Schneider Electric ImageCard Magna, UltraGrafix Magna Printers Users Manual

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User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

January 2002

Part No. 539177-001

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Please note and heed the WARNING and CAUTION labels that have been placed on the equipment for your safety. Please do not attempt to operate or repair this equipment without adequate training.

Liability statement

This Datacard® product has been built to the high standards of DataCard Corporation. See “Safety and compliance” on page A-1 for the statement of liability.

Regulatory compliance

This Datacard product conforms to regulatory requirements as specified in North America and Europe. See “Safety and compliance” on page A-1 for detailed regulatory compliance information.

Trademark acknowledgments

Trademark, service mark, and copyright acknowledgments are listed in “Safety and

compliance” on page A-1.

Proprietary Notice

Revision Log: User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™

Printers

Revision Date Affected Pages Description of Changes

A January

2002

All Initial release

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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Contents

Section 1: Operating the Printer

Chapter 1: Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

About the Magna Class printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

About Advanced Imaging Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Printer models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Printer features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

How options are identified in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Chapter 2: Using the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Tips for success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Loading cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Loading the print ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Loading the overlay or topcoat material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Verifying the debower position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Powering on the printer and PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Ready button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Status light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Making cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Operating tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Removing cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Responding to messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Shutting down the printer and PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

iii

Chapter 3: Using the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Working with Properties and other driver dialog boxes . 3-2

Tips for Properties, Printing Preferences, and

Default Document Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Properties for Windows Me & 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Properties & Printing Preferences for

Windows 2000 & XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Properties & Default Document Properties for

Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Using the Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Opening and using the Status Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Viewing Status Monitor information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Chapter 4: Maintaining the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Running a cleaning cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Using the printer cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Replacing the cleaning roller sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Using the magnetic stripe cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Cleaning the printer rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Using the duplex/laminator cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Cleaning the supply tracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Cleaning the heated roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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Cleaning tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Cleaning the printhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Replacing the printhead cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Troubleshooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

If you think the printer is not working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Making and evaluating test cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Printer test card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Windows test page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Magnetic stripe test card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Problems with card appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Print module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Topcoat applied using the print module . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

Optional topcoat module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

Optional overlay module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Obtaining service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

When to obtain service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Packing the printer for shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Section 2: Installing the Printer

Chapter 6: Before you install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Installation audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

General requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Selecting the site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Environmental requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Electrical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Physical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

PC and software specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

ID system installation sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Chapter 7: Install the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Unpacking the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Who to call for assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Connecting cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Preparing the printer for driver installation . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Installing the printer driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

Changing required printer settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

Printing sample cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

Setup tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

Changing optional settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

Setting printer permissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

Section 3: Reference Information

Appendix A: Safety and compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Regulatory compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Notice for USA (FCC notice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Notice for Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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Notice for Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Notice to Users of Printers Equipped with

Contactless Smart Card Coupler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Liability statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Safe environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Safe human interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Appendix B: Supplies and cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Personalization supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Print ribbons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Overlay material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Topcoat material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Supply roll storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5

Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5

Card specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6

Card quality guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8

Card storage specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9

Cleaning supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9

Printer cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9

Replaceable cleaning sleeve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

Cleaning kits (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

Magnetic stripe cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10

Duplex/laminator cleaning card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Cleaning pen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Heated roller cleaning stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Printer driver CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11

Printer components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

Printhead cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13

Print ribbon cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14

Card cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15

Cleaning roller spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15

Card output stacker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15

Data cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16

Power cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16

Smart card serial cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17

Overlay cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17

Topcoat cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18

Spool cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18

Replacement keys for optional locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18

Optional security lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18

Related publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19

Appendix C: PC port settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Appendix D: Magnetic stripe encoding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Magnetic Stripe Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

IATA, ABA, and TTS character sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

NTT character set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

Magnetic Stripe settings used by the Magna Class printer D-4

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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Overview

This chapter presents the following:

•

The purpose of this manual

Who should use this manual

The Datacard® Magna™ Class photo ID printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™, including a description of the printer, the models available, and their components

How information about optional features is identified in this manual

Specifications for the PC used with the printer and the software that runs on the PC

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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1-2 Overview

About this manual

This manual provides detailed information about the Datacard® Magna™ Class photo ID printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™. The first section provides operators with information about the printer and how to use it. The second section provides installers with requirements for installation and installation procedures. The third section provides reference information.

This User Guide works with the online e-Guide, which you can see using the desktop icon installed with the printer driver. Figure 1-1 shows the e-Guide icon.

Figure 1-1: Desktop icon for the e-Guide

Audience

This manual is intended for persons using a Magna Class printer. To operate the printer, you must have the following skills:

•

Ability to read and understand written and graphical instructions

•

Ability to operate a personal computer (PC)

•

Experience with Microsoft® Windows® 2000, Windows XP, Windows 98, Windows Me

•

Ability to load supplies

•

Ability to perform simple troubleshooting using written and graphical instructions

For the skills needed for installation, see “Installation audience” on page 6-2.

, or Windows NT®

About the Magna Class printer

The Magna Class photo ID printer includes the printer and a printer driver which runs on a PC. The printer uses supplies when printing cards, including:

•

New Platinum™ Series Advanced Imaging Technology™ print ribbon

•

New replaceable cleaning sleeves

•

Blank cards

•

Optional topcoat or overlay supply material

The Magna Class printer prints full-color or monochrome images on one or both sides of PVC cards. The images printed can include photos, text, logos, barcodes and digitized signatures. The printer can perform additional personalization tasks, such as encoding magnetic stripe data and sending data to smart card chips. With the optional overlay module, the printer can apply a durable polyester patch (overlay) to one or both sides of the personalized card. With the optional topcoat module, the printer can apply a protective clear topcoat or a secure holographic topcoat to the surface of the card. Magnetic stripe encoding, smart card programming, overlay, and topcoat are

ser’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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Overview 1-3

options that can be purchased as part of the printer. See “Printer models” on page 1-3 for details about which combinations are supported.

The printer driver receives digital information from a card creation application and processes the data to send to the printer. When the printer receives the data, it prints the card. The driver keeps track of the progress of the card in the printer and sends data for the next card as soon as the printer is ready and the data is available.

See “PC and software specifications” on page 6-5 for more information about the printer driver and the PC on which it runs.

About Advanced Imaging Technology

With Advanced Imaging Technology, processing and printing are enhanced for the highest quality images. Three features of the printer work together to provide the benefits of Advanced Imaging Technology:

Print ribbon:

Technology must be used in the Magna Class printer with Advanced Imaging Technology.

Printer unit:

Printer Driver:

on page 3-10 provides more information about color settings.

Printer models

Several models of the printer are available. ImageCard printers can print full-color or monochrome images, while UltraGrafix printers can print only monochrome images. The printer label provides information about the options in your printer (see

Figure 1-2). The label also includes the printer serial number.

New Platinum series print ribbon for use with Advanced Imaging

The printer has been enhanced to provide optimal color printing.

The printer driver includes color settings. “Using the Status Monitor”

Printer label

Figure 1-2: Printer label

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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1-4

A printer can be ordered with the following optional modules:

•

Duplex module. The duplex module flips the card to automatically print on both sides of the card. The printer label includes the number “2” if the printer has a duplex module.

•

Magnetic stripe module, for either 3-track (IAT) encoding or single-track NTT (J) encoding. The module is installed in-line with the print operation. It encodes data on the magnetic stripe and then verifies the data.

•

Smart card module. The smart card module can have one of the following:

– Contact coupler (SC410 on the printer label)

– Contactless (RF) coupler (SC680 on the printer label)

– Both contact and contactless couplers (SC4/6 on the printer label)

– Contact station (SCCS on the printer label) with external coupler

– Smart card ready (SCR on the printer label), which is shipped without a

coupler installed

A custom smart card application can use the module to initialize and program

the smart card chip on a card.

•

Optional overlay module. The optional overlay module applies a durable polyester patch (overlay) to one or both sides of the personalized card. The patch can be

clear or have a holographic image on it.

•

Optional topcoat module. The optional topcoat module applies a protective film to the card surface. The topcoat can be clear, which protects images, or have a tamper-evident holographic image on it.

Ta bl e 1 -1 lists the models and their features.

Overview

Table 1-1: Magna Class printer features

Model name Colors

printed

ImageCard Magna

Ultragrafix

Full color or monochrome

Monochrome No No

Magna

#. Only one of these modules can be installed; the printer cannot have both topcoat and overlay modules. †. Optional

Monochrome printing uses a ribbon with a single color, such as black. To optimize

monochrome printing, use a monochrome printhead.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Overlay

module

†

Ye s

Topcoat

†

module

Ye s

Magnetic

†

stripe

†

Duplex

module

†

Ye s

†

Ye s

†

Smart card

module

†

Ye s

†

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Overview 1-5

Figure 1-3 shows the Magna Class printer without a topcoat or overlay (laminator)

module. All UltraGrafix Magna printers look like this.

Figure 1-3: Magna Class printer without an optional laminator

Figure 1-4 shows the Magna Class printer with an optional topcoat or overlay

(laminator) module.

Figure 1-4: ImageCard Magna printer with an optional laminator

The ImageCard model of the printer can include the optional topcoat or overlay (laminator) module. The topcoat module applies clear or holographic topcoat to the printed card as part of processing. The overlay module applies a polyester patch to the printed card as part of processing.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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1-6 Overview

Printer features

Use the information in this section to identify the features and controls you use on the printer.

Topcoat or overlay (laminator) module (optional)

Exception card slot

Card cartridge

Card cartridge locks (optional)

Ready button

Top cover

Card output stacker

Top cover lock (optional)

Status light

Front of the printer

Find the following on the outside of the printer:

Top cover

The cover protects the internal parts of the printer from dust and debris. It also lessens the sound from the printer.

Top cover lock (optional)

The optional top cover lock allows you to lock the top cover into position, preventing access to the inside of the printer without authorization.

Status light

The status light indicates that the printer power is on, is processing data, is ready to receive data, or is in an error condition.

Card cartridge

The card cartridge holds blank cards to print. It holds about 100 cards (with a nominal thickness of 0.030 inches (0.76 mm)). At the bottom of the card cartridge, the

exception card slot

in the card cartridge.

Figure 1-5: Front of the Magna Class printer

allows you to insert a single card that is different from the cards

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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Overview 1-7

Card cartridge lock (optional)

The optional card cartridge lock allows you to lock the card cartridge into position, preventing cards from being removed without authorization. Some printers have two locks to meet the security requirements of the organization.

Card output stacker

The card output stacker holds the cards after they have been processed. Both completed cards and rejected cards go to the card output stacker.

Optional laminator module

The optional laminator module applies a protective surface to the card. A printer can have a topcoat module or an overlay module, but not both. “Laminator” is the general term that describes the process of applying the protective surface.

Overlay module (optional)

The overlay module is available on ImageCard Magna printers. It applies a die-cut polyester patch to one or both sides of the card after it has been personalized. You can choose the DuraGard™ protective overlay or a holographic overlay. Both provide a durable and long-lasting protective surface to the card. The holographic overlay includes a tamper-evident image.

Topcoat module (optional)

The topcoat module is available on Image Card Magna printers. It applies a protective film to one or both sides of the card surface to protect card images. The topcoat applied can be clear or it can include a hologram or other images that make the card resistant to tampering.

Ready button

The Ready button allows you to pause the printer while printing a card, to clear an error condition, to cancel a print job and delete all data for the job, or to create a printer test card.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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1-8

Inside the printer

Overview

Open the cover to find the following on the inside of the printer.

Duplex or pass-through mechanism

Swing arm

Figure 1-6: Internal parts of the Magna Class printer

Duplex or pass-through mechanism

Top cover support

Supply tracker

Topcoat or overlay supply cartridge

Debower

Laminator advance knob

Printer label

Print ribbon cartridge

Printhead cartridge

Card advance knob

RIbbon tracker (hidden in this view)

Continuous cleaning roller (hidden in this view)

The optional duplex module flips the card to automatically print on both sides of the card. Magna printers that do not have a duplex mechanism will have a pass-through mechanism in this location. If the printer includes an optional smart card module, it is located under the duplex mechanism.

Swing arm

The swing arm opens to give you access to the print ribbon cartridge, continuous cleaning roller, and printhead cartridge. Push down on the raised end of the swing arm to unlatch it and then open it.

Ribbon tracker

The ribbon tracker measures the movement of the print ribbon as it moves from the supply spool during printing. (Hidden in this view.)

Overlay supply cartridge (optional)

This cartridge holds the overlay supply and can be removed for easy reloading.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

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Overview

Topcoat supply cartridge (optional)

This cartridge holds the topcoat supply and can be removed for easy reloading.

Laminator advance knob (optional)

The laminator advance knob turns to move a card along the card transport track in the topcoat or overlay module. Use it to release stuck cards in the topcoat or overlay module.

Debower (optional)

The debower is part of the optional laminator module and corrects for any change to the flatness of the card caused by heat applied by the laminator module.

Supply tracker (optional)

The supply tracker is part of the optional laminator module and measures the movement of the supply material as it moves from the supply spool.

Printhead cartridge

1-9

The printhead, contained in the printhead cartridge, applies heat and pressure, which transfers dye and other material from the print ribbon to the card. The printhead cartridge is replaceable.

Printer label

The printer label includes the printer serial number and information about optional components of the printer.

Print ribbon cartridge

The print ribbon cartridge holds the print ribbon.

Card advance knob

The card advance knob turns to move a card along the card transport track. If a card remains in the printer, use this knob to move the card in the card track.

Continuous cleaning roller

The continuous cleaning roller is a new feature of the Magna Class printer with Advanced Imaging Technology. The roller includes a spindle and a replaceable cleaning sleeve. The spindle holds the roller in place. The replaceable cleaning sleeve removes dirt and debris from the permanent cleaning roller in the printer and should be changed regularly.

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1-10

Top cover support

Back of the printer

Overview

The top cover support holds the top cover in the open position while you perform tasks with the printer, such as changing the print ribbon or optional overlay material, or clearing a card jam. Use the top cover support whenever you work inside the printer.

Figure 1-7 shows the back of the Magna Class printer:

Data port

ECP parallel port

USB port

Contactless smart card serial port

Data Port

Power switch

Contact smart card serial port

Power switch

Security lock receptacle

Power receptacle

Figure 1-7: The back of the Magna Class printer

If the printer includes an optional laminator module, that module extends farther than the ports and receptacles area.

Find the following on the back of the printer:

The printer includes two data ports. Select only one data port to use.

•

ECP parallel port

Use the ECP parallel port to connect the printer's data cable to the PC, if the printer was ordered with a parallel cable.

•

USB port

Use the USB port to connect the printer's data cable to the PC, if the printer was ordered with a USB cable.

Use the Power switch to power on or power off the printer.

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Overview

Power receptacle

This is the receptacle for connecting the power cable.

Smart card serial port(s)

On printers equipped with the smart card option, use these connectors for the serial cable from the PC or contact station that carries the data to encode on the smart card chip. If the printer does not have any smart card options, the ports will not be installed in the printer.

Security lock receptacle

Included on all printers, an optional printer security lock can be inserted in this receptacle to secure the printer to the work surface.

How options are identified in this manual

This manual describes all of the features of the Magna Class printer, including all the options. Because many printers do not have all options, the following method is used to help you identify information that applies to an option.

1-11

The icons for each option are:

Magnetic stripe encoding module

Smart card module

Overlay or topcoat module

When you see the icon for an option, use the section or follow the step if you have the option installed in your printer. If your printer does not have the option, you can ignore the section or step.

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1-12 Overview

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 19

Using the printer

This section describes how to perform basic tasks required to operate the Datacard® Magna™ Class photo ID printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™. It describes:

•

Tips for success

•

Loading cards

•

Loading print ribbon

•

Loading topcoat or overlay supply

•

Powering on the printer

•

Making cards

•

Removing cards

•

Responding to messages

•

Powering off the printer

Begin with the printer set up and the printer driver installed. If the printer is not set up, see “Before you install” on page 6-1 and “Install the printer” on page 7-1 to set up the printer and install the driver.

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2-2 Using the printer

Tips for success

To achieve the best quality cards and to maintain optimum performance of your printer, follow these tips for success:

•

Use the correct cables, connect them correctly, and keep them out of the way. See “Connecting cables” on page 7-5 for information on connecting cables.

•

Use the best quality cards available. Good quality cards have a smooth, glossy PVC surface (with no debris embedded in the surface), a mylar signature panel

(optional), a flush magnetic stripe (optional), are not pre-punched, and are printed only once. See “Card quality guidelines” on page B-8.

•

Keep a stock of supplies on hand and store them safely. Also, keep a replacement printhead cartridge on hand to ensure high quality cards. See “Supplies and cards”

on page B-1.

•

Match the card design, the supplies you use, and the printer to obtain the results you want.

– Edge to edge printing requires high-quality cards and can require fine-tuning

the printer and the card design.

– Do not place an important image, such as a photo, on the front of the card in

the same area as a magnetic stripe. Frequent use of a card in a magnetic stripe reader can wear away the image on the opposite side of the card. (Or, apply overlay to the front of the card to protect it from wear.)

– Locate bar codes at least .25 inches from other printing and from the edge of

the card. Make sure the color used to print the bar code works in your bar code readers. (Infrared readers require that the K panel be used to print the bar code.)

– Do not print closer than .1 inch from a signature panel, magnetic stripe, or

smart card chip.

– Avoid placing a photo directly on the other side of a signature panel. Residue

from the panel can cause printing problems on an adjacent card.

– Avoid placing a photo or other critical information 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.

– Do not apply topcoat or overlay over a magnetic stripe or over a smart card

chip.

•

Follow instructions carefully when replacing supplies, correcting problems, cleaning the printer, and replacing parts.

•

Keep the printer clean and keep the area around the printer clean.

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Using the printer 2-3

Loading cards

Load cards when beginning work or when the card cartridge is low on cards or empty. You can load cards when the printer power is on or off. You can also load cards while the printer is printing.

To order more cards, contact your card vendor. For information on card requirements, see “Supplies and cards” on page B-1.

Load cards

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, unlock the cartridge before removing it.

1 Pull up on the lower edge of the card cartridge (step 1 in Figure 2-1). Lift the card

cartridge up and out of the printer (step 2 in Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1: Remove the card cartridge

Do not touch the surface of cards before printing them. Oils on hands can cause discolored printing. Handle cards by the edges or wear gloves to protect cards.

2 Fan cards to separate the edges of the cards (see Figure 2-2).

Figure 2-2: Fan cards

3 Place up to 100 blank cards into the card cartridge. (If cards are thicker or thinner

than 0.030 inch (0.76 mm), the maximum number of cards you can load varies.)

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2-4 Using the printer

For magnetic stripe cards, the magnetic stripe faces down and is positioned toward the side of the printer that opens (see Figure 2-3). (For some custom applications, you might receive instructions to place cards in a different orientation.)

For smart cards, position the card so the chip is up and toward the open end of the card cartridge.

If you use a topcoat or overlay module, use composite cards with a nominal thickness of at least 0.030 inch (0.76 mm).

Smart Card Chip

Magnetic Stripe

Figure 2-3: Load cards into the card cartridge

Do not run the printer for an extended time without cards in the card cartridge. Load more cards as soon as you are prompted.

4 Replace the card cartridge in the cavity (step 1 in Figure 2-4). Push the bottom of

the card cartridge toward the printer until it clicks into place (step 2 in Figure 2-4).

Figure 2-4: Replacing the card cartridge

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, lock the cartridge after replacing it.

♦

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Using the printer 2-5

Loading the print ribbon

The printer uses print ribbon with color panels, continuous color, or color and topcoat. Full-color ribbon (such as YMCKT) must be Platinum Series ribbon, which uses blue ribbon spools. Monochrome (one color) ribbon on teal ribbon spools can also be used. (Full-color ribbon on teal spools cannot be used.)

The type of ribbon in the printer must match the print ribbon setting in the driver.

To order new ribbon, contact your service provider. See “Supplies and cards” on

page B-1 for information about ribbons available.

Remove the print ribbon cartridge

If the printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

1 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on the internal

frame, as shown in Figure 2-5.

Optional laminator module

Figure 2-5: Open the cover

2 Press down on the swing arm until it clicks (step 1 in Figure 2-6). The push latch

releases the swing arm. Lift the swing arm until it is fully open (step 2 in

Figure 2-6).

Figure 2-6: Open the swing arm

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2-6

Using the printer

3 Grasp the ribbon cartridge handle, and lift up to remove the print ribbon cartridge

(see Figure 2-7). Avoid touching the printhead cartridge and ribbon tracker.

Figure 2-7: Remove the print ribbon cartridge

Some users run a cleaning cycle whenever the print ribbon is changed. If your site follows this policy, see “Running a cleaning cycle” on page 4-2 for the steps to follow, and then return to this section.

♦

Load the print ribbon

1 Remove the used ribbon and the used ribbon spools from the ribbon cartridge

shafts.

The print ribbon has a negative image of the information printed on the card. Dispose of print ribbon according to your policy for protecting the data that might be visible on it.

2 Unwrap the new print ribbon.

3 Slide the full supply roll onto the left ribbon cartridge shaft (see Figure 2-8).

4 Slide the empty take-up ribbon spool onto the right ribbon cartridge shaft (which

has a gear). Leave very little slack in the ribbon between the ribbon cartridge spools (see Figure 2-8).

Figure 2-8: Load new print ribbon on the ribbon cartridge

5 Make sure print ribbon unwinds over the top of the print ribbon cartridge, not from

the bottom.

♦

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Using the printer

2-7

Replace the print ribbon cartridge

1 Place the ribbon cartridge onto the ribbon cartridge supports (see Figure 2-9).

Make sure the cartridge is securely seated. Avoid touching the printhead cartridge and ribbon tracker.

Figure 2-9: Replace the print ribbon cartridge

2 Close the swing arm, pressing it down until the push latch clicks into place.

3 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is parallel with the

hinges, and lower the cover.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

♦

Loading the overlay or topcoat material

If your printer includes an optional overlay or topcoat module, the module uses supply material. For information about material, see “Supplies and cards” on page B-1.

This section describes the three steps of changing the topcoat or overlay material:

Remove the supply cartridge

•

Load material in the cartridge

•

Replace the supply cartridge

•

If you change the type of supply material you use, see the e-Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers for more information.

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2-8 Using the printer

Removing the supply cartridge

Remove the supply cartridge when a "Supply empty" message appears, or when setting up the printer.

Remove the supply cartridge

If the printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

1 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on the internal

frame, as shown in Figure 2-5.

The module is HOT to the touch and remains HOT for up to 30 minutes after the printer is powered off.

2 Lift the supply tracker, and then push until it clicks into place (step 1 in

Figure 2-10).

Supply tracker

Figure 2-10: Remove the supply cartridge

3 Pull out on the cartridge lock to release the supply cartridge (step 2 in

Figure 2-10).

4 Pull the supply cartridge out until the cartridge is out of the printer (step 3 in

Figure 2-10).

Loading supply in the cartridge

After removing the supply cartridge from the printer, remove the used material and load new material.

♦

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Using the printer

2-9

Load supply in the cartridge

1 Place the supply cartridge upside down on a level surface, such as a table, with

the wide side away from you.

2 Remove the spool caps from both spools.

3 Pull up firmly on the full take-up spool to remove it.

4 Remove the end of the supply material from the empty supply spool if needed.

Dispose of the used supply according to your policy.

On a regular basis, such as weekly, use the cleaning pen to clean deposits from the guides of the supply cartridge and clean the supply tracker.

5 Remove the empty spool from the holder and press it into place on the take-up

holder (step 1 in Figure 2-11). Make sure the ribs inside the spool align with the grooves in the holder.

6 Press on the spool and turn it slightly (if needed) until the spool fully covers the

ribs of the holder.

7 Unwrap the new supply material.

8 Place the full supply roll on the right holder as you face the open side of the

cartridge (step 2 in Figure 2-11). Make sure the supply will unroll counterclockwise

, as shown.

Take-up spool

Figure 2-11: Load supply in the cartridge

9 Make sure the ribs inside the spool align with the grooves in the holder. Press on

the spool and turn it slightly (if needed) until the spool fully covers the ribs.

10 Lift the label on the supply roll and unroll about 8 inches from the supply roll.

Spool caps

Guides

Supply roll

11 Wind the supply material in front of the guides and around the take-up spool (step

3 in Figure 2-11). Make sure that the material will wind counterclockwise .

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2-10

12 Press the label onto the take-up spool to secure the supply material (step 4 in

Figure 2-11).

13 Press the spool caps back into position on the ends of the take-up spool and

supply roll (step 5 in Figure 2-11).

14 Pick up the supply cartridge and turn it over. Turn the take-up knob clockwise

to remove any slack in the supply material.

The supply cartridge is ready to be replaced in the printer.

Replacing the supply cartridge

When replacing the supply cartridge, begin with the top cover open.

Replace the supply cartridge

Make sure the supply tracker is raised and out of the way. See Figure 2-10.

1 Hold the loaded supply cartridge next to the module, with the cartridge handle

toward you.

♦

Using the printer

2 Align the supply cartridge so the spools in the cartridge are even with the spindles

in the module.

Supply tracker

Figure 2-12: Replace the supply cartridge

3 Push the supply cartridge into the printer (step 1 in Figure 2-12). Make sure the

supply material passes between the heated roller and the platen roller. Turn the supply knobs if needed to take up slack so the material does not wrinkle as the cartridge is pushed in place.

4 Hold the back of the printer and push firmly on the supply cartridge to seat it in the

printer.

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Using the printer

2-11

If the cartridge becomes stuck part of the way into the module, pull it out a few

inches and then turn the supply and take-up knobs clockwise slightly so the spindle ribs fit between the ribs. Push the cartridge in again.

5 Press the cartridge lock to secure the supply cartridge in the printer (step 2 in

Figure 2-12).

6 Lower the supply tracker until it rests on the supply material (step 3 in

Figure 2-12).

7 Verify that the cartridge is replaced correctly by making sure the locating posts

come through the locating holes in the cartridge (Figure 2-12).

If needed, release the cartridge lock and seat the cartridge completely. Press the cartridge lock again.

8 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is parallel with the

hinges and lower the cover.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

♦

Verifying the debower position

The debower in the optional topcoat or overlay module should be set for the type of cards you print. The debower assures that the heat used to apply the topcoat or overlay does not leave cards bowed or curled.

Set the debower

Do not use the debower in the On position with proximity cards or smart cards.

Make sure power to the printer is off.

If the printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

1 Lift the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on the internal

frame, as shown in Figure 2-5.

The overlay or topcoat module is HOT to the touch and remains HOT for up to 30 minutes after the printer is powered off.

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2-12 Using the printer

2 Pull out the handle for the debower and move it to the desired position for the card

type. Figure 2-13 shows the on and off positions for the debower.

Card or module type Debower position

0.030 inch (0.76 mm) card on

0.050 (1.27 mm) cards off

Smart card off

Proximity card off

Topcoat module off

If you use a topcoat or overlay module, you must use cards that are at least

0.030 inch or 0.760 mm thick.

Make sure the debower is seated in the latch.

Off

Figure 2-13: Lift the handle, move the debower, and lower it

3 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is parallel with the

hinges.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

If you are setting up the printer, check the bow on the test card when you make it. If you are changing this settings after running the printer with other cards, make several test or sample cards to be sure the setting produces the result you want.

If you are switching to proximity cards or use smart cards, be sure to test the function of the card after applying the overlay or topcoat.

♦

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Using the printer 2-13

Powering on the printer and PC

Use the following procedure to power on the printer and attached PC.

Power on the printer and PC

If the printer is connected over a network using a print server, see the

Direct Network Installation and User Guide

on the printer.

1 Make sure cards and all other supplies are loaded. See other sections of this

chapter for more information.

2 Remove any printed or rejected cards from the output stacker. See “Removing

cards” on page 2-18 for more information.

3 Make sure the power cord and data cable are connected. If needed, see “Printing

sample cards” on page 7-17 for more information.

4 Press the printer Power switch to turn on power. Observe the printer status light

which lights with a sequence of colors and then becomes steady green. See

“Status light” on page 2-15 for more information. The printer initializes

components and makes audible sounds.

for more information about powering

SmartDriver

Figure 2-14: Power on the printer

The optional overlay or topcoat module in some Magna Class printers requires about 10 minutes to reach operating temperature before printing a card. If you send a card to print before the module is ready, a message appears on the PC and processing waits until the module is ready. If the printer power was on recently, warm-up time is shorter. The overlay or topcoat module makes a series of beeps while it is warming up.

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2-14 Using the printer

5 Press the PC Power switch to turn on the power to the PC. Turn on power to any

other equipment needed.

♦

Ready button

The Ready button allows you to pause the printer while printing a card, to clear an error condition, to cancel a print job and delete all data for the job, or to create a printer test card.

•

To pause the printer, press and hold the Ready button for three seconds or less. Any cards being printed complete the current operation and stop. The status light

continues to blink green while the printer is paused with jobs in the queue. The status light is amber when the printer is paused with no jobs in the print queue.

If the printer is paused and a message box is displayed on the PC, use the buttons on the message box to clear the message. If you press the Ready button to clear a message, the current print job is cancelled. If you press the Ready button to clear a pause condition, the job is not cancelled.

•

To cancel and clear the current print job, press and hold the Ready button for between three and ten seconds. When the sound changes tone, release the

Ready button. The job is cleared from the printer memory and the card is ejected.

•

You can verify that the printer is working correctly by making a printer test card. See “Making and evaluating test cards” on page 5-3.

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Using the printer 2-15

Status light

The front of the printer has a light that provides information about the printer’s current state.

Status light

Figure 2-15: Status light

Status Light Description

The printer is starting. The printer displays colors

Red Amber Green

repeatedly while it initializes.

The printer is ready and waiting to print cards.

Steady green

Blinking green

Steady amber

Blinking amber

Steady red

Off

#. If the light blinks amber but no message appears on the PC, the following might have occurred: * You used the Power-on/Ready sequence to print a test card.

Messages are not reported.

* You changed the name of the printer. Remove and re-install the

printer driver to change the printer name.

(The laminator might be heating.)

The printer is busy printing cards.

The printer is paused without an error.

If the light remains steady amber during powerup, the printer has a problem that requires service.

The printer has issued a message. See the PC for the message.

The printer has a problem that requires service.

The printer power is off.

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2-16 Using the printer

Making cards

This section describes several ways to make cards using the Magna printer.

•

Usually, cards are sent from a card creation application, such as Datacard’s ID Works™ which captures, organizes, and formats the information on the card. A

card creation application is specially designed software that handles the types of information used on cards. See “Use a card creation application” for the steps to follow.

•

If you do not have a card creation application, you can use another PC application to format the information to print on cards. If you are encoding magnetic stripe

data, be sure to use an application in which you can save the result and edit it again, such as Windows WordPad™ or Word. See “Print from a PC application” for the steps to follow.

With any application, test your card design to verify the results.

Use a card creation application

1 Follow the instructions for the card creation application to capture, format, and

save the data for the card.

2 In the card creation application, send cards to the printer.

The printer driver receives data for each card, prepares the card for printing, and sends each card to the printer in the order received. The printer driver keeps cards in a queue if the printer is busy.

Developers can write card creation applications using the SmartDriver™ Software Developer’s Kit. This kit can be downloaded from www.datacard.com.

♦

Print from a PC application

1 Select the printer settings that correspond to the cards to print. See “Working with

Properties and other driver dialog boxes” on page 3-2 for more information.

Settings might include the following:

– Enable two-sided printing if you plan to print the front and back of the card.

The printer must have a duplex module to print on both sides of the card.

– Set the margins for the area to print on the card. A setting of Edge-to-Edge is

the same as a margin of 0.

– Set the magnetic stripe format and coercivity if you plan to encode magnetic

stripe data.

– Enable or disable topcoat or overlay, depending on the options in the printer

and the features you want for this card.

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Using the printer 2-17

2 In the application, select the SmartDriver as the current printer.

The default name for the Magna Class printer, when it is installed, is SmartDriver. The printer driver supports the Magna Class printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™, the Select Class printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™, and the ImageCard IV printer. Your printer might have a different name than SmartDriver.

3 Using the application's page setup feature, set the paper size to CR80 Card 2.13"

x 3.38". Set all the margins to the same value as the driver. (You can set the margins in the application wider than the driver, if desired.)

4 Select the orientation for the card design—either portrait or landscape.

5 Format the text to print using only a TrueType ( ) font. To print using the K

(solid black) panel of the print ribbon, choose the Black color in the application. All other colors are printed using the color panels of the print ribbon if you use a color print ribbon.

6 To print on the front of the card, keep data on one page. To print the front and

back of the card, send a two-page document. (Make sure Print on Both Sides is set to Automatic.)

7 Also on the front of the card, enter the information to be encoded on the magnetic

stripe and format the text using one of the following fonts:

– Track 1—Magnetic Stripe

– Track 2—Magnetic Stripe

– Track 3—Magnetic Stripe

– Track NTT—Magnetic Stripe (use only on a PC running a Japanese language

Windows operating system)

Windows must be set to display all fonts. (Some PC’s are set to display TrueType fonts only.) See Windows help for more information.

The text must use the default type size of 3.5 or 4 points to keep characters on the same line. To view the characters, zoom in on the text. Also, follow these guidelines:

– Avoid formatting characters, such as tabs and returns, in the data for one

magnetic stripe track. In some cases, these characters are converted to spaces, which might not be valid characters for the track.

– Do not use typographic features, such as letter spacing, on magnetic stripe

text.

– The paragraph style must be Normal.

– The magnetic stripe text, along with graphics and text to print on the front of

the card, must be on the first page.

8 When the card data is captured and formatted correctly, select the application’s

print function to send the card to print.

♦

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2-18 Using the printer

Operating tips

•

For the most current information about messages, see the online help for each message.

•

Whenever you are encoding magnetic stripe data or programming smart cards, be sure to handle incomplete cards according to your policy for handling the

confidential data that might be on the card.

•

Used print ribbon contains negative images of data printed on cards. Be sure to handle used print ribbon according to your policy for handling the confidential data

that might be on the card.

Removing cards

The card output stacker holds both completed cards and rejected cards. Remove completed cards from the output stacker to distribute printed cards. The output stacker holds up to 100 cards with a nominal thickness of 0.030 inch (0.76 mm).

Remove rejected cards as soon as they are ejected from the printer so you do not need to sort through all cards to locate them. Cards are rejected when a print job is cancelled or when a problem occurs while personalizing a card.

You can remove cards when the printer power is on or off, or while the printer is printing. Completed and rejected cards are removed in the same way.

Remove cards

1 Lift the cards from the card output stacker.

Figure 2-16: Remove cards

2 Dispose of partly processed cards according to your policies for handling the

confidential data that might be on the cards.

♦

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Using the printer 2-19

Responding to messages

The Magna printer provides information to the printer driver about the status of cards being processed. If the printer is not able to process and print a card, the printer driver generates a message on the PC in response to this situation. In most cases, the message is displayed on the PC. Some applications manage printer driver messages, and those messages might be different than described in this section.

In some circumstances, the printer might beep and the status light blink amber without a message appearing on the PC. The most likely causes are:

•

Renaming the printer on Windows 2000 or XP (Restart Windows to fix the problem)

•

Printing a test card in a printer with a magnetic stripe module, when the card does not have a magnetic stripe (use a card with a magnetic stripe and make sure the

stripe is oriented correctly)

Messages displayed on one PC can be generated from a different networked PC. For example, a different ribbon type can be selected on another networked PC. Make sure the Ribbon Type on both PCs matches the ribbon installed in the printer.

Messages include a Help button, where information about recovering from the situation is available. Typical messages might indicate that the print ribbon needs to be replaced or that a card is stuck. See the “Fix a printer problem” procedure that follows.

When a message box appears, only use the buttons on the message box, so that

both the printer driver and printer can return to normal operation. Do not close the message box by using the Exit button .

Figure 2-17: Typical message

If a message appears repeatedly and you cannot reliably correct the situation, service might be required.

Before you call your service representative, write down the following:

– The message and message number.

– The model of the printer, such as “ImageCard Magna Class with Advanced

Imaging Technology™”.

– The serial number of the printer, located on the inside panel. See “Printer

label” on page 1-3.

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2-20 Using the printer

– The driver version, described in “Working with Properties and other driver

dialog boxes” on page 3-2.

– The firmware version (available on Windows Me and Windows 98).

For more information about obtaining service, see “Obtaining service” on page 5-22.

Fix a printer problem

1 When a message is displayed on the PC, follow the suggested action. Click the

Help button to identify the likely cause of the problem and the possible solution.

2 From the help topic, click the “Click for error recovery procedures ” link to view a

list of printers. Click the link for the printer you are using and follow the procedure provided in the e-Guide to fix the problem.

Most parts of the printer designed to be used by the operator are colored green. These parts include knobs for clearing jams and handles of supply cartridges.

3 After fixing the problem, close the cover of the printer.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

4 Depending on the situation, the message box might be removed automatically or

you might need to respond. Cards still in the printer might be ejected.

The message box can have one or more of these buttons:

– Retry: Clears the card from the printer. The driver sends the card or cards to

the printer again. If the problem is corrected, normal operation resumes.

– Cancel: Clears the card from the printer. The card is not sent to print again. If

the problem is corrected, normal operation resumes.

– OK: Used for a message that occurs when no card was being printed, a status

message, or an equipment failure message. If the problem is corrected, normal operation resumes. (Power cycle the printer if operation does not resume.)

– If the message box disappears automatically, decide whether to return to the

card creation application to send the card to print again.

♦

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Using the printer 2-21

Shutting down the printer and PC

Shut down the Magna Class printer and the PC to which it is attached when you are done making cards for the day or will be away from the system for an extended period of time.The printer and PC can be left on during lunch time and other short breaks. Follow your security procedures when leaving the printer.

Shut down the printer and PC

1 Make sure all cards have completed processing before turning off the power. (You

can suspend the Status Monitor to stop communication between the printer and driver. See “Using the Status Monitor” on page 3-10.)

2 Press the Power switch to turn off power to the printer.

Figure 2-18: Press the power switch to power off the printer

3 Follow your policy to secure unprinted card stock, supplies, and printed cards.

4 Close PC applications and power off other equipment (including the PC) following

the procedure established.

If you will store the printer for several months, remove supplies before storing the printer. Supplies to remove include cards, print ribbon, topcoat or overlay supply, and the replaceable cleaning sleeve.

♦

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2-22 Using the printer

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Using the printer driver

This chapter provides information to help you use the printer driver for the Datacard® Magna™ Class photo ID printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™ effectively and efficiently. It describes:

•

How to work with printer settings and data

•

How to use the Status Monitor

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3-2 Using the printer driver

Working with Properties and other driver dialog boxes

Printer driver settings and data are organized differently for Windows Me and 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows NT. Use the section that applies to the operating system you use.

The printer driver allows you to connect one of the following printer types to the same port:

•

Select Class with Advanced Imaging Technology™

•

Magna Class with Advanced Imaging Technology™

•

ImageCard IV

The default printer name when the driver is installed is SmartDriver. References in this guide to the printer driver refer to the SmartDriver. The driver detects the type of printer attached and displays a status icon that matches the printer type.

Tips for Properties, Printing Preferences, and Default Document Properties

When you use settings, consider the following for greatest success:

•

When it is installed, the SmartDriver printer driver uses default settings for the printer. You need to view, change, and save printer and driver settings before printing cards. Make sure that driver settings match printer features and supplies used.

•

For settings that affect the printer, such as print ribbon type, make sure that the printer and PC are connected so the value you select is sent to the printer and saved. (For printers shared over a network, see the

Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

network using a print server, see the

User Guide

•

For settings that affect only the card format, such as landscape or portrait orientation, the printer does not need to be connected and powered on.

•

Select the Print on Both Sides setting before selecting the Print Ribbon Type and Topcoat Pattern. The choices available for Print Ribbon Type and Topcoat Pattern depend on the Print on Both Sides setting. If you change the Print on Both Sides setting to No after selecting YMCKT-KT ribbon, the Print Ribbon Type value will be blank (YMCKT-KT is not a valid choice for printing on one side.)

•

The card creation application might include settings that override driver settings. Also, you can access printer settings through the application’s print feature. (Depending on the application and operating system, settings will apply only to the current document or session.)

•

If you change the card design, review all settings and make changes as needed to reflect the new card design.

SmartDriver Direct Network Installation and

. For printers connected over a

e-Guide for ImageCard®

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Using the printer driver

•

When the printer is installed, the default spool setting is “Spool printing so program finishes printing faster.” Use this setting, not “Print directly to printer.”

•

The Printer Type affects the settings that are available. To change the printer type, disconnect the current printer before selecting another printer type. The settings displayed change to the last known settings for the new printer type.

•

When the printer is installed, “Enable bi-directional support” is selected. This setting is required to display messages, print test cards, and perform other functions.

•

When the printer is directly networked to a PC, the Color Settings page of Advanced Setup can be used from all PCs. The Printhead and Laminator pages of Advanced Setup should be used only from the administrative PC.

•

When the printer is networked to more than one PC, make sure to select the same ribbon type on all networked PCs.

Properties for Windows Me & 98

Settings that control the printing and personalization of the card include:

•

Print on both sides (duplex printing)

•

Print ribbon type

•

Card design settings, such as landscape or portrait orientation

•

Topcoat pattern during the print cycle

•

Whether to apply topcoat or overlay material to the front of the card, back of the card, or both

•

Magnetic stripe encoding formats and coercivity

Data about the printer is available, including the “About” dialog box which shows the printer driver version.

3-3

Settings that control the non-printing operation of the printer include:

•

Printer type

•

Port to which the printer is attached

•

Cleaning interval

Use the Properties dialog box

Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.

1 Select Start from the Windows taskbar.

2 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings and then Printers. The Printers

window appears.

3 Click once on the SmartDriver icon.

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3-4

Using the printer driver

4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select Properties. The

SmartDriver Properties dialog box appears.

Figure 3-1: Properties dialog box, Windows Me and 98

5 Select the tab with the information to view or change.

To view help for settings, click on the What's This help button and then click a setting.

6 If you make changes or if you have just installed the printer driver, click Apply to

save the settings. Click OK to close the dialog box. If you do not want to make changes and have saved settings once, click Cancel to close the Properties dialog box.

♦

Properties & Printing Preferences for Windows 2000 & XP

Settings that control the printing and personalization of the card are in the Printing Preferences dialog box for the printer. These settings include:

•

Card design settings, such as landscape or portrait orientation

•

Print ribbon type

•

Topcoat pattern during the print cycle

•

Cleaning interval

•

Whether to apply topcoat or overlay material to the front of the card, back of the card, or both

•

Magnetic stripe encoding formats and coercivity

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Using the printer driver

The Printing Preferences dialog box also provides access to the About dialog box, which shows the printer driver version.

Settings that control the non-printing operation of the printer are in the Properties dialog box for the printer. These settings include:

•

Use the Properties dialog box

Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.

1 Select Start from the Windows 2000 or XP taskbar.

2 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings and then Printers (2000) or

Printer type

Port to which the printer is attached

Permissions for other users of the PC

The SmartDriver provides help for the Printing Preferences dialog box, and Windows 2000 or XP provides help for the Properties dialog box. Help provides information about specific settings of the printer driver. Help does not include stepby-step procedures or detailed conceptual information.

Printers and Faxes (XP). The Printers (and Faxes) window appears.

3-5

3 Click once on the SmartDriver icon.

4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select Properties. The

SmartDriver Properties dialog box appears.

Figure 3-2: Properties dialog box, Windows 2000 and XP

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3-6

Using the printer driver

5 Select the tab that contains the information you want to view or change.

6 If you make changes, click OK to save the settings and close the dialog box. If you

do not want to make changes, click Cancel to close the Properties dialog box.

7 If you change the port, reboot the PC and power the printer off and on.

♦

Use the Printing Preferences dialog box

Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.

1 Select Start from the Windows 2000 or XP taskbar.

2 From the Windows Start menu, select Settings and then Printers (2000) or

Printers and Faxes (XP). The Printers (and Faxes) window appears.

3 Click once on the SmartDriver icon.

4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select Printing Preferences. The

SmartDriver Printing Preferences dialog box appears.

Figure 3-3: Printing Preferences dialog box, Windows 2000 and XP

5 If the setting you want to change appears, select the setting.

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Using the printer driver

6 If the setting you want to change does not appear, click the Advanced button to

3-7

display the Advanced Options dialog box (Figure 3-4). Click the plus sign (+) to see all selections available. When you click a selection, a list of choices appears next to the selection. Click the arrow on the box to see the selections available.

Figure 3-4: Advanced Options, Windows 2000 and XP

If the selections you want to use are not available (are grayed out), make sure the feature is available in the printer. Also make sure that the printer is powered on and connected to the PC, and then resume the Status Monitor. See “Opening and

using the Status Monitor” on page 3-11. For a network-connected printer, see the

e-Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers.

To view help for settings, click on the What's This help button and then click any setting in the Printer Features list. A list of settings is displayed. Select the setting for which you want help.

7 If you make changes or if this is the first time you have viewed the Printing

Preferences dialog box, click OK on each dialog box to save the settings and close the dialog box.

♦

Properties and Default Document Properties for Windows NT

Settings that control the printing and personalization of the card are in the Default Document Properties dialog box for the printer. These settings include:

•

Print on both sides (duplex printing)

•

Print ribbon type

•

Card design settings, such as landscape or portrait orientation

•

Topcoat pattern during the print cycle

•

Cleaning interval

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3-8

Using the printer driver

•

Whether to apply topcoat or overlay material to the front of the card, back of the card, or both

•

Magnetic stripe encoding formats and coercivity

The Default Document Properties dialog box also provides access to the About dialog box, which shows the printer driver version.

Settings that control the non-printing operation of the printer are in the Properties dialog box for the printer. These settings include:

•

Port to which the printer is attached

•

Permissions for other users of the PC

The SmartDriver provides help for the Default Document Properties dialog box, and Windows NT provides help for the Properties dialog box. Help provides information about specific settings of the printer driver. Help does not include stepby-step procedures or detailed conceptual information.

Use the Properties dialog box

Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.

1 Select Start from the Windows NT taskbar.

2 From the Windows NT Start menu, select Settings and then Printers. The Printers

window appears.

3 Click once on the SmartDriver icon.

4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select Properties. The

SmartDriver Properties dialog box appears.

Figure 3-5: Properties dialog box, Windows NT

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Using the printer driver

5 Select the tab that contains the information you want to view or change.

6 If you make changes, click OK to save the settings and close the dialog box. If you

7 If you change the port, restart Windows and power cycle the printer.

Use the Default Document Properties dialog box

Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC.

1 Select Start from the Windows NT taskbar.

2 From the Windows NT Start menu, select Settings and then Printers. The Printers

3 Click once on the SmartDriver icon.

4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select Document Defaults. The

do not want to make changes, click Cancel to close the Properties dialog box.

♦

window appears.

SmartDriver Default Document Properties dialog box appears.

3-9

Figure 3-6: Default Document Properties dialog box, Windows NT

5 Select the tab that contains the information you want to view or change. On the

Advanced tab, click the plus sign (+) if needed to see all selections available. When you click a selection, choices appear in the “Change value you want.

If the selections you want to use are not available (are grayed out), make sure the feature is available in the printer. Also make sure that the printer is powered on and connected to the PC and resume the Status Monitor. See “Opening and using

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

. . .

“ box. Click the

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3-10

the Status Monitor” on page 3-11. For a network-connected printer, see the

e-Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers.

To view help for settings, click on the What's This help button and then click any setting in the Printer Features list. A list of settings is displayed. Select the setting for which you want help.

6 If you make changes or if this is the first time you have viewed the Document

Default Properties dialog box, click OK to save the settings and close the dialog box.

Using the Status Monitor

The Status Monitor tracks communication between the Magna Class printer and its printer driver. The Status Monitor starts on Windows 2000 or XP after a card is printed or Properties or Printing Preferences dialog boxes are opened. On other operating systems, the Status Monitor starts as part of Windows startup. The Status Monitor icon is located in the lower right corner of the Windows desktop (see Figure 3-7).

♦

Using the printer driver

Figure 3-7: Status Monitor icon

The Status Monitor icon shows the state of communication between them, listed in the table below.

Icon Description Indicates

This Status Monitor icon is white with a green dot.

This Status Monitor icon is gray.

This Status Monitor icon is white with a white exclamation point in a red circle.

The Status Monitor is active and communicating with the printer.

The Status Monitor is suspended and not monitoring the printer for status, including errors.The Status Monitor automatically suspends when the printer is powered off or disconnected.

The Status Monitor is active but is not communicating with the printer. The printer might be off, cables might be loose, or a problem might exist.

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Using the printer driver 3-11

This Status Monitor icon is white with a blue magnifying glass.

The Status Monitor icon is white, includes a PC, and has a green stripe on top.

The Status Monitor icon is white with a green stripe and dot.

The Status Monitor icon is white with a green stripe and yellow hourglass.

The Status Monitor is in advanced setup mode.

Use advanced setup when changing color settings, monochrome printing intensity, or the position of printing.

The Status Monitor is running at a network-connected client PC.

The Status Monitor displays the client status and advanced setup provides access to color settings.

The Status Monitor is active and communicating on a PC connected to the printer using a Direct Network Kit.

The Status Monitor is attempting to communicate with a printer attached using a Direct Network Kit but the network is not responding.

The Status Monitor is gray with a green stripe.

Use the Help button on the Status Monitor for more information about each window.

The Status Monitor is temporarily suspended from the network.

Opening and using the Status Monitor

You can use the Status Monitor to do the following:

•

View Status Monitor information

•

Run a cleaning cycle (see “Maintaining the printer” on page 4-1)

•

Suspend the Status Monitor

•

Close or exit the Status Monitor

•

Start or quit advanced setup

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3-12 Using the printer driver

Open the Status Monitor

•

Double-click on the Magna Status Monitor icon (see Figure 3-7). The Status Monitor appears.

Figure 3-8: Status Monitor

Viewing Status Monitor information

The Status Monitor displays the following status information:

•

The top line displays the current state of the Status Monitor or printer.

•

If the printer is directly connected to this PC, the second line displays any messages. If the printer is shared through a network, this line indicates where to find information about messages.

•

The third line displays the current port mode, which can be ECP, USB, Shared Mode, or Directly Networked.

•

The fourth line displays the printer type.

•

The lower half of the dialog box shows the driver version number.

Suspending the Status Monitor

Suspending the Status Monitor stops communication between the printer and driver.

To suspend the Status Monitor, double-click on the Status Monitor icon and select Suspend. Suspend the Status Monitor before power off to avoid interrupted communication.

You cannot suspend the Status Monitor while printing a card.

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Using the printer driver 3-13

The Status Monitor automatically resumes when you print a card, or when you open Properties, Document Default Properties, or Printing Preferences.

Closing and Exiting the Status Monitor

Closing the Status Monitor closes the Status Monitor dialog box. The program continues to run. Exiting the Status Monitor does more: it stops the Status Monitor (program) and closes the Status Monitor dialog box.

To exit or stop the Status Monitor, double-click on the Status Monitor icon and select Exit. You should exit the Status Monitor when you receive instructions to do so.

You cannot exit the Status Monitor while printing a card.

The Status Monitor automatically restarts when you print a card, or when you open Properties, Document Default Properties, or Printing Preferences. If you need to restart the Status Monitor, open Properties, as described in “Working with Properties

and other driver dialog boxes” on page 3-2.

Starting or quitting advanced setup

The Advanced Setup button on the Status Monitor changes the printer driver from printing mode to advanced setup. After you start advanced setup, additional tabs appear on the Status Monitor, where you can change color settings, printing intensity, position of printing, and laminator settings. For shared printers, you can only change color settings.

Color settings (see Figure 3-9) are one of the features of Advanced Imaging Technology.

Figure 3-9: Color Settings page

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3-14 Using the printer driver

From directly networked PCs, color settings affect cards sent from the PC. Other

tabs also affect settings in the printer. It is recommended that the settings for networked PCs be changed only from an Administration PC.

You cannot start advanced setup while printing a card. Wait until all cards are printed, and then click Advanced Setup.

For information about using the features available in advanced setup, see the

for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

While in advanced setup, the button on the Status page is named “Quit Advanced Setup.” Click the Quit Advanced Setup button to remove the additional tabs and return to printing mode.

e-Guide

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Maintaining the printer

This chapter provides information to help you maintain the Magna™ Class printer with Advanced Imaging Technology for optimal performance. It describes:

•

How to run a cleaning cycle

•

How to use the magnetic stripe cleaning card

•

How to clean the rollers in the printer

•

How to use the duplex/laminator cleaning card

•

How to clean the supply tracker in the optional overlay or topcoat module

•

How to clean the heated roller in the optional overlay or topcoat module

•

How to clean the printhead

•

How to replace the printhead cartridge

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4-2 Maintaining the printer

Running a cleaning cycle

A cleaning cycle includes replacing the sleeve of the continuous cleaning roller and running a cleaning card. Replace the cleaning roller first, and then run a cleaning card.

Select one of the following primary methods to make sure cleaning occurs regularly.

•

You can set the cleaning interval in the driver to indicate when it is time to clean. The default “Cards between cleaning” value is 250 cards. You can change the

number of cards between cleaning in the printer Properties, Printing Preferences, or Default Document Properties dialog box. See “Working with Properties and

other driver dialog boxes” on page 3-1 for the steps to follow.

•

You can clean the printer when you change the print ribbon, when you load cards in the card cartridge, or at another regular interval you determine.

You might want to run a cleaning cycle more often if:

•

The cards, especially magnetic stripe cards or cards with signature panels, have particles on them

•

A monochrome ribbon is used

•

The printer is operated in a relatively dirty environment

•

Printed cards have defects in the printing because of residue on the cards

Using the printer cleaning card

Use the printer cleaning card when prompted or according to schedule. You can run a printer cleaning card whenever you are not printing, whether or not you have been prompted. See “Supplies and cards” on page B-1 for information about ordering the printer cleaning card.

Run a printer cleaning card

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, unlock the cartridge before

removing it.

1 Remove the card cartridge and set it aside.

If the print ribbon sticks to the printer cleaning card, remove the print ribbon

and repeat this procedure with a new printer cleaning card.

2 Peel the protective paper backing from both sides of the printer cleaning card (see

Figure 4-1).

Figure 4-1: Printer cleaning card

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Maintaining the printer 4-3

3 Insert the printer cleaning card on the input rollers, which you can see after

removing the card cartridge (see Figure 4-2).

Figure 4-2: Insert the printer cleaning card

4 Start a cleaning cycle by doing one of the following:

– Click the OK button when the printer driver displays the “printer has reached

the cleaning count” message. (If you do not click OK, the message appears each time you print a card, until you use the printer cleaning card.)

– Open the Status Monitor by double-clicking the icon. Click the Printer button

in the Clean area and then the OK button.

The printer pulls in the cleaning card and moves it back and forth to clean the print area.

5 The cleaning card is ejected on the left side of the printer directly under the card

cartridge area.

6 Discard the used printer cleaning card.

7 Replace the card cartridge. Push the bottom of the card cartridge until it clicks into

place. The printer module is cleaned and the printer is ready to resume normal operation.

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, lock the cartridge after replacing it.

Replacing the cleaning roller sleeve

Replace the sleeve of the continuous cleaning roller when prompted or according to your schedule. You can change the replaceable cleaning sleeve at any time, whether or not you have been prompted. See “Supplies and cards” on page B-1 for information about ordering the replaceable cleaning sleeve.

Replace the cleaning roller

If your printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

1 Open the top cover of the printer.

♦

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4-4 Maintaining the printer

The printer power can be on or off when you replace the cleaning roller.

2 Move the top cover support into position and allow the cover to rest on it.

3 Press down on the swing arm until it clicks (step 1 in Figure 4-3). The push latch

releases the swing arm. Lift the swing arm by firmly grasping the handle and pulling up until it is fully open (step 2 in Figure 4-3).

Figure 4-3: Open the swing arm

4 Remove the print ribbon cartridge.

5 Lift the continuous cleaning roller unit out of the printer (step 1 in Figure 4-4).

Figure 4-4: Lift the roller out of the printer

6 Slide the used sleeve off the cleaning roller spindle (step 2 in Figure 4-4). Discard

the used sleeve.

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Maintaining the printer 4-5

7 Slide a new replaceable cleaning sleeve onto the spindle (step 1 in Figure 4-5).

Figure 4-5: Replace the cleaning roller sleeve

8 Hold the replaceable cleaning roller spindle by the ends and remove the

protective cover from the sleeve (step 2 in Figure 4-5). Discard the protective cover.

Avoid touching the sticky surface of the replaceable sleeve. Oils from your

fingers could reduce cleaning and could affect card quality.

9 Continue to hold the spindle by the ends. Replace the spindle with sleeve in the

printer (step 3 in Figure 4-5).

10 Replace the print ribbon cartridge.

11 Close the swing arm, pressing it down until the push latch clicks into place.

12 Close the cover by lifting it slightly, move the support up so it is parallel with the

hinges, and lower the cover.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

♦

Using the magnetic stripe cleaning card

The printer’s magnetic stripe module should be cleaned when the printer has displayed several magnetic stripe errors that list running the magnetic stripe cleaning card as a solution. See “Supplies and cards” on page B-1 for information about ordering magnetic stripe cleaning cards.

Do not use the magnetic stripe cleaning card more than once every 2000 cards or excessive wear can result.

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4-6 Maintaining the printer

Run the magnetic stripe cleaning card

1 Insert a magnetic stripe cleaning card into the exception card slot. Make sure the

arrow is on top and pointing into the printer (see Figure 4-6). (You can also remove the card cartridge and place the cleaning card on the card input rollers.)

Figure 4-6: Insert the magnetic stripe cleaning card

Do not peel off the blue stripe on the back of the card.

2 Open the Status Monitor by double-clicking the icon.

3 Click the Mag Stripe button in the Clean area.

The printer automatically runs the magnetic stripe cleaning process and ejects the card in the output stacker when it is complete.

4 Remove the used magnetic stripe cleaning card. The card can be used again.

Cleaning the printer rollers

The printer rollers move the card during printing or cleaning operations. Clean the rollers once a week or when problems occur such as repeated card jams or cards not being picked.

Clean printer rollers

1 Open the Status Monitor by double-clicking the printer icon.

♦

Make sure that printing of cards is complete before cleaning the rollers.

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Maintaining the printer 4-7

2 Clean the two pick rollers:

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, unlock the cartridge before

removing it.

a Remove the card cartridge.

b Remove the cap from the cleaning pen. Hold the end of the cleaning pen

against the first pick roller (step 1 inFigure 4-7).

Figure 4-7: Clean the pick rollers

c Click the “Printer” button in the Clean area of the Status dialog box. Click OK

on the prompt that appears. Do not insert a cleaning card! The driver sends a command to the printer to run the printer cleaning card. The printer moves rollers when it attempts to pick the card.

d Slowly move the pen on the pick roller.

e Lightly wipe any dirt from the end of the cleaning pen onto a clean cloth or

paper. Move the cleaning pen to another area of the roller.

f Repeat steps c through e until no more dirt appears on the pen.

g Repeat steps c through f, placing the cleaning pen on the second pick roller

(step 2 in Figure 4-7).

3 Clean the transport area rollers:

If the printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

a Open the printer cover and remove the print ribbon cartridge. The card

cartridge should stay out of the printer.

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4-8 Maintaining the printer

b Place the cleaning pen on top of the first transport roller (location 1 in

Figure 4-8).

Figure 4-8: Roller locations in the card track

Do not place the pen next to the black transport base. The pen can get pinched between the roller and the transport base.

c Do one of the following to turn the rollers in the printer.

• Click the “Printer” button in the Clean area. Click OK on the prompt that appears. Do not insert a cleaning card! The driver sends a command to the printer to run the printer cleaning card. The printer moves rollers when it attempts to pick the card.

• Turn the card advance knob to move rollers by hand.

d Move the pen on the roller.

e Lightly wipe any dirt from the end of the cleaning pen onto a clean cloth or

paper. Move the cleaning pen to another area of the roller.

f Repeat steps c through e for the roller at location 1 until no more dirt appears

on the pen or cloth.

g Move the cleaning pen to location 2 (in Figure 4-8). Repeat steps c through f.

h If the printer has a magnetic stripe module, move the cleaning pen to location

3 (in Figure 4-8). Repeat steps c through f.

i Replace the print ribbon cartridge and close the swing arm.

4 Clean the exit roller.

a Begin with the swing arm down and latched.

b Hold the end of the cleaning pen against the top of the lower exit roller

(location 4 in Figure 4-8).

c Do one of the following to turn the rollers in the printer.

• Turn the card advance knob to move rollers by hand.

d Move the pen on the roller.

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Maintaining the printer 4-9

e Lightly wipe any dirt from the end of the cleaning pen onto a clean cloth or

paper. Move the cleaning pen to another area of the roller.

f Repeat steps c through e for the roller at location 4 until no more dirt appears

on the pen or cloth.

g Lower the swing arm by grasping the handle and pushing it down into

position.

You can also clean the rollers in the duplex or pass-through mechanism (location D in Figure 4-8), and in the laminator (location L in Figure 4-8). Turn the black duplex wheel to move rollers in the duplex or pass-through mechanism. Turn the laminator advance knob to turn the wheels in the laminator.

h Close the printer top cover by lifting the top slightly and moving the support so

it is parallel with the hinges. Then lower the cover into position.

If the printer has a locking top cover, lock the cover after closing it.

5 Replace the card cartridge.

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, lock the cartridge after replacing it.

6 Print a card to verify the quality of printing. You can print a printer test card, a

sample card, or a card using your card creation application.

♦

Using the duplex/laminator cleaning card

If your printer includes a duplex module, a topcoat module, or an overlay module, use the duplex/laminator cleaning card to maintain card quality and reduce the likelihood of jammed cards in the duplex and laminator modules.

Use the duplex/laminator cleaning card once a month or when problems occur, such as repeated card jams in the overlay or topcoat module. See “Supplies and cards” on

page B-1 for ordering information.

Use the duplex/laminator cleaning card

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, unlock the cartridge before removing it.

1 Remove the card cartridge and set it aside.

If the print ribbon sticks to the duplex/laminator cleaning card, remove the print ribbon and repeat this procedure with a new cleaning card.

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4-10 Maintaining the printer

2 Peel the middle strip of protective paper from both sides of the duplex/laminator

cleaning card (see Figure 4-9).

The outside protective paper strips must stay on the card.

Keep

Remove

Keep

Figure 4-9: Duplex/laminator cleaning card

3 Insert the duplex/laminator cleaning card near the bottom of the card cartridge

cavity (see Figure 4-10).

Figure 4-10: Insert the duplex/laminator cleaning card

4 Open the Status dialog box by double-clicking the icon.

5 Click the Duplex/Laminator button in the Clean area.

The printer automatically runs the laminator cleaning process and ejects the card in the output stacker when it is complete.

6 Remove the used cleaning card and discard it.

7 Replace the card cartridge. Push the bottom of the card cartridge until it clicks into

place.

If the printer has a locking card cartridge, lock the cartridge after replacing it.

The duplex and laminator modules are clean and the printer is ready to resume normal operation.

♦

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Maintaining the printer 4-11

Cleaning the supply tracker

The supply tracker in the optional overlay or topcoat module can become slippery, which might cause messages to appear. Clean the supply tracker weekly or when needed.

Use a printer cleaning card to clean the supply tracker. You can also use a duplex/ laminator cleaning card; however, with this card, it is more difficult to clean the full width of the supply tracker.

Clean the supply tracker

1 Power off the printer.

The heated roller in the overlay or topcoat module operates at 400° F (200° C). Wait 30 minutes or until the heated roller area is cool.

2 Lift the top cover, and then move the cover support down so it rests on the internal

frame.

If your printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

3 Prepare a printer cleaning card.

– If you just used a printer cleaning card in the printer, you can use that card to

complete this procedure.

– If you have not run a printer cleaning card, remove the protective paper from

one side of the card.

Figure 4-11: Remove the protective paper from the cleaning card

4 Lift the supply tracker until it stops and is held in place.

Remove the supply cartridge for easier access to the supply tracker. See

“Removing the supply cartridge” on page 2-8 for steps to follow.

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4-12 Maintaining the printer

5 Roll the sticky surface of the cleaning card against the supply tracker. Rotate the

supply tracker to clean all sides.

Do not touch the surface of the supply tracker with your fingers. Oils from the skin can cause the supply tracker to slip or can affect card quality.

Figure 4-12: Clean the supply tracker

Replace the supply cartridge if it was removed. See “Replacing the supply

cartridge” on page 2-10 for steps to follow.

6 Lower the supply tracker.

7 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the cover support up so it is parallel

with the hinges and lower the cover.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

8 Dispose of the used cleaning card.

Cleaning the heated roller

At times, the heated roller in the optional overlay or topcoat module can have deposits that affect card appearance. Clean the heated roller to remove deposits and improve card appearance.

Clean the heated roller

1 Power off the printer. The heated roller in the overlay or topcoat module operates

at 400° F (200° C). Wait 30 minutes or until the heated roller area is cool.

♦

The cleaning stick can withstand the operating temperature of the heated roller. However, your hands will be close to the heated roller. Wait until the heated roller is cool to avoid burning your hands.

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Maintaining the printer 4-13

If your printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

2 Lift the top cover, and then move the cover support down so it rests on the internal

frame.

3 Remove the supply cartridge to access the heated roller. See “Removing the

supply cartridge” on page 2-8.

Use only the cleaning stick on the heater roller. Tools and sharp objects can permanently scratch the heated roller and reduce card quality.

4 Use the cleaning stick to remove deposits from the heated roller.

a Push the cleaning stick back and forth on the heated roller (step 1 in

Figure 4-13).

The heated roller is above the card track, mounted in a pivoting frame.

b Use the cleaning stick to move the heated roller and make another area

available for cleaning (step 2 in Figure 4-13).

c Repeat steps a and b to clean the entire area of the heated roller.

Heated roller

Figure 4-13: Clean the heated roller

5 Replace the supply cartridge. See “Replacing the supply cartridge” on page 2-10.

6 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the cover support up so it is parallel

with the hinges and close the cover.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

7 Power on the printer to resume card production.

If these steps do not fix the problem, contact your service provider.

♦

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4-14

Cleaning tips

Follow these tips to clean your printer effectively and maintain optimum operation.

Clean the ribbon tracker using the printer cleaning pen. The ribbon tracker is

•

located on the swing arm (see Figure 4-14).

Some card features can require more frequent cleaning of the printer, especially if

•

the cards are not high quality. Signature panels and magnetic stripes can deposit particles on rollers. Set the prompted cleaning cycle more often than the default of every 250 cards.

Maintaining the printer

Figure 4-14: Clean the ribbon tracker

Clean printer rollers regularly, such as weekly, or every 1000 cards. If your printer

•

is connected over a network using a print server, the cleaning frequency set in the printer will apply to cards sent from all attached PCs.

If you use StickICards, clean the card tracks after every 100 cards. Use the

•

cleaning pen to reach most areas of the card track. Use an isopropyl alcohol swab (not included in the cleaning kit) to reach hidden areas of the card track.

If the printer includes an optional topcoat or overlay module, use the cleaning pen

•

to remove deposits from the guides of the supply cartridge. Clean the guides on a regular basis, such as weekly.

Cleaning the printhead

The printhead can have contamination stuck to it. You might notice it as unprinted lines on printed cards. Clean the printhead only when needed, such as:

The printhead has been accidently touched, such as when changing supplies or

•

clearing a card jam

You have replaced the printhead

•

Your observe problems with card appearance, as described in “Troubleshooting”

•

on page 5-1

Do not touch the printing edge of the printhead cartridge with your fingers. The oils on your fingers can damage the printhead.

Do not bump the printing edge of the printhead cartridge with any sharp objects. Sharp objects can permanently damage the printhead.

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Maintaining the printer

Use the cleaning pen to clean the printhead. Do not use a cotton swab. The fibers from the cotton can stick to the printhead.

Clean the printhead

1 Power off the printer, and disconnect it from the power source.

2 Open the printer cover.

3 Move the top cover support into position and allow the cover to rest on the support

4 Press down on the swing arm. The push latch will release the swing arm. Using

5 Open the cleaning pen.

6 Using gentle pressure, move the cleaning pen back and forth along the full length

If your printer has a locking cover, unlock cover before opening it.

bar.

the handle, lift the swing arm until it is fully open.

of the printhead edge. Be sure to clean the rounded edge of the printhead completely.

4-15

Edge of the printhead

Figure 4-15: Clean the printing surface of the printhead

If the cleaning pen does not remove all contamination from the printhead, contact your service provider for additional assistance.

7 Close the swing arm, by grasping the handle, lowering it into position, and

pressing it down until the push latch clicks into place.

8 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is parallel with the

hinges and lower the cover.

If your printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing.

9 Connect the power cable to the power source and power on the printer.

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4-16 Maintaining the printer

Print a card to verify the quality of printing. You can print a Windows test page or a sample card. If card quality is still inadequate, see “Problems with card appearance”

on page 5-8.

♦

Replacing the printhead cartridge

The printer uses an operator-replaceable printhead cartridge. For more information about printhead cartridges, see “Supplies and cards” on page B-1.

Remove the printhead cartridge

Do not touch the printing edge of the printhead cartridge. If you do, clean it using the cleaning pen, as described in “Cleaning the printhead” on page 4-14.

Do not bump the printing edge of the printhead cartridge with any sharp objects. Sharp objects can permanently damage the printhead.

1 Power off the printer.

If your printer has a locking cover, unlock the cover before opening it.

2 Open the top cover, and then move the support down so it rests on the internal

frame.

3 Push down on the swing arm. The push latch will release the swing arm. Grasp

the handle and lift the swing arm up until it is fully open.

4 Press down on the green printhead cartridge latch to release the printhead (step 1

in Figure 4-16).

Figure 4-16: Printhead cartridge latch lever

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Maintaining the printer 4-17

5 Lift the printhead cartridge up and off the swing arm (step 2 in Figure 4-16).

6 Remove the printhead cables.

– Push the black locking tabs to the side. Remove the gray connector of the

printhead data cable from the printhead cartridge (see Figure 4-17).

– Pull firmly on the white connector of the printhead power cable to remove it

from the printhead cartridge. You can gently pull on the wires attached to the plug if needed to remove the cable.

Power cable

Data cable

Ground cable

Figure 4-17: Printhead cables and connectors

7 Remove the ground cable connector from the ground tab of the swing arm by

pulling on the red sleeve (see Figure 4-18).

Figure 4-18: Printhead ground cable

♦

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4-18 Maintaining the printer

Replace the printhead cartridge

1 Carefully align the openings on the (white) power cable plug with the wires of the

power receptacle on the printhead. Push the cable’s plug all the way onto the receptacle (see Figure 4-17).

2 Push the (gray) data cable plug into the new printhead cartridge (see

Figure 4-17). Make sure the locking tabs are in place.

Do not press on the wires of the printhead cables.

3 If the printhead has a ground cable, slide the ground cable connector onto the

ground tab of the swing arm (see Figure 4-18).

4 Align the printhead cartridge pins with the printhead cartridge slots on the swing

arm (see Figure 4-19).

5 Slide the new printhead cartridge onto the swing arm, so the pins slide into the

slots (see Figure 4-19).

Figure 4-19: Align pins with slots on the swing arm

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Maintaining the printer 4-19

The notches on the printhead cartridge should align with the notches on the spring bar (A in Figure 4-20).

Figure 4-20: Secure the printhead cartridge

6 Hold the printhead cartridge latch lever down (step 1 in Figure 4-20) and pivot the

printhead cartridge down toward the swing arm (step 2 in Figure 4-20). Release the latch lever when the printhead cartridge is in place.

7 Clean the printhead. Move the cleaning pen back and forth along the length of the

printhead edge. (See Figure 4-15 on page 4-15.) Be sure to completely clean the rounded edge of the printhead.

8 Close the swing arm, pressing it down until the push latch clicks into place.

9 To close the cover, lift the top slightly. Move the support up so it is parallel with the

hinges and lower the cover.

If the printer has a locking cover, lock the cover after closing it.

10 Power on the printer.

11 Print a card to verify the quality of printing. You can print a sample card or a card

using your card creation application. If card quality is still inadequate, see

“Troubleshooting” on page 5-1.

♦

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4-20 Maintaining the printer

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Troubleshooting

This chapter explains how to troubleshoot the Datacard® Magna™ Class photo ID printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™ and how to obtain service. It explains:

•

What to do if you think the printer is not working

•

How to make test cards

•

Problems you might see in the appearance of cards

•

How to obtain service

•

How to package the printer to return for service

When you experience problems using the printer, follow these guidelines:

•

Record the printer model and serial number. The model and configuration are displayed on a label that is visible when you open the top cover.

•

Keep notes on the problem, including the message number and the solutions you attempt.

•

Obtain information about the supplies used, including:

– Card stock and type (such as composite or PVC, three-track magnetic stripe,

manufacturer, and so on). This information is located on the packaging for cards.

– Type of ribbon (such as YMCKT) and the lot number used for personalizing

cards. This information is located on the package of the ribbon.

– Lot number of the overlay supply roll if used. This information is located on the

package or label of the supply.

If you need to call for service, this information will help your service representative address your concerns.

For more information about messages, see “Responding to messages” on page 2-19.

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5-2 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting guide

Use the following to help you locate information about different types of problems.

Problem Location

Printer beeps without a message displayed on the PC

Installation problems See “Install the printer” on page 7-1.

Appearance of printed cards See “Problems with card appearance”

Communication between PC and printer (parallel port)

Communication between PC and printer (USB)

Messages displayed on the PC Click the Help button on the message

Printer beeps because of a problem and a message is displayed on the PC

Card did not print as expected See “Working with Properties and

See “Responding to messages” on

page 2-19.

on page 5-8.

See “Setup tips” on page 7-17.

See the

Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers.

box.

Click the Help button on the message box.

other driver dialog boxes” on page 3-2

and the

Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

e-Guide for ImageCard®

If you think the printer is not working

The printer, printer driver, and card creation application work together to produce cards. If the system is not working as you expect and does not display messages, follow these steps to isolate the source of the problem before contacting your service representative.

1 Make a printer test card, following the steps in “Making and evaluating test cards”

on page 5-3.

If the printer does not make a test card, the printer is likely not working properly.

2 Print a sample card, following the steps in “Printing sample cards” on page 7-17.

As an alternative, you can print a Windows test page, following the steps in

“Making and evaluating test cards” on page 5-3.

If the sample card or Windows test page does not print as expected, the printer driver is likely not set or operating properly.

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Troubleshooting 5-3

3Check “Setup tips” on page 7-17 to make sure the PC and printer are set up

correctly.

4 Make sure the printer is the selected printer in the card creation application.

5 Use the card creation application to print a sample card. See “Making cards” on

page 2-16.

If the sample card does not print the card as expected, the card creation application is likely not set or operating properly.

Making and evaluating test cards

You can make the following types of test cards.

•

Printer test cards verify the function of the printer. You print them using controls on the printer. The personalization of the card is determined by the printer, the print ribbon, and modules (such as magnetic stripe, duplex, overlay, or topcoat) installed in the printer.

•

The Windows test page, which you can print on a card, verifies that the PC and printer work together. You print them using the printer Properties dialog box on the PC. The appearance of the card is determined by Windows.

•

Printer magnetic stripe test cards, which verify that the driver sends magnetic stripe information to the printer and verifies that it is encoded. Use controls in the Status Monitor to print magnetic stripe test cards.

You can also make sample cards, using the driver sample card or your card creation application to test print quality and card design. Do not make sample cards until you are sure the printer and driver work properly (by printing a printer test card and Windows test page). See “Printing sample cards” on page 7-17.

Follow these steps to make printer test cards on all supported Windows operating systems.

Make a printer test card

The Magna Class printer does not need to be connected to a PC to print this card.

1 Power off the Magna Class printer.

2 Confirm that all supplies are loaded: cards, print ribbon, and optional overlay or

topcoat material. See “Using the printer” on page 2-1 if needed.

If the printer has a magnetic stripe module, the cards for a printer test card must have a magnetic stripe. If it is a three-track module, be sure to use the high coercivity blank cards shipped in the supplies kit.

3 Press and hold the Ready button (1), and then power on the printer (2) as shown

in Figure 5-1. Hold the Ready button until the printer sounds three tones, usually 5 to 10 seconds.

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5-4 Troubleshooting

Figure 5-1: Press and hold Ready button (1) and then Press Power switch (2)

4 Release the Ready button. You hear the internal components initialize. Allow 30

to 60 seconds for the printer to begin printing the test card. The status light will flash green while the printer is processing the data.

If the printer includes a topcoat or overlay module, the module might require time to heat up. The card pauses and the module makes a series of beeps while it is warming up.

5 Remove the card from the card output stacker. A printer test card is shown in

Figure 5-2.

If the printer test card did not print successfully, see “Status light” on page 2-15. If needed, turn to “Troubleshooting” on page 5-1.

Printer test card

The printer test card is designed to perform most functions available in the printer.

Red

Green

Dark Blue

Black

♦

Black Border

Blue Cyan

Magenta

Yellow

Black

Figure 5-2: ImageCard printer test card (using color ribbon)

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Troubleshooting 5-5

Your service provider might ask you to use a different procedure to make a printer test card. The card printed might have additional areas printed on it. For UltraGrafix printers, the test card is printed with one color, such as black.

Check the following:

•

The test card has the pattern shown on the front of the card. The back of the card will be printed with a similar pattern if the printer includes a duplex module.

•

If a magnetic stripe module is installed in the printer and enabled, the following data is encoded on the card:

Track Format Data

Track 1 (IATA) TEST PATTERN IATA CHARACTER

SUBSET 0123456789

Track 2 (ABA) 012345678012345678990123456789

Track 3 (TTS) 0123456789=9876543210

Track 3 (NTT) 0123456789=9876543210

See “Magnetic stripe encoding” on page D-1 for more information about magnetic stripe tracks.

•

The tracks available depend on the type of module installed.

•

The magnetic stripe data on the printer test card is generated by the printer and does not test driver-to-printer communication.

•

If a topcoat module is installed in the printer and enabled, topcoat is applied to the front of the card.

•

If an overlay module is installed in the printer and enabled, an overlay patch is applied to the front of the card.

If you are not satisfied with the appearance of the test card, see “Problems with card

appearance” on page 5-8 to identify the problem and possible solutions.

Windows test page

Follow these steps to print a Windows test page on all supported operating systems.

Print the Windows test page

The printer must be connected to the PC with the driver installed, and both printer and PC must be running.

1 Select Start from the Windows taskbar.

2 Select Settings and then Printers (Printers and Faxes on Windows XP) from the

Windows Start menu. The Printers (and Faxes) window appears.

3 Click once on the printer icon.

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5-6 Troubleshooting

4 Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select Properties. The Properties

dialog box appears.

5 Select the Print Test Page button on the General tab. Wait while Windows creates

a test page image. The card will print when the PC and printer are connected, and the printer and driver are working together.

After you select the Print Test Page button, Windows displays a wizard asking if the page printed correctly. Click “Yes” on this dialog box to end the Wizard. The

“Setup tips” on page 7-17 provide the information you need to address problems

with PC to printer communication.

6 Remove the card from the card output stacker.

The card should look similar to the cards shown in Figure 5-3 and Figure 5-4. The exact appearance depends on the operating system and selections made on the PC (some cards have more characters printed while others have fewer characters).

If it does not print, see “Setup tips” on page 7-17.

Microsoft

Windows

Congratulat

If you can read this information you have

win98t

Figure 5-3: Windows test page, portrait orientation

Win

Microsoft

Windows

NT Print

winNTtp

Figure 5-4: Windows test page, landscape orientation

The Windows test page has a slightly different appearance, depending on the operating system and how the printer is connected to the PC.

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Troubleshooting 5-7

The Windows test page is generated by Microsoft Windows. The small size of the card, compared to printer paper, means that some of the text is not printed on the card.

♦

Magnetic stripe test card

If the printer includes a magnetic stripe module, you can print a magnetic stripe test card. The card uses the magnetic stripe settings in the Properties, Default Document Properties, or Printing Preferences dialog box.

Use this card to verify that the printer encodes a card correctly.

If the printer is set to print a custom magnetic stripe format, it will not print this test card successfully. The driver will display a message indicating that the data does not meet the requirements for the magnetic stripe track or that it cannot read the data.

Print a magnetic stripe test card

The printer must be connected to the PC with the driver installed, and both printer and PC must be running.

1 Double-click the printer icon in the System tray. The Status Monitor

opens.

2 Make sure that magnetic stripe cards are loaded in the card cartridge. (See

“Loading cards” on page 2-3 for information on loading cards.)

3 Click once on the Mag Stripe Card button in the Test Cards area. The printer

driver formats card data for the type of module installed, as follows:

– Three-track: IAT formatted data (IATA data on track 1, ABA data on track 2,

and TTS data on track 3). See “Magnetic stripe encoding” on page D-1 for more magnetic stripe information.

– NTT track: NTT formatted data on the track

4 Remove the card from the card output stacker.

5 Test the card by passing it through a card reader that will display the data

encoded on the card. The encoded data should match the data printed on the test card.

♦

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5-8 Troubleshooting

Problems with card appearance

Problems with card appearance can be the result of the following:

•

Image capture tools, such as the camera

•

Card creation application, which displays the image

•

Limitations in technology, such as differences between how an image looks on the monitor and how it looks after it is printed

•

Printer maintenance or PC settings

New Magna Class printers include Datacard’s Advanced Imaging Technology™ (AIT). Cards printed with Advanced Imaging Technology have a different appearance than cards printed with earlier Magna Class printers, including those with Tru Image™.

This section describes possible problems you might observe with the quality of cards you produce with the Magna Class printer. To diagnose and fix card quality problems, find the symptom in the tables that follow. For each possible cause, attempt the solutions listed.

Problem Troubleshooting

Print module

Print quality Table 5-1 on page 5-8

Topcoat quality—print ribbon Table 5-2 on page 5-14

Topcoat quality—optional topcoat module

Overlay quality—optional overlay module

Ta bl e 5 -1 describes problems that can originate in the print module.

Table 5-3 on page 5-16

Table 5-4 on page 5-18

Table 5-1: Print quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

One or more unprinted lines run the entire length of the card.

The printhead might be dirty or damaged.

Clean the printhead. See

Chapter 4.

Run a test card. See this chapter.

If cleaning does not solve the problem, replace the printhead. See Chapter 4.

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Troubleshooting 5-9

Table 5-1: Print quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Part of the printed card is blank.

The leading or trailing edge of the printed card is not the expected color.

ic4tcpnl

Cards might not meet specifications.

Cards might be dirty.

The printhead cartridge might not be installed properly.

Text to print on the card was formatted using a non-TrueType font.

Cards might be slipping in the card track.

Two cards might have been picked.

The print ribbon might not be Datacard Platinum Series ribbon.

The ribbon registration might be incorrect.

Obtain and use a different supply of cards. See

Appendix B.

Increase the frequency of cleaning. See Chapter 4. Run a cleaning cycle. See

Chapter 4.

Remove and reinstall the printhead cartridge. See

Chapter 4.

Format text to print using only TrueType fonts.

Run a printer cleaning cycle, then clean the rollers. See Chapter 4.

Fan cards before inserting them in the card cartridge.

Obtain and use Datacard Platinum Series print ribbon. See Appendix B.

Change the ribbon panel length. See the

e-Guide.

No image is printed on the card or the printing is very light.

The ribbon is loaded incorrectly.

The printhead cartridge power cable might be loose.

The printhead cable or printhead cartridge might be damaged.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Remove and replace the ribbon. See Chapter 2.

Power off the printer. Make sure the printhead power cable is securely connected. See

Chapter 4.

Replace the printhead. See Chapter 4.

If the problem persists, contact your service representative.

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5-10 Troubleshooting

Table 5-1: Print quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

One color panel is not aligned correctly with other panels.

ic4tcaln

Printed card images (photos) are blurry.

Printed cards, including text, are blurry.

Cards might be slipping in the card track.

The card registration might be incorrect.

The image capture system needs adjustment.

The rollers may be dirty.

The cards may not meet specifications.

The printhead may be dirty.

Run a printer cleaning cycle, then clean the rollers. See Chapter 4.

Set the position of printing. See the

e-Guide

If the problem persists, contact your service representative.

See the information for the image capture system.

Run a printer cleaning cycle, then clean the rollers. See Chapter 4.

Obtain and use a different supply of cards. See

Appendix B.

Clean the printhead. See

Chapter 4.

If the problem persists, contact your service representative.

All card data is positioned unevenly on the card.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

The card registration might be incorrect.

Set the position of printing. See the

e-Guide

If the problem persists, contact your service representative.

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Troubleshooting 5-11

Table 5-1: Print quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Card is printed upside down (the image is rotated 180 degrees).

Printed card images (photos) look faded.

Printed cards, including text, look faded.

The card creation application has rotated the card.

The card rotation setting might be incorrect.

The image capture system needs adjustment.

Print ribbon may have been stored improperly or damaged.

Color settings might not be set for the card design.

The cards may not meet specifications.

The printhead may be dirty.

The print ribbon is not Datacard Platinum ribbon.

See the information for the card creation application.

Set the card rotation using the Properties (98), Printing Preferences (2000 or XP), or Default Document Properties (NT) dialog box. See Chapter 2.

See the information for the image capture system.

Change the print ribbon and then print a test card. See Chapter 2.

Change color settings. See the e-Guide.

Obtain and use a different supply of cards. See

Appendix B.

Clean the printhead. See

Chapter 4.

Use only Datacard Platinum ribbon in the Magna Class printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™.

If the problem persists, contact your service representative.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

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5-12 Troubleshooting

Table 5-1: Print quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Part of the printed image is discolored.

The printed card shows small unprinted spots.

Cards might have fingerprints or other dirt on them.

The cards might be contaminated or otherwise not meet specifications.

The rollers might be dirty.

A signature panel is located on the other side of the card.

The card is scratched, the card surface is uneven, or the card edge has burrs.

The replaceable cleaning sleeve might be dirty.

The printer rollers might be dirty.

Handle cards without touching the surface to be printed. Wear gloves when handling unprinted cards.

Obtain and use a different supply of cards. See

Appendix B.

Run a printer cleaning card, change the cleaning sleeve, then clean the rollers. See Chapter 4.

Redesign the card to avoid printing photos over signature panel residue.

If the problem occurs frequently, obtain and use a different supply of cards. See Appendix B.

Run a printer cleaning card and then change the cleaning sleeve. See

Chapter 4

Run a printer cleaning card, change the cleaning sleeve, and then clean the rollers. See Chapter 4.

The printed card shows wavy lines along the length of the card (woodgrain).

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

The print ribbon is not loaded correctly.

The printhead is not aligned correctly.

Load the print ribbon again. Make sure the cartridge is firmly seated. See Chapter 2.

Contact your service representative.

Page 87

Troubleshooting 5-13

Table 5-1: Print quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

The card shows irregular lighter or darker spots.

The card shows wrinkles in dark areas of printing.

Part or all of the printed image is expanded.

The printhead is not aligned correctly.

The printhead intensity is too high.

The printhead is not aligned correctly.

The printhead is not installed properly.

Contact your service representative.

Decrease the printhead intensity setting. See the

e-Guide

Contact your service representative.

Remove and reinstall the printhead cartridge. See

Chapter 4.

If the problem persists, contact your service representative.

Part or all of the printed image is compressed.

The card path may be obstructed.

The rollers might be dirty.

The cards might not meet specifications.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Check the card transport track for jams. Check the duplex or pass-through module for jams. Clear any card jams.

Run a printer cleaning cycle, then clean the rollers. See Chapter 4.

Obtain and use a different supply of cards. See

Appendix B.

If the problem persists, contact your service representative.

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5-14 Troubleshooting

Table 5-1: Print quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Black-and-white images are poorly dithered.

The operating system does not support dithering.

The application does not support dithering.

Topcoat applied using the print module

You might apply topcoat to the card using a T panel as part of the print ribbon or using an optional topcoat module. Holographic topcoat can be applied only in the topcoat module.

See the appropriate table for the application method for the problem you observe. Use this table to address problems you see with topcoat applied using the print ribbon.

Table 5-2: Topcoat quality problems—print ribbon

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Random scratches appear in the topcoat of the printed card.

The inside of the printer might be dirty.

Supplies were mishandled.

Use a PC running the Windows 98 SE or Windows ME operating system.

Use an application that dithers colored images, such as Datacard’s ID Works software.

Run a printer cleaning cycle and a duplex/ laminator cleaning card. Clean the rollers. See

Chapter 4.

Store supplies in a clean environment. Keep supplies in their packaging until loaded in the cartridge.

The topcoat shows bands across the width of the card.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

The printhead intensity is too low.

The printhead is not aligned correctly.

Increase the printhead intensity setting for topcoat. See the

Contact your service representative.

e-Guide

Page 89

Troubleshooting 5-15

Table 5-2: Topcoat quality problems—print ribbon

What you see Possible causes Solutions

The topcoat shows lines along the length of the card.

A short edge of the topcoat does not stick to the card.

The card shows irregular lighter or darker spots.

The printhead intensity is too high.

The printhead is not aligned correctly.

The printhead intensity is too low.

The printhead is not aligned correctly.

The topcoat panel of print ribbon is wrinkling because the intensity setting is too high.

The printhead is not aligned correctly.

Lower the printhead intensity setting for topcoat. See the

e-Guide

Contact your service representative.

Increase the printhead intensity setting for topcoat. See the

e-Guide

Contact your service representative.

Lower the printhead intensity setting for topcoat. See the

e-Guide

Contact your service representative.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 90

5-16 Troubleshooting

Optional topcoat module

This section describes problems that might originate in the topcoat modules.

Table 5-3: Topcoat quality problems—topcoat module

What you see

Random scratches appear in the topcoat of the printed card.

Repeating scratches or marks appear in the topcoat of the printed card.

The topcoat shows one or more bands across the width of the card.

Possible causes Solutions

The inside of the printer is dirty.

Supplies were mishandled.

The heated roller is dirty or damaged.

The topcoat supply is not loaded correctly in the cartridge or the cartridge is not fully seated in the topcoat module.

Run a printer cleaning cycle. See Chapter 4

Store supplies in a clean environment. Keep supplies in their packaging until loaded in the cartridge.

Clean the heated roller. See Chapter 4.

In the problem persists, contact your service representative.

Load the topcoat supply in the cartridge again. When replacing the topcoat cartridge, make sure it is fully seated in the module and locked. See

Chapter 2.

The topcoat shows wavy lines along the length of the card (woodgrain).

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

The guide bars in the cartridge are bent or misaligned.

The topcoat module needs fine tuning.

Use a new topcoat cartridge. See

Appendix B.

Contact your authorized service representative.

Page 91

Troubleshooting 5-17

Table 5-3: Topcoat quality problems—topcoat module

What you see

The hologram of the topcoat does not appear on the card.

Particles of topcoat appear under the holographic topcoat or overlay.

All topcoat materials release particles. Cleaning the inside of the printer can help control topcoat particles.

Possible causes Solutions

The Apply Material setting is No.

Clear topcoat supply or overlay supply is installed in the topcoat cartridge.

The topcoat supply is not loaded correctly in the cartridge.

The inside of the printer contains topcoat particles.

The supply is not a Datacard-approved supply material.

The lot number of supply material produces particles excessively.

Change the setting. See

Chapter 3.

Remove the topcoat cartridge and change the supply material to the desired type. See

Chapter 2.

Remove the topcoat cartridge. Load the supply in the cartridge again. See

Chapter 2.

Run the duplex/ laminator cleaning card. See

Chapter 4.

Obtain Datacard-approve d topcoat material.

Contact your Datacard supplies vendor.

A long edge of the topcoat does not stick to the card. (It might have a gray appearance.)

The temperature of the heated roller is too low.

The card has a T-panel applied as part of the print ribbon.

The heated roller is tilted and is prevented from pivoting.

Contact your service representative.

Holographic topcoat is not designed to be applied to cards with a printed topcoat (T panel). Switch your ribbon type or stop using holographic topcoat.

Contact your service representative.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 92

5-18 Troubleshooting

Optional overlay module

This section describes problems originating in the optional overlay module. Holographic or clear overlay can be applied in the overlay module.

When you apply overlay, you might see problems. Use this table to address problems you see with overlay.

If your printer has the optional topcoat module, see Table 5-3.

Table 5-4: Overlay quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Supply material sticks to leading edge of the card.

Supply material pulls the card from the track.

Proximity cards do not work after overlay is applied.

Cards are bowed (curved) too much.

Temperature is too high.

The overlay station needs fine tuning.

Supply is loaded incorrectly.

Temperature is too high.

You have switched to a different card stock.

The overlay module needs adjustment.

Debower is not set for the cards you are processing.

Decrease temperature for the module. See the e-

-Guide.

Guide.

Contact your service representative.

Load supply correctly. See

Chapter 2.

Decrease temperature for the overlay module. See the

Change settings for the

modu le. See the

Contact your service representative.

Set the debower to off. See

Chapter 2.

Set the debower to on. See

Chapter 2.

Temperature is too high for the card stock.

Overlay patch comes off the card when it is flexed.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Temperature is too low. Increase the temperature

Decrease temperature for the overlay module. See the

-Guide.

for the overlay module. See

the

Page 93

Troubleshooting 5-19

Table 5-4: Overlay quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Overlay patch is off a long edge of the card.

Jane Doe

Overlay patch is not parallel to card edges.

Jane Doe

Supply material is not loaded correctly in the cartridge.

Supply material is wound loosely on supply roll, possibly because of hand winding.

Supply material is not loaded correctly in the cartridge, the spool caps are missing, or the cartridge is not firmly seated in the module.

Supply material is wound loosely on supply roll, possibly because of hand winding.

Load the supply roll correctly. See Chapter 2.

Remove used supply from the take-up spool. Place spool caps on both supply and take-up spools. See

Chapter 2. If the problem

does not go away, change the supply roll. See

Chapter 2.

Load the supply roll correctly using the spool caps. See Chapter 2. Make sure there are no obstructions when replacing the cartridge.

Remove used supply from the take-up spool. Place spool caps on both supply and take-up spools. See

Chapter 2. If the problem

does not go away, change the supply roll. See

Chapter 2.

The guide bars in the cartridge are bent or misaligned.

Overlay patch is off the trailing edge of the card.

There was slack in the supply material.

The supply roll and machine settings do not match.

Jane Doe

Supply material is upside down after hand winding.

Machine settings were changed during service.

The heated roller does not move.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Use a new overlay cartridge.

Apply overlay on another card. If problem repeats, go to the next solution.

Change supply rolls. If that fixes the problem, request new supply rolls. If it does not, change the supply advance. See the e-Guide.

Load the overlay supply correctly. See Chapter 2.

Contact your service representative.

Page 94

5-20 Troubleshooting

Table 5-4: Overlay quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Overlay patch is off the leading edge of the card.

Jane Doe

Overlay patch is wrinkled on the card.

An overlay patch is on the driver roller.

The rollers are dirty.

The supply tracker is slipping.

The supply roll and machine settings do not match.

Machine settings were changed during service.

Supply roll is not pushed firmly onto supply spindle or take-up spool is not pushed firmly onto take-up spindle.

Use a duplex/laminator cleaning card. See

Chapter 4.

Use a duplex/laminator cleaning card. See

Chapter 4.

Clean the supply tracker. See Chapter 4.

Be sure your hands and the materials used are clean and free of grease or oil.

Change supply rolls. If that does not fix the problem, adjust the supply advance.

See Chapter 4.

Contact your service representative.

Load the overlay supply again. See Chapter 2.

The supply spindle needs

Jane Doe

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

adjustment.

Contact your service representative.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 95

Troubleshooting 5-21

Table 5-4: Overlay quality problems

What you see Possible causes Solutions

Particles appear between card and overlay.

The surface of the card or overlay appears uneven.

The inside of the printer is dirty.

The heated roller is dirty.

The supplies were mishandled.

The supplies are not Datacard-recommended.

The printer is being used in a dirty environment.

The temperature setting is too high.

The heated roller is damaged.

The card stock is not compatible with the overlay material.

Use a printer cleaning card and then use a duplex/ laminator cleaning card. See Chapter 4.

Clean the heated roller. See

Chapter 4.

Store supplies in a clean environment. Keep supplies in packaging until loaded in the cartridge.

Obtain and use Datacardrecommended supplies.

Move the printer to a clean environment or clean the environment.

Change the temperature setting. See the e-Guide.

Turn off the power to the printer. Contact your service representative.

Obtain and use cards that meet specifications or stop using overlay.

The surface of the card has ridges, and the

The supply was missing

an overlay patch. overlay is missing. The printer makes a sound when the card is processed.

Obtain guidance from service before performing this task.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Remake the card. If the problem occurs frequently, contact your representative for supplies.

Page 96

5-22 Troubleshooting

Obtaining service

For repair assistance, contact your service representative. Place the service call from a telephone close to the printer so that you can access the printer and the PC running the driver while talking to the customer support representative.

Before you call for service, make sure you have the information recorded during troubleshooting, as described on page 5-1. Also, make sure you have the serial number of the printer. It is located on a label that is visible when you open the top cover of the printer.

When to obtain service

Perform the steps at the beginning of this chapter before obtaining service. Call for service if:

•

A troubleshooting process instructs you to call service

•

A troubleshooting process does not produce the expected result

•

You experience a problem repeatedly

Packing the printer for shipping

When service requests that you return the printer to a service center for repair, pack the printer for shipping. You might also need to pack the printer to send it to another location.

Pack the printer

1 Turn off power to the printer. If the printer includes a laminator module, allow the

module to cool before packing.

2 Remove the power cord from the printer and power receptacle. Remove the data

cable and any other cables attached to the printer.

– If you are shipping the printer to use at another location, pack the power cord,

data cable, and any other cables in the accessories box.

– If you are shipping the printer for service, do not ship cables with the printer

unless asked to do so.

3 Remove all cards from t he card cartridge, card out put stacker, and print er.

Do not ship cards unless asked to do so.

4 Remove the replaceable cleaning sleeve.

5 Secure the print ribbon cartridge. Leave the print ribbon cartridge in place or apply

pack ing tape. See Figure 7-4 for the location of the tape. Avoid applying tape to

labels in the printer.

6 Make sure all other supply cartridges are secured in place.

7 Close the cover.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 97

Troubleshooting 5-23

8 Use the original shipping carton, plastic bag, and foam shipping supports.

9 Remove the card output stacker (step 1 in Figure 5-5) from the printer and place it

in the accessories box.

10 Place the plastic bag around the printer and close it.

11 Place the foam shipping supports on the front and back of the printer (step 2 in

Figure 5-5). in the printer carton.

Figure 5-5: Pack a Magna printer for shipping

12 Place the printer in the shipping carton (step 3 in Figure 5-5).

13 Place the accessories box along the end of the shipping cushion, near the front of

the printer (step 4 in Figure 5-5).

If you are transporting the printer to another location for use, be sure to pack the User’s Guide, card output stacker, data cable, power cord, any smart card serial cables, printer driver CD, cleaning pen, warranty, and declaration of conformity in the accessories box.

Service might ask you to ship cards or additional samples of your current supplies. If service requests cards or supply samples, place them in an envelope, plastic bag, or in the accessory box to prevent damage to the printer.

14 Close the shipping carton (step 5 in Figure 5-5).

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 98

5-24 Troubleshooting

15 Secure the carton with shipping tape. Be sure to wrap around the shipping carton

several times to secure it.

16 Put a shipping label on the carton. If you are returning the printer for service, use

the address provided by service.

17 Ship the carton. If you are returning the printer for service, follow the instructions

provided by service to ship the carton to a service center.

♦

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 99

Before you install

This chapter presents the following:

•

Skills that installers need

•

Physical, electrical, and other requirements for the site

•

Requirements for the PC used with the Datacard® Magna™ Class photo ID printer printer with Advanced Imaging Technology™

•

The preferred sequence for installing this printer as part of an identification system

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™ Printers

Page 100

6-2 Before you install

Installation audience

This manual is intended for persons using a Magna Class printer. To perform the procedures in the installation section of this guide, you need the following skills:

•

Ability to read and understand written and graphical instructions

•

Experience and comfort installing hardware (such as a printer, scanner, expansion card, etc.) in a personal computer (PC)

•

Experience with configuring applications and ports

•

Experience installing and using Microsoft® Windows® 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows NT® (for Windows 2000, XP and NT the installer must have administrator access to the PC)

•

Ability to perform simple troubleshooting using written and graphical instructions

If you do not feel comfortable with installing the printer, find a network support or other technical professional to install the printer. Datacard-authorized service personnel also use this information.

General requirements

When choosing a site for the Magna Class printer and its supplies, consider the following general requirements:

•

Keep all dust, dirt, food, liquids, etc. away from the Magna Class printer at all times.

•

Keep the top cover closed at all times, except when changing supplies, fixing problems, or performing maintenance.

•

Do not use supplies or cards that have been dropped on the floor or have otherwise become contaminated.

•

Keep paper and foreign materials off the Magna Class printer.

•

Place the Magna Class printer on a stable platform; keep it off the floor.

•

Place the Magna Class printer away from direct sunlight.

•

Place the Magna Class printer away from heating ducts, blowers, or other air vents.

•

Do not use the Magna Class printer for purposes other than its intended use.

•

When cleaning around the Magna Class printer, prevent debris from entering the printer.

•

Place the Magna Class printer in a clean office environment, protected from any type of construction.

•

Store all supplies (ribbons, cards, etc.) in the original packaging until loaded in the cartridges. Keep the original packaging closed.

•

Store all supplies in a clean, cool, dry location. See “Card storage specifications”

on page B-9 and “Supply roll storage” on page B-5 for information about the

storage environment for Magna Class supplies.

User’s Guide for ImageCard® Magna™ and UltraGrafix® Magna™

Schneider Electric ImageCard Magna, UltraGrafix Magna Printers Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Overview

About this manual

Audience

About the Magna Class printer

About Advanced Imaging Technology

Printer models

Printer features

Using the printer

Tips for success

Loading cards

Loading the print ribbon

Loading the overlay or topcoat material

Removing the supply cartridge

Loading supply in the cartridge

Replacing the supply cartridge

Verifying the debower position

Powering on the printer and PC

Ready button

Status light

Making cards

Operating tips

Removing cards

Responding to messages

Shutting down the printer and PC

Using the printer driver

Working with Properties and other driver dialog boxes

Tips for Properties, Printing Preferences, and Default Document Properties

Properties for Windows Me & 98

Properties & Printing Preferences for Windows 2000 & XP

Properties and Default Document Properties for Windows NT

Using the Status Monitor

Opening and using the Status Monitor

Viewing Status Monitor information

Maintaining the printer

Running a cleaning cycle

Using the printer cleaning card

Replacing the cleaning roller sleeve

Using the magnetic stripe cleaning card

Cleaning the printer rollers

Using the duplex/laminator cleaning card

Cleaning the supply tracker

Cleaning the heated roller

Cleaning tips

Cleaning the printhead

Replacing the printhead cartridge

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting guide

If you think the printer is not working

Making and evaluating test cards

Printer test card

Windows test page

Magnetic stripe test card

Problems with card appearance

Print module

Topcoat applied using the print module

Optional topcoat module

Optional overlay module

Obtaining service

When to obtain service

Packing the printer for shipping

Before you install

Installation audience

General requirements