1. Open the input hopper (a).
2. Fan cards before placing
them into input hopper (b).
Insert magnetic stripe cards
with the stripe down and
toward the right-hand side of the input hopper.
3. Close input hopper (c).
Load Print Ribbon
Load the ribbon when you install the printer
and when the ribbon runs out.
1. Open the printer’s top cover.
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2. Remove the print ribbon cartridge.
3. Load a full roll of print ribbon onto the
spindle closest to the cartridge handle.
4. Place the empty spool on the spindle
with the black gear.
5. Wind the empty spool counter-
clockwise one full turn.
Load Cleaning Roller
Load a new cleaning roller with each
new roll of print ribbon.
The printer ships with the cleaning
roller spindle installed on the print
ribbon cartridge.
1. Remove the cleaning roller spindle
from the ribbon cartridge and slide
the continuous cleaning sleeve onto
the spindle (a).
2. Snap the spindle with sleeve installed back onto the ribbon cartridge (b).
3. Remove the protective wrapper from the cleaning sleeve (c).
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Install Ribbon Cartridge
Install the assembled print ribbon
cartridge into the printer.
1. Hold the print ribbon cartridge by the
handle and lower into the printer with
the handle toward the front of the
printer.
2. Check to see that the ribbon cartridge
is correctly positioned in the guides.
3. Close the printer cover.
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Install the Printer Driver
This section provides information about installing the printer driver on a PC
running a supported Windows operating system. See “PC Requirements” for a
list of supported operating systems.
Most often, the driver is installed using the installation CD shipped with the
printer. The driver installation procedure prompts you to power on the printer
and when to connect cables.
Use one of the following links to view instructions about how to install the printer
driver:
• “USB Installation using the Installation CD”
• “USB Installation using a downloaded driver”
• “Network Installation using the Installation CD”
• “Network Installation using a downloaded driver”
USB Installation using the Installation CD
1. Log on to the PC as a user with Administrator access.
2. Insert the driver CD in the PC’s drive. On the User Account Control dialog,
click Yes. The driver install window opens.
3. Click the Install a USB Printer button.
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4. The driver might require additional software, and present a license
agreement for that software. Read the license agreement(s) presented, click
the Accept box, and then click the blue arrow pointing to the right.
5. Follow the steps to “Prepare the Printer”.
Use the green media controls to view step-by-step instructions about how to
Prepare the Printer.
6. Click the blue arrow pointing to the right.
7. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Next.
8. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the printer.
9. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the network
adapters for the printer.
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10. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Finish to
complete this stage of installation.
11. Plug in and power on the printer.
12. The installer will prompt you to connect the printer to the PC using a USB
cable.
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13. Connect the printer to the PC using a USB cable.
14. When installation is complete, the Print a Sample Card page appears. Check
that “Ready” is displayed on the LCD panel and click the Print Sample Card
button. Installation is complete when the sample card prints successfully.
For more information on how to print a sample card or a printer test card, see
“How to Print Driver Sample Cards” or “How to Print a Printer Test
Card”.
15. If ID software is installed on the computer, the Before You Go dialog prompts
you to install the printer plug-in. Follow the prompts to install the printer
plug-in.
22 Install the Printer
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USB Installation using a downloaded driver
The printer ships with an Installation CD in the printer carton. In most cases,
install the driver from the Installation CD. If you do not have access to the
Installation CD, follow these steps:
1. Log on to the PC as a user with Administrator access.
2. Obtain the download file on a portable storage medium, such as CD or USB
drive, and copy it to your hard drive; by email and save it to your hard drive;
or using a method such as the following:
A. Browse to the Downloads area of the Web site (or the Products page for
the printer) and choose the driver for your printer and operating system
B. Click the link.
C. When the File Download dialog appears, click Save.
D. Choose a location on your PC, such as C:\Temp and click Save.
Your network might prevent the download or installation of this file. Ask
your network support personnel for help when downloading this file and
when installing the driver.
3. Browse to the location of the file saved in Step 2 on your PC.
4. Double-click the downloaded file. The file will have a name similar to
XPSCardPrinterDriver.exe. On the User Account Control dialog, click Yes.
The card printer installer window opens.
5. Click the Install a USB Printer button.
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6. The driver might require additional software, and present a license
agreement for that software. Read the license agreement(s) presented, click
the Accept box and then click the blue arrow.
7. Follow the steps to “Prepare the Printer”.
Use the green media controls to view step-by-step instructions about how to
Prepare the Printer.
8. Click the blue arrow pointing to the right.
9. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Next.
10. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the printer.
11. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the network
adapters for the printer.
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12. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Finish to
complete this stage of installation.
13. Plug in and power on the printer.
14. The installer will prompt you to connect the printer to the PC using a USB
cable.
15. Connect the printer to the PC using a USB cable.
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16. When installation is complete, the Print a Sample Card page appears. Check
that “Ready” is displayed on the LCD panel and click the Print Sample Card
button. Installation is complete when the sample card prints successfully.
For more information on how to print a sample card or a printer test card, see
“How to Print Driver Sample Cards” or “How to Print a Printer Test
Card”.
17. If ID software is installed on the computer, the Before You Go dialog prompts
you to install the printer plug-in. Follow the prompts to install the printer
plug-in.
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Network Installation using the Installation CD
1. Log on to the PC as a user with Administrator access.
2. Insert the driver CD in the PC’s drive. On the User Account Control dialog,
click Yes. The driver installer window opens.
3. Click the Install a Network Printer button.
4. The driver might require additional software, and present a license agreement
for that software. Read the license agreement(s) presented, click the Accept
box and then click the blue arrow.
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5. Follow the steps to “Prepare the Printer”.
Use the green media controls to view step-by-step instructions about how to
Prepare the Printer.
6. Click the blue arrow pointing to the right.
7. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Next.
8. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the printer.
9. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the network
adapters for the printer.
10. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Finish to
complete this stage of installation.
11. Connect the printer to the network using an Ethernet cable.
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12. Plug in and power on the printer.
13. Use the LCD panel to retrieve the printer’s IP Address. For step-by-step
instructions, see “Retrieve the Printer IP Address”.
14. Return to the Main menu on the LCD display. Check that “Ready” is
displayed and the User button glows green.
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15. The Card Printer installer opens the Printer Properties window automatically.
When this window opens, click the Configure Port button and enter the IP
Address retrieved in Step 9 in the Printer Name or IP Address area.
IMPORTANT!
In some cases, Windows may change the Port Number when the printer’s IP
address is entered. The printer always uses Port 9100.
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16. When installation is complete, the Print a Sample Card page appears.
17. Check that “Ready” is displayed on the LCD panel and click the Print Sample
Card button to verify that the installation is complete. Installation is complete
when the sample card prints successfully.
For more information on how to print a sample card or a printer test card, see
“How to Print Driver Sample Cards” or “How to Print a Printer Test
Card”.
18. If ID software is installed on the computer, the Before You Go dialog prompts
you to install the printer plug-in. Follow the prompts to install the printer
plug-in.
Network Installation using a downloaded driver
The printer ships with an Installation CD in the printer carton. In most cases,
install the driver from the Installation CD. If you do not have access to the
Installation CD, follow these steps:
1. Log on to the PC as a user with Administrator access.
2. Obtain the download file on a portable storage medium, such as CD or USB
drive, and copy it to your hard drive; by email and save it to your hard drive;
or using a method such as the following:
A. Browse to the Downloads area of the Web site (or the Products page for
the printer) and choose the driver for your printer and operating system.
B. Click the link.
C. When the File Download dialog appears, click Save.
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D. Choose a location on your PC, such as C:\Temp and click Save.
E. When the File Download dialog appears, click Save.
Your network might prevent the download or installation of this file. Ask
your network support personnel for help when downloading this file or
when installing the driver.
3. Browse to the location of the file saved in Step 2 on your PC.
4. Double-click the downloaded file. The file will have a name similar to
XPSCardPrinterDriver.exe. On the User Account Control dialog, click Yes.
The driver installer window opens.
5. Click the Install a Network Printer button.
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6. The driver might require additional software, and present a license agreement
for that software. Read the license agreement(s) presented, click the Accept
box and then click the blue arrow.
7. Follow the steps to “Prepare the Printer”.
Use the green media controls to view step-by-step instructions about how to
Prepare the Printer.
8. Click the blue arrow pointing to the right.
9. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Next.
10. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the printer.
11. The Windows Security dialog appears. Click Install to install the network
adapters for the printer.
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12. The Device Driver Installation Wizard dialog appears. Click Finish to
complete this stage of installation.
13. Connect the printer to the network using an Ethernet cable.
14. Plug in and power on the printer.
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15. Use the LCD panel to retrieve the printer’s IP Address. For step-by-step
instructions, see “Retrieve the Printer IP Address”.
16. Return to the Main menu on the LCD display. Check that “Ready” is
displayed and the User button glows green.
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17. The Card Printer installer opens the Printer Properties window automatically.
When this window opens, click the Configure Port button and enter the IP
Address retrieved in Step 11 in the Printer Name or IP Address area.
IMPORTANT!
In some cases, Windows may change the Port Number when the printer's IP
36 Install the Printer
address is entered. The printer always uses Port 9100.
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18. When installation is complete, the Print a Sample Card page appears.
19. Check that “Ready” is displayed on the LCD panel and click the Print Sample
Card button to verify that the installation is complete. Installation is complete
when the sample card prints successfully.
For more information on how to print a sample card or a printer test card, see
“How to Print Driver Sample Cards” or “How to Print a Printer Test
Card”.
20. If ID software is installed on the computer, the Before You Go dialog prompts
you to install the printer plug-in. Follow the prompts to install the printer
plug-in.
Retrieve the Printer IP Address
The Address Mode determines how the network address of the printer is
assigned. The choices are DHCP and Static IP. DHCP stands for “Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol” and means that the network assigns the IP Address to
the printer. Static IP means that you set the IP Address assigned by your network
support personnel. Network support personnel can tell you whether the network
uses DHCP or static IP addressing.
1. Begin when the LCD panel shows “Ready” on
Line 1 of the display.
2. Press the U
“Suspended” appears on Line 1, “Menu
available” appears on Line 2, and the U
button glows amber.
SER button (a).
SER
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3. Press the ENTER key (b).
“Main Menu” is displayed on Line 1 and
“Maintenance” appears on Line 2.
4. Press the down arrow key (c).
“Main Menu” displays on Line 1 and “Status”
is displayed on Line 2.
5. Press the E
NTER key (d).
“Status” appears on Line 1 and “Serial
Number” displays on Line 2.
6. Press the down arrow key two times (e).
“Status” will be displayed on Line 1 and
“Network Status” will be shown on Line 2.
7. Press the E
NTER key (f).
“Network Status” will be displayed on Line 1 and
“Address Mode” will show on Line 2.
8. Press the down arrow key (g).
“Network Status” appears on Line 1 and “IP
Address” is shown on Line 2.
9. Press the E
NTER key (h).
“IP Address” appears on Line 1 and the
printer’s IP Address will be displayed on Line 2.
10. Record the printer’s IP Address (i).
11. Exit the menu system.
A. Press the U
“Ready” is displayed on Line 1 and the U
to green.
38 Install the Printer
SER button repeatedly until
SER button changes from amber
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Chapter 4: Printing Cards
This section explains how to:
• Print a card to a printer with an input hopper. See “Printing Cards: Printer
with Input Hopper” for details.
• Print on both sides of a card. See “How to Print on Both Sides of the Card”
for details.
• Print a sample card. “How to Print Driver Sample Cards” for details.
Make sure:
HINTS & TIPS
• The printer system is set up. See “Printer System” for details.
• The card design is set up. See “Card Design and Setup” if you need to set up
the design.
• Ribbon is loaded in the printer. See “How to Load Ribbon” for the steps to
follow.
Make sure magnetic stripe cards are inserted correctly. The printer shows the
correct position.
You can also print a test card from the printer. See “How to Print a Printer Test
Card”.
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Printing Cards: Printer with Input Hopper
Make sure cards are loaded in the input hopper. See “How to Load Cards” for
the steps to follow.
Printing from ID Software
1. From the ID software, use the template or
design for this card.
2. Choose the printer if you use more than one
printer.
3. Enter the data for this card. Follow the
instructions for your software.
4. Capture the photo for this card, if used.
5. Click the Print button to send the card to the
printer.
Printing from Other Software
1. Open the software application.
2. Select the XPS Card Printer as the current
printer.
3. Use “Page Setup” to choose the “ID1” page
size.
4. Set the margins to 0 (zero or zed).
5. Create the card design:
A. Add graphics such as a company logo or photos
B. Add text information such as name, address, or employee number.
C. For information about additional card features, see “Card Design and
Setup”.
6. Make sure that the input hopper contains blank cards.
7. Click Print to send the card to the printer.
HINTS & TIPS
The printer can get cards from more than one PC. It takes cards in the order
received.
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42 Printing Cards
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Chapter 5: Using the Printer
This section includes information on using the printer and driver.
It details information on using the Front Panel and LCD Menus,
responding to error conditions, and printer maintenance such as
cleaning the printer.
• “Use the Front Panel”
• “Use the LCD Menus”
• “Messages and Conditions”
• “Clean the Printer”
Use the Front Panel
The front panel of the printer provides the controls you need to operate the
printer. It includes the following:
Power switch
Use this button to power the printer off
and on. All lights show steady amber
while the printer powers on.
To power off the printer, press the
switch for 1 to 2 seconds until the
printer powers off.
If the printer is processing cards, you
can press for 2 or more seconds to power the printer off immediately. You hear
the power-down tone. Cards in the printer are not completed.
LCD panel
• The LCD display describes what the printer is doing.
• Includes the printer menu. See “Use the LCD Menus” for details.
• Shows printer messages. See “Responding to Messages” for details.
• See “Clean the Printer” to run a cleaning card.
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User button and light
The printer has a USER button with a ring of light:
• Press the U
SER button to suspend the printer when it displays “Ready”.
• Press to clear a message.
• Press for 2 seconds or more to clear all messages.
• Press again for 2 seconds or more to clear all cards currently printing.
• Make sure this action is allowed in your card system.
• The light shows whether the printer is ready, busy printing, or not available.
Off Printer is off
Green Printer is ready
Blinking green Printer is busy
Amber The printer is not ready.
The P
OWER button was pressed to
turn the printer off.
Blinking Amber The printer has an error.
Down Arrow, Up Arrow, and Enter keys
Use the arrow keys to move through the printer menu system and the ENTER key
to make a selection. See “Use the LCD Menus” for details.
Ribbon Light
The ribbon light glows green when the print ribbon is low and glows amber
when there is a problem with the ribbon, such as out of ribbon.
Off Ribbon is okay
Green Ribbon is low - less than 10%
remains
Amber Ribbon is out or broken.
Blinking Amber The printer problem applies to
ribbon.
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Card Light
The card light blinks amber when the printer has a card problem, such as out of
cards. The card light blinks green when a card needs to be inserted.
Off Cards are okay.
Green Ribbon is low - less that 10%
remains.
Blinking Green Insert cleaning card.
Rapid Blinking
Insert card.
Green
Blinking Amber
Green
No cards and printer has card
present sensor.
Blinking Amber The printer problem applies to
cards.
Use the LCD Menus
The front panel of the printer includes an LCD display with keys. When the
printer is not actively printing cards, the LCD menu is available. See “Use the
Front Panel” for more information about other features of the front panel.
Use the menu for tasks, including:
• View the printer network IP Address. See “How to Get the Printer Network
IP Address”.
• View the printer USB IP Address. See “How to Get the Printer USB IP
Address”.
• View the printer serial number. See “How to Find the Printer Serial
Number”.
• Run a cleaning card. See “Run a cleaning card”.
• Retrieve card counts. See “How to View Card Counts from the Printer
LCD Menu”.
• Set the IP address type. See “How to Set Static IP Address Type”.
• Set the Magstripe Coercivity. See “How to Set Magnetic Stripe Coercivity”.
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• Print a test card. See “How to Print a Printer Test Card”.
• Change the LCD backlight. See “How to Change the LCD Backlight”.
LCD Menus
The menu system has three major
branches:
• Use the Maintenance menu to
• Use the Status menu to see
• Use the Configuration menu
run a cleaning card or a test
card.
settings and data about the
printer.
to change settings.
HINTS & TIPS
• The menu system can be
opened when “Ready” is
displayed on Line 1 of the
LCD panel.
• The printer returns to the
“Printer Ready” status after
two minutes of no activity.
Changes not applied will be
lost.
• To leave a selection without changing the value, press the up or down arrow
key to scroll to Exit and then press the E
Messages and Conditions
When the printer cannot process the card sent, it issues a condition. Conditions
are displayed on the LCD display on the front panel. In most cases, the driver also
displays the condition as a message. See “Printer Driver Messages” for
information about the messages the driver displays.
NTER key.
Messages on the Printer
• All messages are associated with a card job.
• The printer displays a short description and a message number for each
message.
46 Using the Printer
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• If more than one message was issued, the next message is displayed after you
correct the problem and click the U
• The printer issues messages that focus on recovering from problems. As a
result, there are just a few messages.
• If you cancel a job at the printer, the message will be removed from the PC.
Any additional messages for the cancelled job, such as for a broken ribbon,
will not appear on the PC.
SER button.
Messages on the XPS Card Printer Driver
• Messages displayed by the driver are similar to those on the printer.
• Messages appear on the PC sending the card.
• Messages might be in the background, behind the application sending the
card. On some operating systems, the message might appear in the status bar.
Click the icon in the status bar to open the message.
• If more than one message was issued, the next message is displayed after you
click the button to close the current message.
• If you have more than one card printer installed on the PC, messages are
displayed one at a time. The title bar of each message shows the printer name.
• If you have more than one card printer installed on the PC and both have
issued errors, the XPS Card Printer Driver will display the messages received
even if you cleared the error at the printer.
• The driver can issue messages which are not displayed on the printer front
panel. See “Printer Driver Messages”.
Messages on the Printer Manager
The Printer Manager can issue messages which are displayed only in the browser
window. Click the Continue button in Printer Manager to continue working with
the printer.
Other Messages
• The application you use can display messages.
• Other printers can cause messages if more than one model of card printer is
installed.
• If PCID or similar card printers are installed and use the 7.x driver, message
DR00914 might be displayed. To correct this, remove the 7.x driver and
installed the 4.x Card Printer Driver.
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Responding to Messages
Quick Link to a Message:
• “Message 100: Request not supported”
• “Message 101: Job could not complete”
• “Message 102: Card not in position”
• “Message 103: Printer problem”
• “Message 104: Critical problem”
• “Message 105: Magstripe data error”
• “Message 106: Magstripe data not found”
• “Message 107: Magstripe read data error”
• “Message 108: Magstripe read no data”
• “Message 109: Print ribbon problem”
• “Message 110: Print ribbon out or missing”
• “Message 111: Card not picked”
• “Message 112: Card hopper empty”
• “Message 113: Close cover to continue”
• “Message 114: Cover opened during job”
• “Message 115: Wait for print temperature”
• “Message 116: Magstripe not available”
• “Message 117: Reader not available”
• “Message 118: Print ribbon type problem”
• “Message 119: Print ribbon not supported”
• “Message 120: User paused the printer”
• “Message 121: Print ribbon ID problem”
• “Message 122: Magnetic stripe format problem”
• “Message 123: Insert new card then continue”
• “Message 124: Insert same card then continue”
• “Message 500: The printer is not available. The card cannot print.”
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• “Message 501: The printer connection was lost. Printing the card is
canceled.”
• “Message 502: The card data is missing or is not usable. The card cannot
print.”
• “Message 503: The magnetic stripe data is missing. The card cannot
print.”
• “Message 505: Bonjour is not installed. Cannot connect to the printer.”
• “Message 506: A card is currently processing.”
Message 100: Request not supported
To print the card:
1. Change the data to match printer features and settings.
2. Send the new card to print again.
HINTS & TIPS
• The card, if it started to print, should be discarded.
• Make sure you have chosen the correct printer in the application Ask your
Manager for assistance if needed.
Message 101: Job could not complete
The card took too much time. Press the USER button on the
printer to clear the error.
To print the card again:
1. Make sure all data for the card is available.
2. Send the card to print again.
HINTS & TIPS
• The card, if it started to print, should be discarded.
• Make sure that data, such as a photo, is on the PC before printing. If you are
connected to a database, verify the connection.
• Ask your Manager for assistance if needed
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Message 102: Card not in position
The card did not reach the position for the
next action, such as printing the card or
ejecting the card.
1. Open the printer and remove the ribbon
cartridge.
2. Turn the knob to move the card so the
printer can eject it.
3. Replace the ribbon cartridge and close
the printer.
HINTS & TIPS
• Check the ribbon to make sure it is not torn. See “Message 110: Print ribbon
out or missing” to fix the ribbon if needed.
• Remove any debris from the print area.
• Ask your Manager for assistance if needed.
Message 103: Printer problem
The printer has a problem that prevents it
from completing the card.
1. Press the printer P
power it off.
2. Press the printer P
power it on again.
HINTS & TIPS
• If the printer works, the problem was temporary.
• If the printer does not work, troubleshoot the problem.
Message 104: Critical problem
1. Press the printer POWER button or click
OK to power the printer off.
OWER button to
OWER button to
2. Request service.
HINTS & TIPS
• The printer needs to remain off due to an internal problem.
• Pressing either the P
printer.
50 Using the Printer
OWER button or the USER button will power off the
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Message 105: Magstripe data error
The printer could not verify the magnetic stripe data written on
the card. The printer encoded data on the card but could not verify
all of the data.
To print the card again:
1. Insert a magnetic stripe card that matches the printer settings.
2. Press the U
SER button on the printer or click “Retry the card” in the Message
box.
HINTS & TIPS
• The card might have been turned the wrong way.
• The card might not have a magnetic stripe.
• Send the new card to the printer.
Message 106: Magstripe data not found
The printer could not find magstripe written
data on card.
To print the card again:
1. Insert a magnetic stripe card that matches
the printer settings.
2. Position the card with the magnetic stripe
down and to the right side of the printer.
3. Press the U
click “Retry the card” in the Message box.
SER button on the printer or
HINTS & TIPS
• The card might not match printer settings or the data sent.
• Ask the Manager to verify that the card, the data, and the printer settings
match.
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Message 107: Magstripe read data error
The printer could not read the magstripe
data on the card. To read the card:
1. Insert a magnetic stripe card with data.
2. Insert the card with the magnetic stripe
down and to the right side of the
printer.
HINTS & TIPS
• The data might use a different format
than the current printer setting.
• Ask the Manager to verify that the card,
the data, and the printer settings match.
Message 108: Magstripe read no data
The printer did not find any magstripe data
on the card.
To read the card:
1. Insert a magnetic stripe card with data.
2. Position the card with the magnetic stripe
down and to the right side of the printer.
3. Send the new card to the printer.
HINTS & TIPS
• The card might have been turned the
wrong way.
• The card might not have a magnetic stripe.
Message 109: Print ribbon problem
The print ribbon is not moving properly. To
fix the ribbon:
1. Open the printer and remove the ribbon
cartridge.
2. Fix the ribbon and move the repaired
area one full turn.
3. Replace the ribbon cartridge and close
the printer.
52 Using the Printer
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HINTS & TIPS
• Remove any debris from the print area.
• If the card is in the printer, turn the knob to move the card so the printer can
eject it.
Message 110: Print ribbon out or missing
The printer does not have usable ribbon.
Load the ribbon or replace the ribbon.
1. Open the printer and remove the ribbon
cartridge.
2. Remove the existing ribbon and cleaning
roller, if present.
3. Install the ribbon. Replace the cleaning
roller.
4. Replace the ribbon cartridge and close
the printer.
HINTS & TIPS
• Used ribbon can have “negative” images of printed data. To keep the data
confidential, follow your policy to discard used ribbon
Message 111: Card not picked
The printer did not pick a card. To load cards:
1. Open the input hopper.
2. Insert cards in the input hopper. Cards can stick
together: Slide or fan cards to separate the edges
before loading the input hopper.
3. Close the input hopper and resume printing.
4. For printers with single card feed, push the card in until the printer moves it.
HINTS & TIPS
• Orient all cards the same way.
• Do not touch the card surface to be printed:
• Handle cards by their edges
• Wear gloves
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Message 112: Card hopper empty
The printer does not detect cards in the input hopper.
1. Open the input hopper.
2. Insert cards in the input hopper. Cards can stick
together: Slide or fan cards to separate the edges
before loading the input hopper.
3. Close the input hopper and resume printing.
HINTS & TIPS
• Orient all cards the same way.
• Do not touch the card surface to be printed:
• Handle cards by their edges
• Wear gloves
Message 113: Close cover to continue
The printer cover must be closed to print.
1. Close the cover.
2. Push down on the cover to latch it.
Hints & Tips
• Make sure the ribbon cartridge is installed.
• Make sure the cartridge handle is even with the
edges of the printer.
Message 114: Cover opened during job
The printer cover must be closed to print.
1. Close the cover.
2. Push down on the corners of the cover to latch it.
Hints & Tips
• Make sure the ribbon cartridge is installed and the
handle is even with the edges of the printer.
• The card, if it started to print, should be discarded.
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Message 115: Wait for print temperature
The printer is not at the correct temperature to print the card.
Printing the card will resume on its own.
Hints & Tips
• The card, if it started to print, should be discarded.
• Make sure you have chosen the correct printer in the application. Ask the
Manager for assistance if needed.
Message 116: Magstripe not available
Look at the “config” area of the label inside of
the printer cover. Does the label show “M” or
“J”?
1. If yes, the printer has a magstripe option
that is not working. Request service.
2. If no, the printer does not have a
magstripe option.
3. To print the card without magstripe, remove magstripe data from the card
and send it again.
Hints & Tips
To remove magstripe data, you might need to:
• Uncheck a box in the application.
• Change the font from “Mag Track X XPS Card Printer” to a printable font
such as Arial, Verdana, or Calibri.
Message 117: Reader not available
The printer does not have a reader option.
1. To print the card without using a reader option, remove the reader request
from the card and send it again.
Hints & Tips
• To remove the reader request, you might need to uncheck a box in the
application.
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Message 118: Print ribbon type problem
The printer cannot use the ribbon installed.
1. Use ribbon designed for this printer brand and model.
2. Check the Web site for newer firmware, which might
support new ribbon types.
Hints & Tips
• When the printer recognizes that a supported ribbon is installed, all enhanced
• Product features are enabled and successful card printing can begin.
Message 119: Print ribbon not supported
The printer cannot use the ribbon installed.
1. Purchase ribbon from your dealer or authorized
reseller.
2. Use ribbon designed for this printer brand and model.
Hints & Tips
• When the printer recognizes that a supported ribbon is installed, all enhanced
product features are enabled and successful card printing can begin.
Message 120: User paused the printer
A person pressed the USER button on the
printer and a card was in process.
1. The card can continue processing
without damage.
Hints & Tips
• If the user pressed the button for several seconds, the card has been cancelled.
• If this message occurs often, ask the Manager to change the LCD sensitivity to
a lower value.
Message 121: Print ribbon ID problem
The ribbon data is damaged.
1. The ribbon cannot be used. Ask your dealer or
authorized reseller for a replacement.
2. Use ribbon designed for this printer brand and model.
56 Using the Printer
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Hints & Tips
• When the printer recognizes that a supported ribbon is installed, all enhanced
product features are enabled and successful card printing can begin.
Message 122: Magnetic stripe format problem
The magstripe data sent does not match the format set in
the printer.
1. Ask your Manager for information about the data to
send.
Hints & Tips
The printer has format settings for the data that can be encoded on the card. The
magstripe data sent does not match those settings.
• Ask the Manager to verify that the card, the data, and the printer settings
match.
• See Magnetic Stripe for information about data allowed for specific formats.
• Make sure fonts or escapes are used correctly.
Message 123: Insert new card then continue
The card requires you to insert a new card in
the exception slot.
1. Insert the card in the printer.
2. Resume.
Hints & Tips
• Make sure to use the correct type of new card for this job.
• Do not touch the card surface to be printed:
• Handle cards by their edges
• Wear gloves
Message 124: Insert same card then continue
The card must be turned by hand to print the second side.
1. Turn the card over.
2. Insert the card in the printer.
3. Resume.
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Printer Driver Messages
The driver can create and display the following messages.
Message 500: The printer is not available. The card cannot print.
The driver cannot communicate with the printer. Make
sure the printer is powered on and connected to the PC.
1. Connect the power cord. Use the power switch to
power on the printer.
2. Connect the cables from the PC to printer.
Use a USB cable (a) OR a network cable (b), NOT
both.
3. Make sure all connections are complete.
4. Ask network support for help, if needed.
Hints & Tips
• Make sure you have chosen the correct printer in the application.
• Ask the Manager for assistance if needed.
Message 501: The printer connection was lost. Printing the card is canceled.
The printer connection was lost. Printing the card is
canceled.
To print the card, make sure the printer is powered on
and connected to the PC.
1. Connect the power cord. Use the power switch to
power on the printer.
2. Connect the cables from the PC to printer.
3. Use a USB cable (a) OR a network cable (b), NOT
both.
4. Make sure all connections are complete.
5. Ask network support for help, if needed.
If this message is followed by “Message 101: Job could not complete”,
clear message 101 at the printer.
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Message 502: The card data is missing or is not usable. The
card cannot print.
The driver could not use the prepared data.
The PC did not process the data successfully.
Make sure the data is present. Send the card to print
again.
If the card does not print the second time, troubleshoot
the problem.
A mistake in using magnetic stripe escapes or blocking escapes can cause this
message.
Message 503: The magnetic stripe data is missing. The card cannot
print.
The driver is set to encode magnetic stripe data only.
• The card did not contain any magnetic stripe data.
• Make sure the magnetic stripe data is present.
• Identify the magnetic stripe data using escapes or fonts. See “How to Use
Magnetic Stripe Escapes” or “How to Use Magnetic Stripe Fonts”.
• To print on the card:
• Change the setting in Printing Preferences to disable Encode Only. See “How
to Encode Magnetic Stripe without Printing”.
Message 505: Bonjour is not installed. Cannot connect to the printer.
• The driver uses Bonjour for Windows to
connect to a printer using a USB cable.
• If you previously installed a networkconnected printer and then installed a USBconnected printer, Bonjour might not be
installed.
• Bonjour might have been removed from the PC
by another program or by a user.
To solve the problem:
• Remove the driver, using the Remove icon on the driver CD
installer. Install the USB printer following the steps in the Quick
Install Guide.
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• Find a Bonjour for Windows download and install it.
Message 506: A card is currently processing.
The driver is currently processing an interactive
job.
Wait until the current card is complete and then
send the card again.
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Clean the Printer
The printer performs best when it is cleaned on a regular basis. The printer
should be cleaned when:
• The number of cards printed since last cleaning reaches the number for your
site
• The printer displays a message for which cleaning is a solution
• You notice debris, such as lint, on completed cards
• You install a new roll of print ribbon
• Follow the cleaning guidelines for your site to keep the printer in good
working condition.
You can perform the following cleaning tasks:
• “Run a cleaning card”
• “Clean the printhead”
Run a cleaning card
Run a printer cleaning card to clean debris from the inside of the printer. The
cleaning card can remove most contaminants from the printer.
1. Begin with the printer powered on.
2. Open the printer cover and remove the print ribbon
cartridge.
3. Close the cover. The Ribbon Light will blink rapidly.
4. Open the input hopper and remove unprinted cards.
The Card light will blink rapidly if the printer has the
Card Present option.
5. Begin with the printer “Ready”. The U
shows steady green.
6. Press the U
1 of the LCD panel.
SER button to display “Suspended” on Line
SER button
7. Press the E
NTER key to enter the menu system.
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8. Press the ENTER key to enter the Maintenance menu.
9. Press the E
10. With Cleaning Card displayed on Line 2, press the E
NTER key to choose Cleaning Card.
NTER key to display Start
on Line 2.
11. Press the E
U
SER button and the Card light blink.
NTER key to display “Insert Cleaning Card” in the LCD panel. The
12. Open the cleaning card package. Place the cleaning card in the
input area and press the U
SER button to start the cleaning
cycle.
The printer moves the card through the printer several times
and ejects it in the output stacker.
Hints & Tips
13. Remove the used cleaning card. Wait a few minutes for the rollers to dry.
14. Replace the cards in the input hopper.
15. Replace the cleaning sleeve with a new sleeve, and remove the protective
cover.
16. Replace the ribbon cartridge and close the printer. The printer is ready to
print cards again.
17. Discard the used cleaning card and cleaning sleeve.
• Use the cleaning card and cleaning sleeve one time only.
• Change the cleaning sleeve each time you clean the printer or change the print
ribbon.
• You can also clean the printhead. See “Clean the printhead” for the steps to
follow.
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Clean the printhead
Clean the printhead when:
• The printhead can have contamination stuck to it. You might notice it as
unprinted lines on a card.
• The printhead can have oils from hands, which can occur when replacing the
printhead, or if it is accidentally touched.
1. Begin with the printer powered off.
2. Open the printer cover and remove the print ribbon cartridge.
3. Open the cleaning pen.
4. Using gentle pressure, move the cleaning pen back
and forth along the full length of the printhead edge
until it is completely clean.
5. Replace the print ribbon cartridge and close the
printer cover. Avoid bumping printhead when
installing the print ribbon cartridge.
6. Power on the printer.
7. Print a sample card to verify the quality of printing.
Hints & Tips
• Avoid touching the printhead edge with your fingers.
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• Avoid touching the printing edge of the printhead cartridge with any sharp
objects which can permanently damage the printhead.
• Only use the cleaning pen to clean the printhead. Other materials can stick to
the printhead and cause damage.
• Use the cleaning pen up to 8 times, and then replace it.
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Chapter 6: Card Design and
Setup
Card design is the name given to the combined features of the
printed cards. Cards are useful only when all cards contain the
required information.
Card design includes:
• The different types of data such
as name and ID number, images
including company logo or
employee or other photos, and
special features such as bar code
or magnetic stripe.
• The layout of the data.
• Processes to improve card life
such as topcoat.
Hints & Tips
• Corporate style guidelines. For example, a corporate style guide can specify a
particular shade of red for the logo.
This section describes the card design components available and provides
detailed information about them.
• “Color Printing”
• “Monochrome Printing”
• “Topcoat Printing”
• “Card Design: Magnetic Stripe”
• “Card Design: Smart Card”
• “Printing and Non-Printing Areas”
• An organization might have more than one card design. For example, a health
club can use member cards and employee ID cards.
• Print several samples of your card design and use them to evaluate the quality
of the design.
• Use high quality (300dpi) photos and graphics.
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Card Components
The printer can personalize cards with the following components:
• “Color Printing”
• “Monochrome Printing”
• “Topcoat Printing”
• “Card Design: Magnetic Stripe”
• “Card Design: Smart Card”
• “Printing and Non-Printing Areas”
The arrangement or layout of components helps to determine how well your card
design works for users.
The settings you choose define how the software manages the card components.
The software you use to produce cards affects the settings available and how you
might use them.
Color Printing
This section includes:
• “Print Ribbon”
• “Managing Color”
• “Printing Text”
• “Printing Graphics”
• “Types of Color Images”
• “How to Set the Print Resolution”
Print Ribbon
Color printing uses a print ribbon with
three color panels Y (yellow), M (magenta),
and C (cyan). The ribbon also includes a
black (K) panel and a topcoat (T) panel. The
printer applies the color images to the card first, prints black components using
the panel, and then applies the topcoat (T) which helps protect the color image
from damage.
Color print ribbon is available in full panel or short
panel. The color area for short panel ribbon is 1.57
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inches (40mm). The YMC panels of short panel ribbon are approximately half the
length of a full card.
When printing with short panel print ribbon, the location of the color area is
defined in the card design. Color printing begins when the driver detects a color
pixel and continues for the length of the ymc panels.
For more information on print ribbon, see “Supplies and Parts”.
Managing Color
Many people think that a color on the monitor and the printed color “should be
the same.” Color management is the technical process of making color in two
different places (such as on the PC monitor and printed on the card) as similar as
possible. A widely used color standard is sRGB color, and the card printer also
uses sRGB color. (sRGB is the name for the standard Red, Green, and Blue color
space.)
Other color characteristics include brightness and contrast. The Windows driver
includes settings to fine-tune the brightness and contrast for the card. See
“Settings” for more information. In a non-Windows environment, color
management or graphics software can be used to manage images.
Printing Text
The printer can print text in any color. Small characters are likely to be more
readable if they are formatted as black and printed with the black (K) panel. The
printer supports 6 point or larger text. with a sans-serif font such as Arial.
Printing Graphics
The printer produces full-color images from most
types of graphics. It can use BMP, JPEG, TIFF, and
PNG file formats for photos and logos.
Vector graphics, such as WMF and SVG files, have
components such as shapes with lines and fills. The
XPS Card Printer Driver separates each component.
Components defined as black in the file are likely to
print with the K panel.
For the best appearance of graphics, use a color that
appears black but is not, so all parts of a graphic print with YMC panels. In the
RGB color space, 0, 0, 0 is black (and prints with the K panel), but 0, 0, 5 is not
black (and prints with the YMC panels).
Backgrounds that are black might print over colored images or text. Use a color
that appears black for the background to prevent overprinting, or use white text
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over the black background. The printer uses the YMC panels of full-color ribbon
to print grayscale graphics.
Types of Color Images
Cards can include both color photos and a color logo or text. The logo is usually
the same on each card, and the photo is unique. Follow these guidelines to obtain
the best results for printing both logo and photos:
• First, check the color quality of the photos.
• Change the image capture system to get the best quality photos; work
with distance, lighting, and camera settings to obtain consistent, high
quality photos.
• Evaluate the quality of printed photos after the image capture system is
optimized.
• Use the Color Settings tab in Printing Preferences to adjust the printed
output, if necessary.
• Next, evaluate the other color areas of the card, such as text or logo.
• The application might have settings that can help improve the printed
color of text.
• Image editing applications, such as Photoshop
the color of a logo file for optimal printing.
• If the cards do not have the colors you want, ask your administrator or
service provider for assistance.
Hints & Tips
• See “Card Layout” for information about different components, such as a
logo or photo, and how to manage colors.
• See “Printing Text” in the “Monochrome Printing” topic for information
about how the driver separates color and monochrome components for
printing.
Monochrome Printing
This section describes:
®
, can be used to change
• “Monochrome Panels in Full-Color Ribbon”
• “Monochrome Ribbon”
• “Printing Bar Codes”
• “Printing Text”
68 Card Design and Setup
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• “Printing Graphics”
• “How to Set the Print Resolution”
The printer driver or application on the PC prepares the data for the printer to
use. The type of data and the type of ribbon installed determine how the XPS
Card Printer Driver renders it.
Monochrome Panels in Full-Color Ribbon
Full-color print ribbon includes a black
panel. The black panel transfers to the card
differently than the YMC panels, Text and
bar codes are often printed with the black
panel. It also prints any monochrome or onebit-per-pixel graphics using the K panel.
Monochrome Ribbon
Monochrome ribbon produces single color cards. Monochrome
ribbon can be:
• Alternating black and topcoat panels (KT or KTT ribbon)
The printer applies Black and two topcoat panels on
the same side of the card.
• Continuous black (K ribbon)
• A continuous color, such as green or silver (also K
ribbon)
Continuous monochrome printing with certified ribbon
uses the Ribbon Saver feature. The printer begins using
ribbon at a location that corresponds to the leading edge of
the card. The printer continues to spool ribbon for the length of the image but no
farther. (The printer leaves a small margin between each card to avoid image
overlap.)
Printing Bar Codes
Most bar code readers require that bar codes are printed with the
K panel of a ribbon. Bar codes must be tested in your bar code
reader to make sure they are readable.
Bar codes are usually more readable when they are printed with
less power.
Bar codes are also more readable when the bars are parallel to the long edges of
the card.
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Printing Text
Printing text using a K panel can make text look crisp, because only one panel is
used for printing. Fine text is often more readable when printed with more
power.
The font you choose also affects how easy it is to read
printed text. The printer reliably prints 6 pt Arial font.
Bold, sans-serif fonts are more readable after printing
than serif fonts, or fonts with thin strokes, as shown at
right. Fonts that print well are shown toward the top of
the card.
When printing one-color cards, make sure text is formatted as black. Text
formatted with a color (such as blue) in the ID software is dithered by the driver
and might have a broken appearance.
Printing Graphics
When printing one-color cards, theXPS Card Printer Driver
dithers color and grayscale graphics. Dithering converts areas
other than black and white to dots so the single-color ribbon
can approximate the lightness and darkness of the original
graphic.
Hints & Tips
Monochrome means one-color. When printing cards, the opposite of
monochrome is full-color or YMC printing.
Topcoat Printing
When a ribbon with a topcoat or “T” panel is
installed, the printer can apply topcoat to the card
using the printhead. Full color (YMCKT), KT, and
KTT ribbons include topcoat panels.
Topcoat protects the printed image on the card.
Full-color printing will fade if it lacks topcoat
protection. Make sure that the printing is covered
with topcoat (except for areas such as magnetic stripe, smart card, or signature
panel).
Topcoat must be requested by the application or driver sending the card to the
printer. When you use theXPS Card Printer Driver, it automatically requests
topcoat for YMCKT, KT, and KTT ribbons. Most ID software also requests
topcoat automatically.
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Topcoat should not be applied over the magnetic stripe, smart card chip, or
signature panel of a card. To prevent topcoat application, see “Printing and
Non-Printing Areas” for more information.
Hints & Tips
Topcoat is applied as an even, consistent film.
Card Design: Magnetic Stripe
This section describes:
• “About Magnetic Stripe”
• “Magnetic Stripe Formats”
• “How to Use Magnetic Stripe Escapes”
• “How to Use Magnetic Stripe Fonts”
About Magnetic Stripe
Magnetic stripe is an option available in the printer. See
the Printer Status page of Printer Properties for the
printer to see if your printer has a magnetic stripe
option. The cards you use must also have a magnetic
stripe. The magnetic stripe is a brown or black stripe
close to one long edge of the card.
See the package containing new cards for details about
the magnetic stripe.
The magnetic stripe option is set up to define the
coercivity, number of tracks, and data format. The
coercivity and data format are set in the printer. The installer sets these values
and they remain the same for all cards printed using the same design. See “How
to Set Magnetic Stripe Coercivity” if you need to change the coercivity.
The data format determines how many characters can be encoded on a track. It
also determines which characters can be encoded. See “Three-Track Option”to
see the characters available with the default ISO three-track format.
See “Single-Track Option”to see the characters available with the JIS singletrack format.
Your cards can use the default format for each track, or can use a different
combination of tracks and data formats.
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Magnetic Stripe Formats
Three-Track Option
The default data formats for a three-track magnetic stripe option are:
• Track 1 — IATA
• Track 2 — ABA
• Track 3 — TTS
This combination is often abbreviated IAT. This format is called ISO format.
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
The maximum number of characters for IATA format is 76 characters. These
characters can include spaces, upper case alphabetic characters, numeric
characters, and the following special characters:
! # $ % ' ( ) * + , - . / ; : < @ > = ^ ] \ [ " & _
ABA (American Bankers Association)
The maximum number of characters for ABA format is 37 characters. Numeric
characters and the following special characters are allowed:
: ; < = >
TTS (Thrift Third Standard)
The maximum number of characters for TTS format is 104 characters. Numeric
characters and the following special characters are allowed:
: ; < = >
Single-Track Option
The default data encoding format for a single-track magnetic stripe module is the
JIS Type II format.
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard)
The maximum number of characters for the JIS format is 69 characters. These
characters can include spaces, numeric characters, upper case alphabetic
characters, lower case alphabetic characters, and the following special characters:
! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ ] ^ _ ~ { | } ~
72 Card Design and Setup
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From a PC running a Japanese edition of a supported Windows operating system
Japanese-language characters are also supported. They include the following
special characters:
45 Katakana characters:
and the following 10 Katakana characters:
Each time you start using Japanese-language characters, or stop using them, a
hidden character is added. Each hidden character reduces the number of
characters you can encode by one character.
Card Design: Smart Card
• “About Smart Card”
• “Requirements”
• “Smart Card Codes on the Printer Label”
About Smart Card
This section presents basic information about personalizing smart cards. Smart
card processing is different from other types of personalization, because the
“smart card” step of personalization is controlled by an application that is
different from the rest of card personalization.
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Requirements
Normally, smart card setup is provided by a value-added reseller or service
provider. Information about the smart card module installed and the type of
cards to use can be requested from your service provider or value-added reseller.
The following items are required when personalizing smart cards:
• A direct local connection
between the printer and the PC.
• Smart card reader in the printer.
• A smart card cable for the smart
card port used. The illustration
shows the location of the smart
card connection on the printer.
• Card application that is customized to work with the printer and the smart
card application (using the driver SDK or ID software application with a
smart card application manager)
• Smart cards that work with the reader in the printer
Smart Card Codes on the Printer Label
The configuration label includes codes to identify the type and model of smart
card module installed in the printer. The following table lists the codes used on
the configuration label.
Code on Label Type of Smart Card Module
S1 Integrator
S2 SCM Dual Interface Reader
The S1 value on the configuration label indicates that the printer was ordered
from the factory with the basic smart card components installed. An integrator
must install a contactless reader supplied by others.
If the S2 value is included in the configuration code, the printer has shipped from
the factory with the basic components of an S1, plus the SCM Dual (Contact/
Contactless) Interface installed.
74 Card Design and Setup
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ABC
3-track 3.37 in
85.6mm
1.46 in
37.1mm
0.66 in
16.8mm
2-track 3.37 in
85.6mm
1.57 in
39.9mm
0.55 in
14mm
Single-track (JIS) 3.37 in
85.6mm
1.60 in
40.6mm
0.52 in
13.2mm
Printing and Non-Printing Areas
The card design can have areas where printing is not allowed. Such areas can
include a magnetic stripe, signature panel, or smart card chip. ID software often
manages such non-printing areas automatically.
If you use other applications to print cards, such as Microsoft
printing areas using the XPS Card Printer Driver or escape codes. The XPS Card
Printer Driver includes standard non-printing areas, such as three-track magnetic
stripe and smart card chip. Both printing and topcoat are blocked in these areas.
• See “How to Set the Print Area” to define standard non-printing areas.
• See “How to Use Print Blocking Escapes” for other areas.
Standard Magnetic Stripe Area
Use the following dimensions to prevent printing in the magnetic stripe area.
The 3-track magnetic stripe is usually on the back of the card, while the singletrack magnetic stripe is usually on the front of the card. The green arrow shows
the direction the card travels through the printer.
©
Word, define non-
Smart Card Non-printing Area
Use the following dimensions to prevent
printing in the smart card area. The smart card
area is usually on the front of the card. The
green arrow shows the direction the card
travels through the printer.
ABCD
0.88 in
22.4mm
1.17 in
29.8mm
0.88 in
22.4mm
1.47 in
37.3mm
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Other Areas
Hints & Tips
If you want to specify more than one area on the same side of the card or want an
area other than the standard ones, see “How to Use Print Blocking Escapes”.
• Blocking typically extends 0.1 inch beyond the edges of a feature. The
dimensions listed include the extended blocking region.
• Print several cards using your card design and application to verify that
printing and topcoat are applied as you intend.
• If you do not use the driver or ID software, you can use the dimensions
provided for smart card and magnetic stripe to customize your print and
topcoat areas.
• Use ID software, a custom application, or escapes to define custom
nonprinting areas for one or more of the following:
• Blocking printing but not topcoat
• Non-standard areas, such as a preprinted logo or a signature panel
• More than one area on the same side of the card
Card Layout
The arrangement or layout of components helps to determine how well your card
design works for users. Follow these guidelines to position card design
components for best results.
Backgrounds
• Consider using a white background for the card to achieve consistent
professional results.
• Consider using smaller blocks of color, patterned areas, or gradients to
highlight printed card features such as a name, photo, or logo.
• Avoid using a solid color background or half tone over a large area of the
card. It can show flaws on the card (such as uneven surface) or the location of
card features (such as a smart card chip).
Image Placement
• Important images can include the photo, logo, and bar code.
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Badges
• Do not place an important image on the front of the card in the same area as a
magnetic stripe or other machine-readable feature. Frequent use of a card in a
reader can wear away the image on the opposite side of the card.
• Do not place an important image directly on the other side of a signature
panel. Residue from the panel can cause printing problems on an adjacent
card. Place the image above, below or to the side of the panel.
• Avoid uneven areas which can result in inconsistent print quality.
• Do not place an important image directly on the other side of a smart card
chip. The card might not be as flat in that area and printing voids can occur.
If cards are used as badges, you
might want to punch a hole or
slot after printing so cards can be
attached to clips. The illustration
shows the maximum size for a
slot. A smaller slot will be
stronger and contribute to
durability in the slotted area.
Settings
Settings are available through the XPS Card Printer Driver for Operators and
Managers.
Managers also can use the Printer Manager to perform setup tasks.
Windows Properties and Preferences
The XPS Card Printer Driver includes the following interfaces:
• Printing Preferences, which provides card design settings, such as Orientation
and one sided or two-sided printing. See “How to Open Printing
Preferences”.
• Printer Properties, which provides status information about the printer. It also
has port setup, permissions, and update tools. See “How to Open the Printer
Properties”.
Printer Manager
• The printer includes the Printer Manager, which displays information about
the printer. The manager or installer uses it to set up the magnetic stripe
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option and to work with your service provider when troubleshooting
problems. See “How to Open the Printer Manager”.
• Operators can use the printer front panel and the Properties page of the driver
to view card counts and status information. Operators should use the Printer
Manager only at the direction of their manager.
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Chapter 7: Printer Driver
The XPS Card Printer uses Microsoft XPS print technology to
support printing from currently available applications. It also
supports applications being developed using the newer
architecture of Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.
The XPS Card Printer Driver:
1. Receives card data from an application
2. Processes it for personalizing a card
3. Sends the prepared data to the printer
4. Checks the printer for card completion
5. Displays any conditions (messages) associated with the card
See “Using the driver” for tasks you can perform using the driver interfaces.
Hints & Tips
See the Quick Install Guide for the steps to follow to install the printer and driver
correctly.
The installation assigns a default printer name. If you want to use a different
name, you can change the name from the Printer (and Devices) window. If you
have changed settings in Preferences, the settings return to default values. For
best results, change the printer name, if needed, after installation and before
changing settings.
Communication with the Printer
How the XPS Card Printer Driver and printer communicate:
• The printer can be connected to a PC using a USB cable or an Ethernet cable.
For both connection types, the printer treats communication as if the PC
(driver) is connected over a network.
• The driver requires the current printer IP address when it is connected to the
printer over a network. See “How to View Network Information” for more
information.
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Hints & Tips
• When both the printer and PC use the organization's network, the network
affects the speed of data transmission, and can affect who can use the printer.
• When the printer and PC are connected using a USB cable, the printer and PC
automatically set up a local network. The printer has an IP address, which can
be used to view the Printer Manager. (See “How to Open the Printer
Manager”.) Each time another card printer is connected to the PC, the local
network is updated to include the new printer. For best results, do not
connect another printer while using Printer Manager.
• Applications can also be customized to communicate with the printer
through the driver. If the application you use is customized, follow
instructions in the application.
• The printer can have many PCs connected to it.
• Each PC can have up to 4 printers connected using USB cables.
• Each PC can be connected to many printers over the network.
• Each printer has a separate instance of the driver.
• Each printer needs to have a different name. The driver takes care of this
requirement.
Using the driver
The XPS Card Printer Driver provides the Windows dialogs for Printing
Preferences for setting the page or card design, and Printer Properties to manage
the printer in the Windows environment.
Using settings in Printing Preferences, you can:
• Adjust the colors printed (see “How to Adjust the Colors Printed”)
• Change card design settings (see “How to Change a Card Design”)
• Send cards with only mag stripe data for encoding (see “How to Encode
Magnetic Stripe without Printing”)
• Print on both sides of the card (see “How to Print on Both Sides of the
Card”)
• Rotate the card (see “How to Rotate the Card”)
• Set the print area (see “How to Set the Print Area”)
• Set the number of copies of the same card design (see “How to Print More
Than One Copy of a Card”)
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Hints & Tips
Printer Properties also provides status information and sample cards. Using
Printer Properties, you can:
• View or set the printer network port address (see “How to View Network
Information”)
• Print driver sample cards (see “How to Print Driver Sample Cards”)
• View printer and supplies status (see “How to View Printer Status”)
• View card counts (see “How to View Card Counts using the Driver”)
• View the driver version (see “How to View the Driver Version”)
• Set Windows Permissions (see “Printer Permissions”)
• The Printer Properties dialog includes a Sharing tab. The printer driver does
not support sharing.
• The Ports tab of the Printer Properties dialog includes an “Enable
Bidirectional Support” checkbox. The driver always uses bi-directional
communication with the printer. Changing the checkbox prevents all printing
from the driver.
• The Ports tab of the Printer Properties dialog includes an “Enable Printer
Pooling” checkbox. The printer driver does not support pooling.
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Chapter 8: Updates,
Upgrades, and More
This section describes:
• “Updates”
• “Upgrades and Printer Options”
• “Deviations”
Updates
An update replaces part of the product you have — usually software — with a
newer release. Driver updates and firmware updates are the most common types
of update.
• Driver Update
Driver updates are available from the website or from your service provider.
• Firmware Update
In most cases, you should update firmware when your service provider
recommends it. Be careful to choose a firmware file that exactly matches your
printer type.
Updating the Driver
If a newer printer driver is released, it can be downloaded from the Web site
listed in the bar at the bottom of the page.
Important!
Do not use any of the following methods to remove or replace the existing
driver:
• The Printer Properties > Advanced tab >New Driver button
• Delete the printer from the Printers or Hardware window.
After downloading the driver, follow the steps in “Removing a Printer from
a Windows PC” to remove this driver and install the new one. Removing
and installing the driver requires a user with Windows Administrator-level
or Creator/Owner rights or permissions.
When you update the driver, the driver also updates:
• My XPS Card Printer
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• The documentation folder
In most cases, software used by the driver, including an mDNS responder such as
Bonjour
updated.
®
, and Microsoft components such as the XPS framework, are not
Upgrades and Printer Options
Printer upgrades and options add functionality to your printer. Upgrades come
with installation instructions and are designed to be installed by trained service
providers. Printer options are usually installed by operators.
Depending on the printer, the following upgrades and printer options are
available:
• Magnetic Stripe Field Upgrade
• Smart Card Field Upgrade
• High-Capacity Output Hopper Option (see “How
to Install a Large Output Hopper”)
• 200-Card Input Hopper Option (see “How to
Install the 200-Card Input Hopper Option”)
• Lock Option (see “Install the Lock Option”)
Deviations
Deviations are specially adapted products, created as a special-order. Most often,
the driver or the firmware is deviated; sometimes the hardware (printer) is also
changed. If you have a deviated driver, firmware or printer, be very careful about
updating the driver or firmware. A deviated driver or firmware will have a
version number with “d” near the end, similar to the following:
Firmware Version: 1.3.d1
Driver Version: 1.0.d2
Always check with your service provider to determine whether to install the
update. Do not update until you are sure that the update supports the special
features of your product.
Deviations might be called by a different name in your organization. Other
names might include RPQ, custom, or special. RPQ stands for Request for Price
Quotation, which is one of the first steps in developing an agreement to create the
deviated product.
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Chapter 9: Removing a
Printer from a Windows PC
This section includes instructions to remove the XPS Card Printer
Driver from a Windows PC.
If the PC is going to be used for another purpose or reason, you may want to
remove the printer and all driver files. When the XPS Card Printer Driver is
removed, all files associated with the driver such as printer documentation and
magnetic stripe fonts, are also removed.
Follow these instructions to remove the XPS Card Printer Driver from a Windows
PC:
1. Log on to the PC as a user with Administrator access.
2. Open the Windows Printers window:
• Windows 7, choose Start > Devices and Printers
• Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, choose Start > Control Panel >
Hardware and Sound > Printers
• Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, choose Start > Settings >
Printers and Faxes
3. Make sure all cards sent to the printer have printed. You cannot delete a
printer that has jobs in the print queue. Double-click the printer icon to open
the Print Manager and view the print jobs. If any jobs appear, do the
following:
A. If the job is paused and you want it to print, click the job and then choose
Document > Resume. Wait for the jobs to complete.
B. If you want to delete a job in the queue, click the job and then choose
Document > Cancel. Click Yes to confirm.
C. If the printer is paused or offline, the title bar for the window will include
that status. Choose Printer and clear the appropriate choice to enable
printing.
D. To cancel all jobs, choose Printer > Cancel All Documents. Click Yes to
confirm.
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4. Insert the driver CD into the PC’s drive. On the User Account Control dialog,
click Yes to continue.
5. Click the Remove Printer Driver icon on the main installer screen.
6. Click the Remove the Driver button.
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7. Wait until the driver is removed. The installer will show you the progress of
the uninstall.
8. You may be prompted to restart the PC. If a restart is required, remove the
USB cable and then click the Restart Now button.
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