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FARGO®
DTC®1500
Card Printer
User Guide
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Printer
User
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PLT-03159,
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December
2022
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Copyright
© 2017 - 2022 HID Global Corporation/ASSA ABLOY AB. All rights reserved.
This document may not be reproduced, disseminated, or republished in any form without the prior written permission of
HID Global Corporation.
Trademarks
HID GLOBAL, HID, the HID Brick logo, DTC, iCLASS, UltraCard, FARGO Workbench, and FARGO are trademarks or
registered trademarks of HID Global, ASSA ABLOY AB, or its affiliate(s) in the US and other countries and may not be
used without permission. All other trademarks, service marks, and product or service names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
MIFARE, MIFARE Classic, MIFARE DESFire, MIFARE DESFire EV1, MIFARE PLUS and MIFARE Ultralight are registered
trademarks of NXP B.V. and are used under license.
Contacts
For technical support, please visit: https://support.hidglobal.com.
What's
new
Date
Description
Revision
December
2022
Updated
regulatory
information.
A.1
A complete list of revisions is available in Revision history.
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Specifications ____________________________________________________________________________
5
1.1
Specifications ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
1.1.1
Regulatory compliance ___________________________________________________________________________ 6
1.1.2
Safety messages ________________________________________________________________________________ 8
1.1.3
Technical specifications _________________________________________________________________________ 12
1.1.4
Functional specifications ________________________________________________________________________ 14
1.1.5
Printer components: print ribbons_________________________________________________________________ 14
1.1.6
Printer components: blank cards __________________________________________________________________ 15
Setup
and
Installation
Procedures
_____________________________________________________________
16
2.1
Setup and installation procedures _____________________________________________________________________ 17
2.1.1
Choosing a good location ________________________________________________________________________ 17
2.1.2
Unpacking and inspection _______________________________________________________________________ 17
2.1.3
Installing the print ribbon cartridge ________________________________________________________________ 18
2.1.4
Installing blank cards into the input card hopper ____________________________________________________ 19
2.1.5
Card size selection ______________________________________________________________________________ 21
2.1.6
Connecting the printer power ____________________________________________________________________ 23
Print Driver Installation
_____________________________________________________________________
24
3.1
Print driver installation _______________________________________________________________________________ 25
3.1.1
Driver installation instructions ____________________________________________________________________ 25
Printer
Preferences
_______________________________________________________________________
26
4.1
Printer preferences __________________________________________________________________________________ 27
4.1.1
Card tab_______________________________________________________________________________________ 27
4.1.2
Device Options tab _____________________________________________________________________________ 42
4.1.3
Image Color tab ________________________________________________________________________________ 44
4.1.4
Image Calibrate tab _____________________________________________________________________________ 47
4.1.5
Magnetic Encoding tab _________________________________________________________________________ 48
4.1.6
Lamination tab _________________________________________________________________________________ 54
4.1.7
Overlay / Print Area tab_________________________________________________________________________
56
4.1.8
K Panel Resin tab _______________________________________________________________________________ 61
4.1.9
Printer info tab _________________________________________________________________________________ 63
System
Overview
-
Troubleshooting
__________________________________________________________
64
5.1
System overview - troubleshooting _____________________________________________________________________ 65
5.1.1
Sequence of operations _________________________________________________________________________ 65
5.1.2
Printer error buttons ____________________________________________________________________________ 66
5.1.3
Error messages ________________________________________________________________________________ 67
5.1.4
Troubleshooting with the error message table ______________________________________________________ 68
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Firmware
Upgrades
________________________________________________________________________
72
6.1
Firmware upgrades __________________________________________________________________________________ 73
6.1.1
Upgrade information ____________________________________________________________________________ 73
HID
Global
Technical
Support
________________________________________________________________
74
7.1
HID Global technical support __________________________________________________________________________ 75
7.1.1
Reading the serial numbers on a FARGO printer ____________________________________________________ 75
Public
Section 01
Specifications
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1.1
Specifications
The purpose of this section is to provide you with specific information on the regulatory compliance, agency listings,
technical specifications, and functional specifications for the DTC1500 printer.
1.1.1
Regulatory
compliance
UL
The card printer is listed under UL 62368-1, 3rd Ed, 2021-10-22 (Audio/video, information and
communication technology equipment Part 1: Safety requirements)
File Number: E145118
This product is intended to be supplied by a listed power unit marked Class 2 and rated for 24 VDC, 3.3 A
minimum.
CSA
The printer manufacturer has been authorized by UL to represent the card printer as CSA certified under CSA
Standard C22.2 No. 62368-1-19, 3rd Ed, 2021-10-22 (Audio/video, information and communication
technology equipment Part 1: Safety requirements)
File
Number:
E145118
FCC
The card printer complies with the requirements in Part 15 of the FCC rules for a Class A digital device.
FCC ID: JQ6-DTC1500
CE
The Card Printer has been tested and complies with EN300-330-1, EN300-330-2, EN301-489-1, EN301-489-3,
EN55032 class A, EN55035, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN62368-1.
Note: Based on testing, the printer manufacturer certifies that the card printer complies with the
following European Council Directives and has placed the CE mark on the card printer.
Environmental
RoHS2, REACH, Power Supply Efficiency Level VI
Additional
Agency
Listings
BIS, WPC, MIC, NCC, KCC, RCM
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United
States
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1.
This device may not cause harmful interference.
2.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The radiated output power of this device meets the limits of FCC radio frequency exposure limits. This device should be
operated with a minimum separation distance of 20cm (8inches) between the equipment and a person’s body.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference; in which case,
you are required to correct the interference at your expense.
Canada
This device complies with ISED license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'ISED Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2)
l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en
compromettre le fonctionnement.
This equipment complies with ISED radiation exposure limits. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum
distance 20cm between the radiator and your body.
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements d'ISED. Il doit être installé et utilisé à une distance
minimale de 20 cm du corps.
Taiwan
經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變
更頻 率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。低功率射 頻 電機之使用不得影響飛
航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方
得繼續使用。前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。低功率射頻電機
須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波 輻射性電機設備之干擾。
Japan
この装置は総務省の型式指定を受けています。"
総務省指定番号は第AC-xxxxx号です)
本製品は電波を使用したRFID 機器の読み取り・書き込み装置です。
そのため使用する用途・場所によっては、医療機器に影響を与える恐れがあります
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Korea
이기기는업무용(A급) 전자파적합기기로서판매자또는사용자는이점을주의하시길바라며, 가정외의지역에서사용하는것을
목적으로합니다.
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1.1.2
Safety
messages
Safety
messages
-
United
States
Symbol
Critical
instructions
for
safety
purposes
Danger:
Failure to follow these guidelines results in personal injury or death.
To prevent personal injury or death:
Reference
the
safety
messages
before
performing
an
operation.
Always remove the power cord prior to performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.
Ensure only qualified personnel perform these procedures.
ESD:
This device is electrostatically sensitive. You may damage the device if exposing it to static electricity discharges.
To prevent damage:
Reference
the
safety
messages
before
performing
an
operation.
Observe all established electrostatic discharge (ESD) procedures while handling cables in or near the circuit
board and print head assemblies.
Always
wear
an
appropriate
personal
grounding
device.
Always remove the ribbon and cards from the printer before making any repairs, unless otherwise specified.
Remove jewelry and thoroughly clean hands before working on the printer.
Caution:
This symbol warns of an electrical hazard that could result in personal injury or death.
Caution:
For safety purposes, do not use Ethernet for a direct connection outside of the building.
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Public
Safety
messages
-
French
Symbole
Instructions
critiques
visant
la
Sécurité
Danger:
Si ces directives ne sont pas suivies les résultats peuvent être des lésions corporelles ou la mort.
Pour éviter des lésions corporelles ou la mort:
Rapportez-vous aux
avis
suivants
de
sécurité
avant
de
procéder
à une
opération.
Retirez toujours le câble d’alimentation avant d’effectuer des procédures de réparation, sauf spécification
contraire.
Assurez-vous
qu’uniquement
des
personnes
qualifiées
réalisent
des
procédures.
ESD:
Ce dispositif est sensible à l’électricité statique. Il peut souffrir des dommages s’il est exposé à des décharges
électrostatiques.
Pour éviter des dommages:
Rapportez-vous
aux
messages
suivants
avant
de
procéder
à
une
opération.
Suivez toutes les procédures de Décharges Electrostatiques (ESD) en vigueur durant le maniement des câbles
dans ou à proximité des Ensembles de Cartes de Circuit Imprimé et Tête d’Impression.
Portez toujours un dispositif de mise à la terre personnelle appropriée.
Retirez
toujours
le
ruban
et
les
Cartes
de
l’Imprimante
avant
d’effectuer
toute
réparation,
sauf
spécification
contraire.
Retirez tous bijoux et lavez soigneusement vos mains avant de travailler à l’Imprimante.
Attention:
Ce symbole est un avis de péril électrique passible de résulter en lésion corporelle ou mort.
Attention:
Pour des motifs de sécurité, n’utilisez pas Ethernet pour une connexion directe hors du bâtiment.
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Public
Safety
messages
-
Taiwan
繁體中文 射頻發射及安全指令 安全訊息( 小心檢查)
標記
重要的安全事項說明
危險
:
未按照說明安裝可能造成人員傷亡。
在可能產生潛在安全問題的地方有警示標記。
( 如左圖所示) 。
為了避免人 員傷害，在進行有此警示標記的操作前 ，請先參考安全資訊提示。
為了避免人 員傷害，在沒有特別說明的情況下，修理前請關掉電源開關。
小心
:
此設備對靜電很敏感。如果受到靜電放電，設備會損壞。
在可能產生潛在靜電安全問題的地方有警示標記。
( 如左圖所示) 。
為了避免損 壞設備，在進行有此警示標記的操作前 ，請先參考安全資訊提示。
為了避免損 壞設備，在排放電路板和印刷頭聯合裝置裡面或附近的電線時 ，請注意觀察所有
的靜電放電設備。
為了避免損壞設備 ，請隨時佩戴合適的接地裝置 ( 比如：手腕上戴一個高品質的接地手腕帶以
免受到可能 的傷害 ) 。
為了避免損 壞設備，如果沒有特殊說明，在做任何修理前，請取下印表機上的色帶和卡。
為了避免損 壞設備，在使用印表機之前，請摘下戒指和手上飾品 ，並仔細清洗手上的油脂。
警告使用者:
這是甲類的資訊產品，在居住的環境中使用時，可能會造
成射頻干擾，在這種情況下，使用者會被要求採取某些適
當的對策措施
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Safety
messages
-
China
安全消息 ( 请仔细阅读)
符号
涉及安全的重要过程
危险
:
如果不遵循这些安装指南进行操作 ，可能会导致重伤 ，甚至死亡。
可能引发安 全问题的信息由警告符号 ( 如左图所示 ) 来表示。
为了确保人 身安全，在执行前面带有此符号的操作之前 ，请先阅读下面的安全消息。
为了确保人 身安全，除非另有规定，否则在执行维修过程前，始终应断开电源。
小心
:
此设备为静电敏感设备。如果暴露在静电电流下，可能会损坏设备。
可能引发静 电安全问题的信息由警告符号 ( 如左图所示) 来表示。
为了防止设 备或介质受损，在执行 前面带有此符号的 操作之前 ，请先阅读下面的安全消息。
为了防止设 备或介质受损，请在处 理电路板和打印头 部件中或附近的电缆时，遵守所有规定
的静电放电 (ESD) 过程。
为了防止设备或介质受损，请始终佩带适当的个人接地设备 ( 例如，已接地避免出现潜在损
坏的高质量 腕带 ) 。
为了防止设备或介质受损，除非另有规定，否则在执行 任何维修过程前 ，始终应将色带和证
卡与打印机分离。
为了防止设备或介质受损，在操作打印机前，请取下手指和手上的珠宝饰物 ，并将手上的油
渍和污渍彻底清洗干净。
仅适用于海拔2000m 以下地区安全使用
Use only at altitudes
not
more than 2000m
above
sea level.
仅适用于非热带气候条件下安全使用
环境保护(中国-RoHS)
环保使用期是基于本产品用于办公环境。
Environmental Protection Use Period is based on the product being used in an office environment.
警告：
此为A级产品，在生活环境中，该产品可能会造成无线电干扰。在这种情况下，可能需要用户对其
干扰采取可行的措施。
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1.1.3
Technical
specifications
Term
Function
Print
Method
Dye-sublimation / Resin thermal transfer
Print
resolution
300 dpi
(11.8
dots/mm);
continuous
tone
Colors
Up to 16.7 million colors / 256 shades per pixel
Print Ribbon Options
Full-color with resin black and overlay panel, YMCKO* (500 prints)
Full-color with two resin black panels and overlay panel, YMCKOK* (500 prints)
Full-color with two resin black panels, YMCKK* (500 prints)
Full-color (1/2) with resin black overlay panel, YMCKO* (850 prints)
Full-color (1/2) with two resin black overlay panels, YMCKOK* (650 prints)
Full-color (1/2) with two resin black overlay panels, YMCKOKO* (500 prints)
Resin black standard (3000 prints)
* Indicates the ribbon type and the number of ribbon panels printed where: Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan,
K=Resin Black, O=Overlay
Print
Speed
6 seconds per card (K*)
8 seconds per card (KO*)
16 seconds per card (YMCKO*)
24 seconds per card (YMCKOK*)
Print speed indicates an approximate batch print speed and is measured from the time a card feeds into the
printer to the time it ejects from the printer.
Print speeds do not include encoding time or the time needed for the PC to process the image.
Process time is dependent on the size of the file, the CPU, amount of RAM and the amount of available
resources at the time of the print.
* Indicates the ribbon type and the number of ribbon panels printed where: Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan,
K=Resin Black, O=Overlay
Card Size and Types
Supported
CR-80 3.375"L x 2.125"W (85.6 mmL x 54 mmW)
CR-79 3.313”L x 2.063”W (84.1 mmL x 52.4 mmW)
Accepted Standard Card
Sizes
CR-80 edge-to-edge 3.36"L x 2.11"W (85.3 mmL x 53.7 mmW)
CR-79 3.3”L x 2.04”W (83.8 mmL x 51.8 mmW)
Accepted
Card
Thickness
Print
only:
0.009˝
-
0.040˝
/
9
mil
-
40
mil
/
0.229
mm
-
1.016
mm;
print
/
lamination:
0.030˝
-
0.040˝
/
30
mil
- 40 mil / 0.762 mm - 1.02 mm
Accepted
Card
Types
PVC or polyester cards with polished PVC finish; monochrome resin required for 100% polyester cards;
optical memory cards with PVC finish; rewrite.
Input Hopper Card Capacity
100 cards
0.030”
(0.762
mm)
Output Hopper Card
Capacity
100 cards
0.030”
(0.762
mm)
Reject Hopper Card
Capacity
100 cards
0.030”
(0.762
mm)
Card
Cleaning
Card cleaning roller integrated into the ribbon drawer.
A new cleaning roller is included with each ribbon.
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Term
Function
Printer
Memory
32MB RAM
Operating
Systems
Windows
7
(32-
and
64-bit)
Windows
8
(32-
and
64-bit)
Windows
10
(32-
and
64-bit)
Windows Server 2003 R1 and R2 (32-bit only)
Windows Server 2008 (32- and 64-bit)
Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit only)
Windows Server 2012 R1 and R2
Interface
USB
2.0
and
Ethernet
with
internal
print
server
Operating
Temperature
65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C)
Humidity
20-80%
non-condensing
Weight
Single-Sided:
8
lb
(3.63
kg);
Dual-Sided:
10
lb
(4.54
kg)
Supply
Voltage
100-240 V AC,
1.6 A
Supply
Frequency
50
Hz/60
Hz
Warranty
Printer:
Three
years;
Printhead:
Three
years,
unlimited
pass
with
UltraCard®
Encoding
Options
Supported
125
kHz
(HID
Prox)
reader
13.56
MHz
(iCLASS®,
MIFARE®,
ISO
14443
A/B,
ISO
15693)
read/write
encoder
Contact smart card encoder reads from and writes to all ISO7816 1/2/3/4 memory and microprocessor
smart cards (T=0, T=1) as well as synchronous cards
ISO magnetic stripe encoding, dual high- and low-coercivity, Tracks 1, 2, and 3
Options
Single wire Ethernet encoding is only available for iCLASS and contact smart card encoding
Smart card encoding (contact/contactless), upgradable
Magnetic stripe encoding, upgradable
Card lamination
Printer
cleaning
kit
Diagnostics
FARGO
Workbench™
utility
Display
Color
changing
status
buttons
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1.1.4
Functional
specifications
This card printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve its remarkable direct-to-card
print quality for dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer.
1.1.5
Printer
components:
print
ribbons
The card printer utilizes both dye-sublimation and/or resin thermal transfer methods to print images directly onto blank
cards. Since the dye-sublimation and the resin thermal transfer print methods each provide their own unique benefits,
print ribbons are available in resin-only, dye-sublimation-only and combination dye-sublimation/resin versions.
To make it easier to remember which print ribbons are which, a letter code has been developed to indicate the type of
ribbon panels found on each ribbon. This letter code is as follows:
= Dye-Sublimation Yellow Panel
= Dye-Sublimation Magenta Panel
= Dye-Sublimation Cyan Panel
= Resin Black Panel (Premium unless otherwise stated)
= Clear Protective Overlay Panel
Ribbon types and print counts
The following table includes the ribbon types and typical print counts.
Ribbon
Print
Count
YMCKO
–
Full
Color
/
Resin
Black
/
Overlay
500
YMCKO
Half
Panel
–
Full
Color
(1/2)
/
Resin
Black
/
Overlay
850
YMCKK
-
Full
Color
/
2
Resin
Black
500
YMCKOK - Full Color / 2 Resin Black / Overlay
500
YMCKOK
Half
Panel
–
Full
Color
(1/2)
/
2
Resin
Black
/
Overlay
650
YMCKOKO Half Panel - Full Color (1/2) / 2 Resin Black / 2 Overlay
500
K – Standard Resin
3000
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1.1.6
Printer components: blank cards
Type
Description
Card
Size
The
card
printer
accepts
standard
CR-79
and
CR-80
sized
cards.
Card
Surface
Suitable cards must have a polished PVC surface free of fingerprints, dust or any other
types of embedded contaminants. In addition, cards must have a completely smooth, level
surface for the printer to achieve consistent color coverage.
Certain types of proximity cards have an uneven surface that inhibit consistent color
transfer.
Certain types of smart card chips are raised slightly above the cards surface which also
results in poor color transfer.
UltraCard Brand Cards
The UltraCard product line, available exclusively as part of HID Global FARGO brand secure
card issuance solutions, has a long-standing reputation among dealers and end users for
consistent quality in construction.
In addition to blank stock, the UltraCard line is available in a variety of configurations
for magnetic stripe, custom hologram, and other additional anti-counterfeiting features.
UltraCard Premium is the preferred card for Direct-to-Card (DTC) applications that
require a higher quality card. The UltraCard Premium composite material construction
provides for maximum durability, flexibility, and card life, with optimal resolution print
quality for lamination and fluorescent panel ribbon printing applications.
UltraCard PVC cards are medium-durability cards for a glossy, photo quality finish.
These cards are manufactured to ensure clean, scratch-free cards for high-quality
prints and extended printhead life.
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Section 02
Setup
and
Installation
Procedures
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2.1
Setup
and
installation
procedures
This section describes the setup and installation for the DTC1500 card printer.
2.1.1
Choosing a good location
The following guidelines help to ensure optimal printing performance:
Place the unit in a location with adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup.
Use the dimensions of the printer as a guideline for the minimum clearances to the unit. Allow for adequate clearance
in front of the unit to accommodate the unit with its covers open.
Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts or in a place subject to direct sunlight,
excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
About
moisture
condensation
If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm location or is placed in a very damp room, moisture may condense
inside the unit. Should this occur, print quality may not be optimal.
Leave the unit unplugged in a warm, dry room for several hours before using to evaporate any moisture.
Caution: For safety purposes, Ethernet is not intended for a direct connection outside of the
building.
Attention : pour des raisons de sécurité, Ethernet n’est pas conçu pour une connexion directe à
l’extérieur du bâtiment.
2.1.2
Unpacking
and
inspection
While unpacking your printer, inspect the carton to ensure that damage has not occurred during shipping. Make sure
that all supplied accessories are included with your unit.
Check that the following items are included:
Power supply
US/EU power cable
USB cable (2.0)
Card printer user guide
Warranty statement
Compliance document
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2.1.3
Installing the print ribbon cartridge
FARGO Direct-to-Card printers require highly specialized supplies to function properly.
To maximize printer durability, reliability, and printed card quality, you must use only FARGO-certified supplies. Your
FARGO warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use supplies other than FARGO-certified supplies.
Printer cleaning is recommended with each ribbon change to ensure quality printed cards.
Resin-only print ribbons consist of a continuous roll of a single resin color. No protective overlay panel (O) is provided
because resin images do not require the protection of an overlay.
1.
Pull open the drawer.
2.
Insert the print ribbon cartridge into the printer drawer.
3.
Close the drawer.
For additional help with loading the print ribbon cartridge, see the FARGO Printers videos available at
www.youtube.com/HIDGlobal
.
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Note:
Do not run the cards with a contaminated, dull or uneven surface through the printer. Printing onto these
cards may lead to poor print quality and can greatly reduce the life of the print head.
2.1.4
Installing
blank
cards
into
the
input
card
hopper
The FARGO DTC1500 card printer is capable of printing single feed cards and multiple feed cards (batch mode). To print
a single feed card, remove all cards from the input card hopper, leave its door closed and place a card in the single feed
card slot (which can be used repeatedly).
1.
Load the cards with the print side down and (if applicable) the magnetic stripe up and towards the front of the
printer.
Card types include PVC or PVC finish.
Cards eject into the output hopper or reject hopper.
The input hopper holds 100 cards.
Certain types of smart card chips are raised slightly above the cards surface, which may result in poor color
transfer. Design the card with white space surrounding the chip.
2.
Open the input card hopper door.
3.
Press the card hopper load lever down until the card tray locks into place.
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4.
Load up to 100 cards into the hopper with the print side down, If using cards with a magnetic stripe, the magnetic
stripe should be loaded with the stripe up and to the front of the printer.
5.
Close the input card hopper door to release teh lever to the printing position.
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2.1.5
Card
size
selection
The printer uses standard size CR-79 and CR-80 cards.
Follow this procedure in the printer and in the printer driver to set up the card size.
1.
Open the front door and locate the slide bar.
2.
If using the CR-79 card, push the slide bar to the LEFT.
3.
If using the CR-80 card, push the slide bar to the RIGHT.
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4.
From the Driver Printing Preferences, select the correct card size.
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Note: Do not connect the printer USB cable until prompted during the printer driver installation.
2.1.6
Connecting
the
printer
power
To connect power to the printer, do the following:
1.
Plug the AC adapter power cable into the back of the printer.
2.
Plug the wall power cable into the AC power adapter.
3.
Plug the wall power cable into a standard 100-240 V AC power outlet.
4.
Press the printer power button to power on the printer.
The printer powers down during the “sleep time” but automatically powers up when a print job is sent.
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Section 03
Print Driver Installation
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This section describes the printer driver installation requirements and standard procedures.
The DTC1500 Print Driver supports the following:
Windows Server 2003 R1 and R2 (32-bit only)
Windows Server 2008 R1 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)
Windows Server 2012 R1 and R2
Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
For more information on supported operating systems, see www.hidglobal.com/support.
3.1.1
Driver installation instructions
You must be logged in as an administrator to perform the driver installation. After installation, from Printer & Faxes,
select Printer properties. The Security tab must allow you to set the Print, Manage this printer and Manage
documents permissions.
Start by downloading the latest driver file from www.hidglobal.com/support. Follow the Installaware Wizard screen
prompts.
1.
Select
Install
the
Printer
Driver
to
start
the
driver
installation.
2.
Select
the
FARGO
Workbench
Utility
Program
to
install
the
diagnostic
program.
3.
All versions of Windows require Administrator rights.
4.
From the Printer & Faxes, select Printing preferences to set up the printer driver after it has been installed.
5.
Use the drop-down arrows to select the correct options for each printing preference.
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Section 04
Printer
Preferences
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4.1 Printer
preferences
This section provides an overview of the Printing Preferences tabs.
4.1.1
Card
tab
The Card tab provides options that define the size and orientation of the card. The Card tab also provides access to
helpful utilities and information:
Diagnostics
Test Print
ToolBox
About
Field
Description
Card
Size
Select
CR-80
or
CR-79.
Measurement
units
Select
inches
or
mm
(millimeters).
Print
Width
Displays
width
dimension
of
the
card.
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Field
Description
Print
Length
Displays
length
dimension
of
the
card.
Card
Thickness
(mil)
Select the card thickness in mils.
Orientation
Select
Portrait
for
vertical
orientation
or
Landscape
for
horizontal
orientation.
Copies
Select the number of copies to print using Test Print.
Diagnostics
Click Diagnostics to access the Workbench 3 utility. See the Workbench 3 User Guide or Workbench 3 Help
facility for more information. See Toolbox window.
Test
Print
Click Test Print to send one or more self-test prints to the printer.
Toolbox
Click the Toolbox button for access to the following options:
Configuration
Calibrate
Ribbon
Clean
Printer
Advanced
Settings
About
Displays
the
About
screen.
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Toolbox
window
The Card Toolbox window is displayed with the selection of the Toolbox button on the Card tab.
Configuration
tab
The Configuration tab is used to show the currently installed optional printer features, event monitoring, and to set the
printer driver language.
Set
Language
To switch between languages, select the preferred language from the Printer Driver drop-down menu. Click OK twice,
and then open the driver in the preferred language.
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Calibrate laminator tab
The Calibrate laminator tab provides information about Laminator Sensor Calibration.
To calibrate the laminator:
Laminate a sample to raise the temperature to the Transfer Temperature displayed on the Lamination tab.
Remove the cartridges from the laminator and close the cover.
Click
the
Calibrate
button.
Calibrate ribbon tab
The Calibrate Ribbon tab sends the calibrate ribbon command to the printer when you click the Calibrate button.
Follow the procedure displayed on this window.
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Clean Printer tab
The Clean Printer tab launches the cleaning routing when you click the Clean button.
Follow the procedure displayed on this window.
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Safety
messages
(review
carefully)
All messages are provided in English and French.
Symbol
Critical
instructions
for
safety
purposes
Danger
:
Failure to follow these installation guidelines can result in death or serious injury.
Information that raises potential safety issues is indicated by a warning symbol (as shown to the left).
To prevent personal injury:
Refer to the safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.
Always remove the power cord prior to performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.
Make sure only qualified
personnel perform these procedures.
Attention
:
Le non-respect de ces consignes d’installation
peut entraîner
la mort ou des blessures
graves.
Les informations qui posent des problèmes de sécurité potentiels sont signalées par un symbole d’avertissement (comme
illustré à gauche).
Pour éviter toute blessure :
Consultez les consignes de sécurité suivantes avant d’effectuer une opération précédée par ce symbole.
Retirez
toujours
le
câble
d’alimentation
avant
d’effectuer
des
procédures
de
réparation,
sauf
spécification
contraire.
Assurez-vous
que
seules
des
personnes
qualifiées
effectuent
les
procédures.
Caution:
This device is electrostatically sensitive. It may be damaged if exposed to static electricity discharges.
Information that raises potential safety issues is indicated by a warning symbol (as shown to the left).
To prevent equipment or media damage:
Refer to the safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this symbol.
Observe all established electrostatic discharge (ESD) procedures while handling cables in or near the circuit board and
print head assemblies.
Always wear an appropriate personal grounding device (for example, a high quality wrist strap grounded to avoid
potential damage).
Always remove the ribbon and cards from the printer before making any repairs, unless otherwise specified.
Take jewelery off fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the
printer.
Attention
:
Ce dispositif est sensible à l’électricité statique. Il peut subir des dommages s’il est exposé à des décharges
électrostatiques.
Les informations qui posent des problèmes de sécurité potentiels sont signalées par un symbole d’avertissement (comme
illustré à gauche).
Pour éviter que l’équipement ou les supports soient endommagés, reportez-vous aux consignes de sécurité suivantes
avant d’effectuer une opération précédée par ce symbole.
Pour éviter que l’équipement ou les supports soient endommagés, observez toutes les procédures relatives aux
décharges électrostatiques (ESD) établies lors de la manipulation des câbles près des unités de carte de circuit imprimé
et de tête d’impression.
Pour éviter que l’équipement ou les supports soient endommagés, portez toujours un dispositif approprié de mise à la
terre personnel (par exemple, un bracelet de mise à la terre de bonne qualité pour éviter les dommages potentiels).
Pour éviter que l’équipement ou les supports soient endommagés, retirez toujours le ruban et les cartes de l'imprimante
avant d'effectuer des réparations, sauf indication contraire.
Pour éviter que l’équipement ou les supports soient endommagés, ôtez tous vos bijoux et lavez soigneusement vos
mains propres pour enlever toute graisse et toute poussière avant de travailler sur l'imprimante.
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Cleaning
kit
As with any electronic device, internal components of the printer, such as the printhead, may be damaged if
exposed to static electrical discharges. To avoid potential damage, always wear an appropriate personal
grounding device, such as a wrist strap (with integral resistor) connected to an ESD ground.
This cleaning kit provides you with the specialized cleaning supplies and the required cleaning procedures for you to
maintain your card printer/encoder. The following cleaning procedures require less than ten minutes.
Description
Supplies
(pictured)
Four (4) Print head Cleaning Swabs are pre-moistened with 99.99%
isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the print head.
Three (3) Alcohol Cards are pre-moistened with 99.99% isopropyl alcohol for
cleaning the platen and card feed rollers.
Ten (10) Cleaning Cards with adhesive backing are provided for cleaning the
platen and card feed rollers.
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Print head cleaning
Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the printer.
Remove the ribbon cartridge.
Open the print head cleaning swabs. Break it to moisten the tip.
Swab the tip back and forth across the top of the print head.
Allow to dry thoroughly before sending a print job.
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Cleaning the platen and the card feed rollers
Perform this procedure approximately every 1000 prints to maintain a consistent print quality.
The card feed rollers move the card through the print process. Rollers should be kept clean to prevent card jams and
card contamination. This cleaning process ultimately leads to better print quality and extended life of the print head.
1.
Remove the ribbon drawer, remove the print ribbon, and reinsert the empty ribbon drawer.
2.
Remove all the cards from the input card hopper.
Ribbon
drawer
Input
card
hopper
3.
Use the cleaning card from the cleaning kit and remove the adhesive backing from both sides of the card.
If your printer has a magnetic encoder installed, be sure to leave the small liner strip on top of the cleaning card in
place. This small strip is needed to protect the magnetic head from the adhesives on the cleaning card.
4.
Insert the cleaning card into the single feed card slot until the card stops.
If the printer is equipped with a magnetic encoder, you must insert the cleaning card with the printed side up and
with the small liner strip towards the front of the printer.
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5.
From your computer, open the Printer Driver and select Printing Preferences > Card tab > ToolBox.
6.
Select
the
Clean
Printer
tab.
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7.
Click Clean.
The printer pulls in the cleaning card. The printer performs the automated cleaning procedure.
This procedure is designed to thoroughly clean the platen and the card feed rollers inside the printer.
Cleaning the exterior of the printer
Clean the printer with a microfiber cloth only. Do not drip water into the printer. Dry thoroughly before printing.
The printer has a durable casing that should retain its luster and appearance for many years.
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Advanced
Settings
tab
Use the Advanced Settings tab to adjust the internal printer settings, which are customized for every printer at the
factory and saved directly within the printer memory.
Select Restore Defaults to restore the internal default settings.
You can change the values for firmware settings by clicking the fields in the Current column.
Field
Description
Setting
Column
Displays label for the setting. See the following Setting Column Fields table.
Default
Column
Displays default value for setting.
Current
Column
Displays current value for setting.
Apply
Applies
changed
values.
Restore
Defaults
Restores the default values.
Enable Mag Verify
Select
the
check
box
to
verify
that
the
data
is
written
to
the
tracks
correctly.
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Setting
column
fields
Field
Description
Head
Resistance
This is factory set. If the main board or the print head is replaced, then adjust this number.
Locate the Printhead Setting Number on the bottom of the print head.
The
number
reads
R=XXXX.
Print
Left
of
Form
Use this option to adjust the vertical position of the printed image on the card; so it appears centered.
Maximum Adjustment Range is ±127.
Each
increment
equals
0.01”.
Image
Darkness
Use this option to set the overall darkness of the printed image by increasing or decreasing the amount
of heat (used by the print head when printing).
If the value is set too high, the ribbon may jam or break.
Print Top of Form
Use this option to adjust the length-wise or horizontal position of the printed image on the card (so it
appears to be centered).
If
the
negative
value
is
set
too
high,
the
print
ribbon
may
break.
Mag Top of Form
Use this option to shift the starting point where the printer begins to encode the magnetic track data on
the card magnetic stripe.
If the negative value is set too high, the printer may start encoding before the magnetic stripe reaches the
encoding head.
Maximum
adjustment
range
is
±80.
Each
increment
equals
0.01”.
Ribbon Print Tension
Use the this option to increase or decreases the amount of tension (drag) on the ribbon during printing.
Ribbon Calibrate Green
This is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted.
This
is
factory
set
and
should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Resin
Heat
Adjust
Use this adjustment for black premium resin text and bar codes if they appear faded, too light or too dark.
Maximum Adjustment Range is ±100.
This
control
can
be
helpful
for
fine-tuning
the
transfer
of
resin
text
and
bar
codes.
Sleep
Time
This setting adjusts the number of minutes of inactivity before the printer enters a low power sleep state.
OLED Contrast
(display contrast)
Use this option to increase or decrease the contrast of the printer OLED (if applicable).
Ribbon Calibrate Blue
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted.
It is factory set and should not be changed unless directed by a technician.
Cleaning
Rate
Use this option to adjust the number of cards printed before the printer displays a message indicating
cleaning is needed.
The default value is 3000 cards.
Mag
HI-Co
Voltage
Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted.
It is factory set and should not be changed unless directed by a technician.
Mag
Lo-Co
Voltage
Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted.
It is factory set and should not be changed unless directed by a technician.
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Field
Description
Ribbon
Green
LED
Level
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted.
It is factory set and should not be changed unless directed by a technician.
Ribbon
Blue
LED
Level
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted.
It is factory set and should not be changed unless directed by a technician.
Erase
Heat
Offset
Adjust
the
temperature
for
the
rewritable
cards
as
needed.
Increase the current setting to cause more heat to be used in the erasing process.
OR
Decrease the current setting to cause less heat to be used in the erasing process.
This setting provides the ability to control the print head heat level when the erase operation is
performed. Appropriate heat levels should be applied for the proper erase process. This setting should be
adjusted for proper erasure.
Write
Heat
Offset
Adjust
the
temperature
for
the
rewritable
cards
as
needed.
Increase the current setting to cause more heat to be used in the printing process of a rewritable card.
OR
Decrease the current setting to cause less heat to be used in the printing process of a rewritable card.
This setting provides the capability to control the print head heat level when the write operation is
performed. Appropriate heat levels should be applied for the proper writing process.
Flipper Home Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. If the flipper unit is replaced and has
not been calibrated, this value may need to be adjusted.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Flipper
Eject
Height
Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. If the flipper unit is replaced and has
not been calibrated, this value may need to be adjusted.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Mag
Super-Co
Voltage
Offset
This
option
changes
the
voltage
going
the
magnetic
head.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Mag Medium-Co Voltage
Offset
This
option
changes
the
voltage
going
the
magnetic
head.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Head
Home
Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. If the print head assembly is
replaced, then this value may need to be adjusted.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician
Head Print Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. If the print head assembly is
replaced, then this value may need to be adjusted.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Head
Contact
Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. If the print head assembly is
replaced, then this value may need to be adjusted.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Head
Queue
Offset
This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. If the print head assembly is
replaced, then this value may need to be adjusted.
This setting
is
factory
set
and should
not
be
changed
unless
directed
by
a
technician.
Head
Card
Thickness
Offset
Adjusts the card handling path to allow for variances in card thickness.
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Field
Description
Head Smart Card Engage
Offset
Adjusts the position of the print head to allow smart card encoder contact.
Head Mag Offset
Adjusts the print head for magnetic encoding.
Overlay
Heat
Adjust
Adjusts
the
temperature
setting
for
overlay
film.
10
Mil
Card
Queue
Offset
Adjusts the input queue for use with thick cards.
Erase
Speed
Adjusts the speed of the erasure process.
Standard
Resin
Heat
Adjust
Use this adjustment for black standard resin text and bar codes if they appear faded, too light or too dark.
Maximum Adjustment Range is ±100.
This
control
can
be
helpful
for
fine-tuning
the
transfer
of
resin
text
and
bar
codes.
Printhead
Smart
Cue
Offset
Adjusts the card handling path to allow for variances in card thickness.
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4.1.2
Device
Options
tab
Use the Device Options tab to select the Supplies, Dual Sided, and Options areas.
Field
Description
Supplies
Automatically detect the
installed Ribbon for every
print job
When this box is checked, the printer always sends the job for the ribbon that is currently installed in the
printer. When this box is cleared, you can select the ribbon type you want to use to print regardless of what is
in the printer.
Ribbon
Type
Indicates the ribbon that is currently installed in your printer or you can select a ribbon type to create a print
job.
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Field
Description
Dual
Sided
Print Both Sides
Split 1 Set of Ribbon Panels: When using a YMCK ribbon, this selection allows you to print YMC on the front of
the card and K on the back. Normal operation is to print YMCK on the front and YMCK on the back.
Print Back Image on Front of Card: Reverses the order of printing.
Print Back Side Only
Prints only the backside image.
Options
Rotate Front 180 Degrees
Rotates the front print image 180 degrees on the card.
Rotate
Back
180
Degrees
Rotates the back print image 180 degrees on the card.
Disable
Printing
Sends
a
print
job
without
any
print
data.
The
printer
takes
in
a
card
and
ejects
it
out.
Write
Only
Disables
the
erase
pass
when
using
rewritable
cards.
Invert
F-panel
Image
Inverts the color for the images printed with a fluorescent panel ribbon.
Enable
Resin
Scramble
Makes the data that is left on a used resin panel harder to read.
Encrypt
Job
Data
Encrypts the job data file.
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4.1.3
Image
Color
tab
Use the Image Color tab to improve the quality of the image on the card. Image Color includes two areas, Image Quality
and Heat.
Field
Description
Image
Quality
Color
Matching
None: Select this option if any of the following is true:
if
interested
in
print
speed
rather
than
print
color
if color correcting an image that has been previously printed
if using third-party color matching software
System Color Management: Select to perform color correction through a complex color-matching algorithm. This
option shifts colors so the colors more closely match how they appear on screen.
Algebraic: Select to use the Algebraic color-matching algorithm.
Resin
Dither
Select the appropriate dither method according to the type of image to be printed. Graphics include images such as
drawings, clip art, and logos. Photos include images such as photographs and photo-quality images. This option
affects objects printed with a resin-only ribbon.
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Field
Description
Heat
Heat
Dye-Sub Intensity (YMC): Control the overall darkness and lightness of the dye-sub printed image by moving the slider
to the left to use less heat in the printing process, resulting in a lighter print. Move the slider to the right to use more
heat, resulting in a darker print.
This slide
only affects
those images printed
with dye-sublimation ribbon panels
(YMC).
Resin Heat, Front (K): Move the slider to the left to use less heat in the printing process, resulting in a lighter or less
saturated print. Move the slider to the right to use more heat, resulting in a darker or more saturated print.
This control can be helpful for fine-tuning the sharpness of resin text and bar codes.
Resin Heat, Back (K): Move the slider to the left to use less heat in the printing process, resulting in a lighter or less
saturated print. Move the slider to the right to use more heat, resulting in a darker or more saturated print.
Erase Intensity: Move the slider to the left to use less heat in the printing process. Move the slider to the right to use
more heat.
Default
Click
the
Default
button
to
return
all
options
to
their
factory
settings.
Advanced
Settings
See
the
following
Advanced
Settings
section.
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Advanced
Settings
Click
the
Advanced
Settings
button
to
display
the
Advanced
Image
Color
window.
Field
Description
Image
Quality
Sharpness
Move the slider to the right to sharpen the image. Move the slider to the left to decrease sharpness.
Contrast
Move the slider to the right to increase contrast in the image. Move the slider to the left to decrease contrast.
Gamma
Move the slider to the right to increase gamma in the image. Move the slider to the left to decrease gamma.
Balance
Yellow
Balance
Move the slider to the right to increase the amount of yellow in the image. Move the slider to the left to decrease the
amount of yellow.
Magenta
Balance
Move the slider to the right to increase the amount of magenta in the image. Move the slider to the left to decrease
the amount of magenta.
Cyan
Balance
Move the slider to the right to increase the amount of yellow in the cyan. Move the slider to the left to decrease the
amount of cyan.
Default
Click
the
Default
button
to
return
all
options
to
their
factory
settings.
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4.1.4
Image
Calibrate
tab
Use the Image Calibrate tab to control the position of the printable area in relation to the card.
Use the Vertical and Horizontal image position controls to adjust the position of the overall print area to be precisely
centered on a card. The maximum value for the Vertical and Horizontal adjustments is ±100 pixels (10 pixels = approx
0.03%, 0.8 mm).
Field
Description
Vertical
Enter a positive number to move the image toward the rear of the printer.
Enter a negative number to move the image toward the front of the printer.
Horizontal
Enter a positive number to move the image toward the rear of the printer.
Enter a negative number to move the image toward the front of the printer.
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4.1.5
Magnetic
Encoding
tab
Select the Magnetic Encoding tab to display options for controlling the magnetic stripe encoding process. You can use
these options only if the printer has an optional magnetic stripe encoding module installed.
Field
Description
Encoding
Options
Encoding
Mode
You can change the encoding mode and coercivity setting or modify the ISO standards for Tracks 1, 2, and 3.
This can be done by correctly modifying these Magnetic Encoding options.
ISO
Encoding
The
ISO
Encoding
option
sends
down
a
formatted
set
of
characters.
This selection activates the track tabs. However, all functions on the Track tabs are inactive or gray and
display ISO defaults, which are the defaults listed for each track below. The Shift Data Left check box remains
clear and inactive.
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Field
Description
Custom
Encoding
If you select Custom Encoding, all options are active.
The Default is ISO Encoding.
The
defaults
are
the
same
as
the
ISO
Encoding
defaults.
All
functions
on
the
Magnetic
Track
Options
tabs
are
active.
You
can
change
the
Magnetic
Track
options
for
Tracks
1,
2
and
3.
Raw
Binary
Encoding
The Raw Binary Encoding option sends down a raw binary string rather than a formatted set of characters.
The Coercivity drop-down function is active and the Shift Data Left check box is not active.
All functions on the Magnetic Track Options tabs are inactive except for Bit Density.
JIS II Encoding
If
you
select
JIS
II
Encoding,
specific
standards
are
used.
This selection disables all the Magnetic Track Options tabs. It also disables the Coercivity drop-down function
and Shift Data Left check box option.
The default Coercivity is 600 Oe.
Coercivity
Select the Coercivity option (Oersted) that matches the card type.
High
Coercivity
4000
Oersted
FARGO
High
Coercivity
UltraCard
IIIs
are
2750
Oersted
Medium
Coercivity=600
Oersted
Low Coercivity
= 300 Oersted
Shift Data Left
Select this option to shift the recorded magnetic data to the left side of the card's magnetic stripe.
This is useful in situations that require cards to be readable with insert type readers.
Magnetic
Track
Options
The magnetic encoding module encodes onto tracks in accordance with an ISO 7811-2 Magnetic Stripe. For track locations, review the
display in Magnetic track options. Tabs are available on the Magnetic Encoding tab with options for encoding data on each track.
Encoding
Mode
You can change the encoding mode and coercivity setting or modify the ISO standards for Tracks 1, 2, and 3.
This can be done by correctly modifying the Magnetic Encoding options.
Character
Size
4 Bits to change the bits per character to 4 BPC.
5 Bits to change the bits per character to 5 BPC. This is the default for Tracks 2 and 3.
7 Bits to change the bits per character to 7 BPC. This is the default for Track 1.
8 Bits to change the bits per character to 8 BPC.
ASCII
Offset
NULL
to
change
the
ASCII
Offset
to
NULL.
SPACE to change the ASCII Offset to SPACE. This is the default for Track 1.
ZERO to change the ASCII Offset to ZERO. This is the default for Tracks 2 and 3.
Bit
Density
75 BPI to change the bits per inch to 75 BPI. This is the default for Track 2.
128 BPI to change the bits per inch to 128 BPI.
210 BPI to change the bits per inch to 210 BPI. This is the default for Tracks 1 and 3.
Custom BPI, which enables the custom BPI text box.
The lower limit is 75 and upper limit is 210.
LRC
Generation
No LRC
to
change
the
LRC
Generation
to
none.
Even Parity to change the LRC Generation to Even Parity. This is the default for all tracks.
Odd Parity to change the LRC Generation to Odd Parity.
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Field
Description
Character
Parity
No Parity to change the Character Parity to none.
Even Parity to change the Character Parity to Even Parity.
Odd
Parity
to
change
the
Character
Parity
to
Odd
Parity.
This
is
the
default
for
all
tracks.
Reverse Bit Order
Reverse Bit Order is used to reverse the character bits and is used for the encryption of data in specific
programs
Add
Leading
Zeros
Add Leading Zeros is used to add a set number of leading zeros to the magnetic string in order to move the
starting point of the encoded data in specific programs for encryption of data.
Default
Click
the
Default
button
to
return
all
options
to
their
factory
settings.
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Magnetic
track
options
The magnetic encoding module encodes onto tracks in accordance with an ISO 7811-2 Magnetic Stripe. For track
locations, review the following display. Tabs are available on the Magnetic Encoding tab with options for encoding data
on each track.
Reviewing the ISO Track Locations
Reviewing
the
sample
string
Track 1 : ~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890?
Track 2 : ~2;1234567890987654321?
Track 3 : ~3;1234567890987654321?
Track
Start
Sentinel
End
Sentinel
Field
separator
Valid
characters
Maximum number of
characters
Track
1
%
?
^
ASCII 32-95 (see the table inSending the
track data.)
78
Track
2
;
?
=
ASCII 48-63 (see the table in Sending the
track data.)
39
Track
3
;
?
=
ASCII 48-63 (see the table inSending the
track data.)
106
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Sending
the
track
data
Magnetic track data is sent in the form of text strings from the application software to the printer driver.
In order for the printer driver to differentiate between magnetic track data and the rest of the printable objects, specific
characters must be added to the magnetic data to be encoded.
These specify the data that is to be encoded the tracks to encode and mark the start and stop of the data string. In some
cases, these specific characters are automatically added to the string of track data by ID software applications.
In most cases, the user must carefully add these characters to the string of magnetic track data. If these characters are
not added to the track data, the text intended for the magnetic track appears as printed text on the card. To avoid this,
track information must be entered as described.
When entering track data, the ~ (tilde) character is entered first, followed by the track number (1, 2, or 3) on which the
data should encode. The data to be encoded follows the track number.
The first character of this data string must be the track's specific start sentinel (SS) and the last character must be the
specific end sentinel (ES).
The characters or data in between the SS and ES can include all of the valid characters specific to each track.
The number of these characters, however, is limited by each track's maximum character capacity.
When segmenting track data, the appropriate field separator (FS) must be used. The following shows the SS, ES, FS and
the valid characters defined for each track.
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Reviewing
the
ASCII
code
and
character
table
ASCII code
Character
ASCII code
Character
ASCII code
Character
32
space
56
8
80
P
33
!
57
9
81
Q
34
58
:
82
R
35
#
59
;
83
S
36
$
60
<
84
T
37
%
61
=
85
U
38
and
62
>
86
V
39
‘
63
?
87
W
40
(
64
@
88
X
41
)
65
A
89
Y
42
*
66
B
90
Z
43
+
67
C
91
[
44
‘
68
D
92
\
45
-
69
E
93
]
46
.
70
F
94
^
47
/
71
G
95
_
48
0
72
H
49
1
73
I
50
2
74
J
51
3
75
K
52
4
76
L
53
5
77
M
54
6
78
N
55
7
79
O
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4.1.6
Lamination
tab
Select the Lamination tab to display options for controlling the lamination process. You can use these options only if the
printer has an optional lamination module installed.
Field
Description
Lamination
Position
Lamination
Position
Use this control to adjust the horizontal position of the laminate. Only the horizontal position needs
adjustment.
To adjust the position, click on the horizontal adjustment arrows. (The adjustment arrows point in the
direction the patch will move on the card).
To
move
the
overlaminate
more
toward
the
printer
output
side,
enter
a
positive
number.
To
move
the
overlaminate
more
toward
the
printer
input
side
of
the
printer,
enter
a
negative
number.
The maximum value for the horizontal adjustment is 100 pixels. (10 pixels = 0.03 [0.8mm]).
Lamination
Speed
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Field
Description
Transfer Dwell Time
Adjust this control for the through-put speed of a card in seconds per inch. Default is 2.0 seconds per inch
Upper Limit - 5.5 seconds per inch
Lower Limit - 0.8 seconds per inch
Lamination
Side
Lamination
Side
To specify the side(s) of the card to laminate select:
No
Lamination
Laminate Front Side
Laminate
Back
Side
Laminate
Both
Sides
Laminate
Opposite
Sides
Select
No
Lamination
if
the
laminator
will
not
be
used.
Lamination
Type
Lamination
Type
Select one of the lamination type options, according to which type of lamination media is currently installed.
Two types of overlaminates, film, and PolyGuard are supported by the driver. Custom versions of each type
are also available.
Selections
are:
Film
Lamination:
Select
if
the
thermal
transfer
film
overlaminate
type
is
installed
in
the
lamination
module.
0.6 PolyGuard Lamination: 0.6 is the patch thickness.
1.0 PolyGuard Lamination: 1.0 is the patch thickness.
The two PolyGuard Lamination patches require different heat settings and lamination speeds. Select the
appropriate option according to the thickness of the PolyGuard material in use.
Registered
Film Lamination
Holographic
Film
Lamination
Transfer
Temperature
If the check box for auto detection is selected, the temperature is automatically set. The slider can change the
temperature if a different one is required.
Automatically detect
installed Laminate for
every print job
Use this check box for auto detection of the lamination installed. In the firmware, the values are updated on
initialization and cover closing.
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4.1.7
Overlay / Print Area tab
Use the Overlay
/
Print Area tab to control and customize where the Overlay (O) panel and/or the print area appear on
the card. By default, this option is set to print and overlay the entire card.
The orientation of the card display area is determined by the orientation specified in your template.
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Defining an overlay or print area
To define an overlay or print area:
1.
Select the Front or Back option to specify the side of the card to apply the area definition.
2.
From the Overlay / Print Area drop-down select the option that serves your purpose.
Field
Description
Overlay / Print Area
Full
Card
Select
this
option
to
overlay
and/or
print
the
entire
card.
Defined
Area(s)
Select
this
option
to
overlay
and/or
print
only
in
the
selected
and
define
an
area(s).
Undefined
Area(s)
Select this option to overlay and/or print in the space outside the selected and defined area.
Omit Smart
Chip Area
Select this option to overlay and/or print only in the space outside the standard location of a smart
chip.
Omit
Mag
Strip
Area
Select this option to overlay and/or print only in the space outside the standard location of an ISO-
standard magnetic stripe.
Omit Signature Area
Select this option to overlay and/or print only in the space outside the standard location of a signature
panel.
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3.
When an option is selected, a default blackened area appears on the card design area grid.
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4.
Select and drag to enlarge the area and move it to the preferred location on the card. The size and coordinates of
the area update the number fields (inches or mm).
Field
Description
Overlay/Print
Area
Full
Card
Select
this
option
to
overlay
and/or
print
the
entire
card.
Defined
Area(s)
Select
this
option
to
overlay
and/or
print
only
in
the
selected
and
define
an
area(s).
Undefined
Area(s)
Select this option to overlay and/or print in the space outside the selected and defined area.
Omit Smart
Chip Area
Select this option to overlay and/or print only in the space outside the standard location of a smart
chip.
Omit
Mag
Strip
Area
Select this option to overlay and/or print only in the space outside the standard location of an ISO-
standard magnetic stripe.
Omit Signature Area
Select this option to overlay and/or print only in the space outside the standard location of a signature
panel.
For Print and Overlay
This
option
applies
the
defined
area
to
both
the
print
and
overlay
processes.
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Field
Description
For
Overlay
Only
The defined are applies only to the overlay process. The entire card prints and only the overlay is
affected.
For Print Only (No
Overlay)
The defined are applies only to the print process. Overlay is disabled.
Security
Options
Visual Security
Solutions
Use this field to enable and select a visual security option. When one of the options is selected, the
Overlay/Print Area feature is disabled.
This field presents options based on the orientation of the card in the template. The default value for
all cards is No Visual Security.
Landscape designs offer:
A – Upper Left
B – Upper Right
C – Lower Left
D
–
Lower Right
Portrait designs offer:
E – Upper Left
F – Upper Right
G – Lower Left
VeriMark
Use this
option
for VeriMark security.
HoloMark
Use
this
option
for
hologram
security.
Watermark
This feature allows for an image to be printed using the overlap panel. Bitmap files are the only file
types accepted and must be 1011 pixels wide and 644 pixels high.
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4.1.8
K
Panel
Resin
tab
Use the K Panel Resin tab to control where the resin black (K) panel of a full-color ribbon is printed. If a ribbon without a
K resin panel is installed in your printer, these options are grayed out and unavailable.
Orientation of the card display area is determined by the orientation specified in the template.
See Defining an overlay or print area for information.
Field
Description
Print
All
Black
with
K
Panel
Full
Card
Select
this
option
to
print
the
resin
black
(K)
panel
for
all
black
found
within
all
areas
of
the
image.
Defined
Area(s)
Select this option to use resin black (K) panel for all black found only in the selected and defined area(s). See
Defined Area.
Undefined
Area(s)
Select this option to omit resin black (K) panel in the selected undefined area(s).
Print
YMC
under
K
Select this option to print all black in the designated areas with the yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C)
ribbon panels directly beneath the resin black (K) panel. This combination provides a gradual transition
between the resin black text or bar code.
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Field
Description
Print K Only
Select this option to print using the resin black (K) panel onto a white background to maximize the sharpness
of printed text and bar codes.
Exclude
YMC
Select this option to stop the printing of the YMC panels.
Resin
Threshold
Resin
Threshold
Changes the level at which the driver moves a pixel to be printed on a resin panel instead of a YMC.
Defined
Area
The Defined Area option can be used with the K Panel Resin or the Overlay / Print Area tabs to define one or more
specific areas.
In the samples, the defined area is indicated by the dashed outline.
Method
for
defining
a
single
area
1.
On
the
Overlay / Print Area
or
K Panel Resin
tab,
select
Defined Area(s)
.
2.
Print a card and look at it in the same orientation as when it exits the printer.
3.
Measure the total size of the area and enter the dimensions into the dimension boxes.
4.
Measure from the lower-left corner of the card to the lower-left corner of the defined area and enter the values into
the X and Y boxes.
Method
for
defining
multiple
areas
1.
On
the
Overlay / Print Area
or
K Panel Resin
tab,
select
Defined Area(s)
.
2.
Print a card with a defined area and look at it in the same orientation as when it exits the printer.
3.
Measure the defined area location based on the printed card.
4.
To define another area, click the Defined Area up arrow.
5.
Use the Defined Area arrows to navigate back and forth from area to area.
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4.1.9
Printer
info
tab
Use the options on this tab to view information about the medias installed in the printer:
Ribbon
Card Count
Printer Serial #
Firmware Version
Reorder Number
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Section 05
System
Overview
-
Troubleshooting
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Note: The print ribbon encoder detects the number of revolutions required to use an entire color panel.
5.1
System
overview
-
troubleshooting
5.1.1
Sequence
of
operations
Knowing the sequence of the printer operation helps when troubleshooting the printer.
1.
File information is received from the PC.
2.
Printer compares the installed ribbon type stored in memory with the ribbon type command that was sent from the
printer. If the ribbon type does not match, the Pause button (on the right) flashes.
3.
The print stepper motor engages.
4.
The card feed sensor detects the leading edge of the card and the headlift stepper engages to disengage the input
lever.
5.
The card feeds through for the alignment pass.
6.
The card feed stepper motor engages to queue card for magnetic encoding (if applicable).
7.
The encoded data is written to the card (if applicable).
8.
The magnetic encoder verifies while the stepper reverses the card (if applicable).
9.
The print ribbon drive engages (if not already at the yellow panel).
10.
The print ribbon sensor looks for the yellow panel.
11.
The print stepper motor engages.
12.
The card feed sensor detects the leading edge of card.
13.
The print stepper motor queues card to the middle of the platen roller. All stop.
14.
The print head lift motor engages to the print position.
15.
The print cover sensor checks for closed state.
16.
The print stepper motor engages.
17.
The ribbon drive motor engages.
18.
The image data is burned by the print head until the image data is depleted. All Stop.
19.
The thermistor engages the print head cooling fan to maintain proper operating temperature.
20.
The headlift motor engages to the queue position.
21.
The print stepper motor engages.
22.
The print ribbon drive engages.
23.
After ribbon advances a few encoder clicks, assume the ribbon is free of card. All stop.
24.
Repeat Steps 9 through 22 for the appropriate number of color/overlay panels.
25.
Either the card is ejected from the singled-sided printer or the card feed stepper engages to queue the card for the
flipper table for the dual-sided printer.
26.
All stop.
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5.1.2
Printer
error
buttons
The DTC1500 uses button messages rather than a display message system.
All Printers have two (2) buttons.
ON/OFF
Pause
1.
The ON/OFF button is blue when the printer is ON. When the printer enters the Sleep mode, the button LED is
dimmed but still ON.
2.
The Pause button illuminates as blue when the printer is capable of accepting a print job and is not in an error
state.
This button LED continues to stay illuminated while the printer is printing as long as there is not an error.
This button LED is dimmed when the printer goes into Sleep mode.
3.
When an error occurs, the Pause button blinks red.
4.
Press the ON/OFF button when printer is in an error state to cause the action to be canceled.
If no other error occurs, the Pause button illuminates as blue.
5.
Press the Pause button when printer is in an error state to cause the printer to retry.
The button illuminates as blue and retries the failed action.
6.
When downloading an upgrade file, both buttons are blue and blink.
7.
When a printer display is not available, press or hold the buttons to access the internal tests.
To print a card with the Printer Settings, press the Pause button and hold for 4+ seconds when the printer is
ready and idle.
To print the Alignment or the Self Test, press and hold the Pause button during the power-up sequence.
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5.1.3
Error
messages
This section provides the troubleshooting table for error messages.
When an error occurs in the printer, the PC shows the error message on the screen with solutions.
The display blinks in the location requiring attention. Locations can include the printer, input hopper, magnetic
encoder, flipper, card path, ribbon, and data/communication device error
Each table uses a 3-column presentation to display a specific or printer error message, the cause, and the solution.
This format allows the troubleshooter to identify the error and its cause, and then perform the procedure provided in
the solution column.
This standard mode of identifying the problem and its solution should provide an efficient method of troubleshooting
this printer.
If you encounter problems beyond the capabilities of this error message table, you should contact HID Global
Technical Support.
Error
message
Cause
Solution
#81
Unable
to
Feed
The printer is unable to
feed a card from the input
card hopper.
Check the following:
Verify the card thickness setting is set to the thickness of your cards.
Verify
the
cleaning
roller
is
properly
installed
on
the
ribbon
cartridge.
Check for card slippage. If necessary, run the printer cleaning routine.
Verify that your cards are within the accepted card size range.
Verify the cards are not sticking together.
Press
the
Pause
button
to
continue.
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5.1.4
Troubleshooting
with
the
error
message
table
Error
message
Cause
Solution
# 2
Head Move Error
The
print
head
lift
has
malfunctioned.
Reset
the
printer
and
retry.
If this problem persists, call for technical assistance.
# 8
Head Sensor Error
The print head temperature sensor is not functioning
or connected properly. Or, the print head is not
cooling properly.
Reset
the
printer
and
retry.
If
the
problem
persists,
call
for
technical
assistance.
# 9
Reboot
Required
An unspecified system error has been detected by the
printer firmware.
Reset
the
printer
and
retry.
If this problem persists, call for technical assistance.
#25
Ribbon
not installed
No ribbon is installed in the printer.
Install a ribbon and retry.
# 30
Mag
Verify
Error
Magnetic
encoding
verification
failed.
Try encoding with a different card.
Verify cards have the magnetic stripe.
Replace the magnetic encoding module.
# 31
No Mag Module
The printer is not configured with the encoder data
type that you are trying to send.
Ensure that no encoding data is being sent with the
print job and reprint the card.
Install
a
magnetic
encoding
module.
# 38
# 39
# 40
EEPROM Corrupt
EEPROM Read Error
EEPROM
is
restored
with factory
default
values.
If changes were made in the Advanced Settings tab in
the printer driver, click the Default button to reset
these numbers.
Reset the printer and retry. If this problem persists,
call for technical assistance.
# 44
Flipper Jam/ Home Error
A card has become jammed in the printer’s flipper
table.
The flipper failed to position properly while aligning a
card or flipping a card.
Clear any cards in the flipper table using the buttons
to move the card out. Resume printing.
The flipper table should be level when the printer is
powered on. If the flipper table is at an angle, open the
card output door and manually level it. Then cycle the
printer power to reset.
Reset the printer and retry. If problem persists, call for
technical assistance.
# 45
No
Flip
Module
installed
Request to print on 2
nd
side of card, but a flipper is
not installed.
If a flipper module is present, ensure that the Print
Both Sides option in the printer driver is set correctly.
Install
a
flipper
module.
# 64
# 65
# 66
Reboot
Required
Unspecified system error detected by the printer
firmware.
Reset
the
printer
and
try
again.
If this problem persists, call for technical assistance.
# 68
Card in Printer
A card is jammed in the print station or card flipping
area of the printer.
Clear the jam and press the Pause
button.
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Error
message
Cause
Solution
# 70
Multiple
Feed
Multiple
cards
were
fed
into
the
printer.
Verify the card thickness is set to the thickness of
your cards, then press the Pause
button.
Check for card slippage. If necessary, run the printer
cleaning routine.
Verify the cleaning roller is properly installed on the
ribbon cartridge.
Verify the cards are not sticking together.
# 81
Unable
to
Feed
The printer is unable to feed a card from the input
card hopper.
Check the following:
Verify the card thickness setting is set to the
thickness of your cards.
Verify the cleaning roller is properly installed on
the ribbon cartridge.
Check for card slippage. If necessary, run the
printer cleaning routine.
Verify that your cards are within the perimeters of
the accepted card size range.
Verify the cards are not sticking together.
Press
the
Pause
button
to
continue.
# 82
Mag Jam
A card
is jammed
magnetic
station
Clear any cards in the magnetic station using the
buttons to move the card out.
Press
the
Pause
button
to
continue.
# 91
Ribbon
Out
The print ribbon has run out.
Install a new ribbon.
Press the Pause
button to continue or the ON/OFF
button to cancel.
# 93
Wrong
Ribbon
The print ribbon installed in the printer does not
match the ribbon type selected in the printer driver.
Change either the installed print ribbon or the ribbon
type selected in the printer driver.
Press the Pause
button to continue or the ON/OFF
button to cancel.
# 97
Ribbon
Search
Error
The ribbon is not able to find the next panel correctly.
Check for jams/breaks.
Recalibrate
the
ribbon
sensor.
If broken, repair by taping the ribbon back on to the
take-up core.
Replace the ribbon.
Press the Pause
button to continue or the ON/OFF
button to cancel.
# 99
Ribbon
Error
The
print
ribbon
has
either
broken
or
jammed.
If
jammed,
clear
the
jam.
If broken, repair by taping the ribbon back on to the
take-up core.
Press the Pause
button to continue or the ON/OFF
button to cancel.
# 100
Ribbon
RFID
Error
There is no ribbon or the ribbon tag information is
corrupted or incorrect.
Verify the printer driver settings for correct ribbon.
Try a new ribbon and continue.
Press
the ON/OFF
button to cancel.
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Error
message
Cause
Solution
# 102
# 103
# 104
# 3
Headlift
Error
This is a problem with the printhead lift.
Reset
the
printer
and
try
again.
If this problem persists, call for technical assistance.
# 106
Job
Data
Error
The print data sent to the printer is corrupt or has
been interrupted.
Check
the
interface
cable.
Press the ON/OFF button to cancel this print job and
then resend the job.
# 107
Printing
Error
An error was detected during printing.
Reset
the
printer
and
try
again.
If this problem persists, call for technical assistance.
# 109
# 113
Ribbon
Release
Error
The printer cannot locate the next ribbon panel to
release the ribbon from the card.
Ensure that the ribbon is not stuck to the card.
Replace the ribbon.
Recalibrate
the
ribbon
sensor.
If the ribbon is broken, repair by taping the ribbon
back onto the take-up core and manually advance to
the next panel.
Press
the
Pause
button
to
continue.
# 110
Card
Jam/Align
error
A card is jammed in the print station or card flipping
area of the printer.
Clear the jam. Press the Pause
button to continue.
# 111
Head
Loading
An unrecoverable error has occurred during printing.
Reset the printer and try again. If this problem
persists, call for technical assistance.
# 112
Card
Jam/Align
error
A card is jammed in the print station or card flipping
area of the printer.
Clear the jam. Press the Pause
button to continue.
# 128
# 170
Calibrate
Ribbon
The print ribbon sensor is out of calibration or has
failed.
Calibrate
the
ribbon
sensor.
Check for any material blocking the sensor and try
again.
# 131
Flipper
Jam/Home
Error
A card has become jammed in the printer flipper
table.
The flipper failed to position properly while aligning a
card or flipping a card.
Clear any cards in the flipper table, using the buttons
to move the card out.
Resume
printing.
Reset the printer and retry. If the problem persists call
for technical assistance.
# 136
Secure Guard Print
Disabled
Printing is disabled by SecureGuard until a password
is received.
Reset
the
printer
and
retry.
If
the
problem
persists,
call
for
technical
assistance.
# 139
Please
Remove
Ribbon
Ribbon
needs to be
removed.
Reset
the
printer
and
retry.
If
the
problem
persists,
call
for
technical
assistance.
# 144
EEPROM Corrupt
EEPROM Read Error
EEPROM
restored with factory default values.
If changes were made in the Advanced Setting tab in
the printer driver, click the Default button to reset
these numbers.
Reset the printer and try again. If this problem
persists, call for technical assistance.
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Error
message
Cause
Solution
# 202
Encoder not installed
You are trying to send encoding data, but the printer is
not configured with this encoder type.
iCLASS,
Prox,
MIFARE,
SmartCard
Ensure that no encoding data is being sent with the
print job and reprint the card.
Install
an
encoding
module.
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Section 06
Firmware
Upgrades
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6.1 Firmware
upgrades
6.1.1
Upgrade
information
To upgrade the printer’s firmware, perform the following steps:
1.
Run the
FARGO Workbench Printer Utility
.
2.
If running FARGO Workbench Version 3 or greater:
a.
Select
the
Update Manager Workbench Utility
.
b.
Select the printer(s) to update.
FARGO®
DTC®1500
Direct-To-Card
Printer
User
Guide
c.
Click Select Firmware file… option to locate or enter this latest firmware file (for example, FRW-00373_
DTCnnnn_vn.n.n.n.frm).
d.
Browse for the firmware file or enter the firmware file name and click Open.
e.
Click
Begin
Updating
Firmware
to
send
the
file
to
the
printer(s).
3.
If running a FARGO Workbench release prior to Version 3:
a.
Select the Application Menu at the upper left, and select Upgrade Firmware.
b.
Enter the firmware file name or click Browse to find and select this latest firmware file (for example,
FRW-00373_DTCnnnn_vn.n.n.n.frm).
c.
Click OK to send the file to the printer(s).
4.
Restart the printer if it does not restart automatically.
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Section 07
HID
Global
Technical
Support
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7.1
HID
Global
technical
support
This section provides an efficient, step-by-step procedure to be used when contacting HID Global Technical Support, for
this card printer.
You should first contact the company from whom you purchased the printer.
To contact HID Global Technical Support, see www.hidglobal.com/support.
Before contacting HID Global Technical Support
:
Find the sales invoice and serial number of the printer, as described in the following section.
Position a phone near the printer and computer so the technician can help troubleshoot the printer.
Have a self-test and a sample card ready.
7.1.1
Reading
the
serial
numbers
on
a
FARGO
printer
To determine when the card printer was manufactured, see the serial number (affixed to the bottom of the card printer).
For example: Serial Number B7050028 (2017)
The first two digits in the serial number indicate the year the printer was built
(B7 indicates the year 2017).
The third and fourth digits in the serial number indicate the week the printer was built
(05 indicates week 5 of that year).
The last four digits indicate the sequence number for the numeric order in which the printers were built.
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Revision
history
Date
Description
Revision
December
2022
Updated
regulatory
information.
A.1
September
2017
Initial
release.
A.0
