FARGO electronics DTC500 Series Troubleshooting Manual
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FARGO electronics DTC500 Series Troubleshooting Manual

Card printer/encoders
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FARGO Electronics, Inc.
DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders
Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
P/N: L000315

DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

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  • Page 1: Dtc500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

    RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0) P/N: L000315 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 2 At all times, the Copyright Protection Notice for each document was adhered to within our FARGO documentation process. This reference to other documents does not imply that FARGO is an ISO-certified company at this time. • ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 American National Standard, (sub-title) Quality Management Systems - Requirements (published by the American Society of Quality, Quality Press, P.O.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Table of Contents DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0) _________ 1 Safety Messages (review carefully) _________________________________________ 8 General Troubleshooting__________________________________________________ 9 Reviewing the LCD display and LED light ___________________________________ 9 Troubleshooting the LCD Messages ______________________________________ 9...
  • Page 4 Using the Rotate Back by 180 Degrees option (DTC520 / DTC525 only) _______ 119 Using the Buffer Single Card option ____________________________________ 120 Using the Link Card to Print Job option _________________________________ 121 Using the Disable Printing option ______________________________________ 122 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 5 Adjusting the Transfer Dwell Time and Transfer Temperature________________ 179 Selecting the Sensors button and Defaults button __________________________ 179 Calibrating the Card Lamination Module’s Lamination Sensor _______________ 180 Board Level Diagnostics ________________________________________________ 181 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 6 Firmware Updates _____________________________________________________ 208 Firmware Updater Application Program ___________________________________ 208 Downloading Firmware Updates _________________________________________ 209 Updating the Printer's Firmware _________________________________________ 209 Updating the Main Firmware __________________________________________ 210 Updating the LCD Firmware __________________________________________ 213 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 7 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Index ________________________________________________________________ 215 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 8: Safety Messages (Review Carefully)

    • To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the printer. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 9: General Troubleshooting

    To maximize Printer life, reliability, printed card quality and durability, you must use only FARGO Certified Supplies. For this reason, your FARGO warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use non-FARGO Certified Supplies. To order additional materials, please contact your authorized reseller.
  • Page 10 DRAM Memory Indicates that the Printer's See Resolving the DRAM Memory Error Memory Module is bad or is Error on page 182. not installed properly. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 11 183. Head Lift Indicates that the Printer was See Resolving the Headlift Error unable to raise or lower the Message on page 53. Printhead. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 12 Invalid Print Indicates an unauthorized Install a valid, FARGO-authorized Ribbon Ribbon. Ribbon, and press RESUME to continue. See Resolving the Unknown Ribbon Type Error Message on page 52. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 13 Please Remove Indicates that the card is See Card Feeding Errors on page 21. Card jammed in the Print Station or card flipping area of the Printer. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 14 Ribbon Jam / The print Ribbon is either See Resolving the Ribbon Jam / Broken jammed or broken. Broke Error Message on page 50. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 15 Wrong Print The print Ribbon installed in See Resolving the Wrong Print Ribbon the Printer does not match Ribbon Error Message on page 51. the Ribbon type selected in the Printer driver. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 16: Communications Errors

    Reboot the computer. c. Be sure the correct setup options within the Printer driver are selected. d. Confirm that the driver is current by checking at: www.fargo.com Verify the use of an adequate data cable. a. Use a double-shielded parallel cable (no longer than six feet in length).
  • Page 17 Switch Box or the peripheral). d. Alternative: Add a second Parallel Port into the computer (if a second Printer is required). Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 18 Open the program and type: “This is a Test.” • Select File > Page Setup and click on the Printer button. • Ensure that the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersis selected and click OK. • Change all the margin settings to zero (0) and click OK.
  • Page 19 If the port mode is not set to ECP, it will need to be changed in the computers BIOS. (Note: Refer to the appropriate computer manual for instructions on how to change the Parallel Port mode.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 20 Start Menu) if using Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP,. • Use a disk cleanup utility (such as Disk Cleanup found in the System Tools folder of the Start menu) or use a third party application. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 21: Card Feeding Errors

    Printer first and that the sticky side is facing DOWNWARD e. Press the FORWARD button several times to feed the Cleaning Card all the way through the Printer. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 22 Move the slide slightly toward a lower setting (if the Printer seems to double-feed cards). (Note: The card thickness slide is adjustable to accommodate card thickness variations that often occur even within standard card sizes.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 23 If the Motor turns, replace the Main Board (as needed). See the Replacing the Main Board procedure on page 29. Insert cards neatly stacked. Cards Card Hopper (side view) Card Feed Roller DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 24: Resolving The Card Jam On The Flipper Table

    Ensure that the appropriate Encoders settings are set to Installed or None, based on the options that are installed in the Printer. g. Press the Save button to save any changes that have been changed. Continued on the next page. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 25 Flipper table. (Note: There should be sufficient resistance to prevent the card from slipping from the Flipper table.) If there is not sufficient resistance, replace the U-shaped spring on the back of the Flipper Table. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 26: Resolving The Card Hopper Jam Error Message

    Remove the Top Cover. b. Ensure that the guide belt for the Hopper Travel Assembly (D850253) is intact and moves smoothly. c. Verify that the Hopper Travel Motor is properly meshed with the gear assembly. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 27: Resolving The Card Hopper Empty Error Message

    Turn the Card Sensor off if it is determined that the Hopper’s Card Sensor cannot see these types of cards. (Note: with the Sensor turned on, the Printer can believe the Card Input Hopper is empty, and cards will not feed.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 28: Encoding Errors

    Determine if the Main Board is bad. a. Replace the Main Board. See the Replacing the Main Board procedure on page 29. b. Determine if the error repeats itself after replacing the Main Board. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 29: Replacing The Main Board

    RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Replacing the Main Board J13, J14 J27 J26 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 30: Replacing The Main Board (D850426)

    (Note: See the next page for a photo display.) Remove the two mounting screws at the middle and lower section (along the left edge of the circuit board). Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 31 This is a view of the bottom of the discharge end of the Printer. (Note: This shows the release tab from Step 6 in the previous procedure in this section.) This is the discharge end of the Printer. The arrows point to the screws described in Step 8. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 32 • See the LCD On-Line Menu Navigation instructions on page 187. • See the Reviewing the DTC500 Board Cable Connections Reference table on the next page. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 33: Reviewing The Dtc500 Board Cable Connections Reference

    Card Detection Sensor and Flipper Table Card Sensor Ribbon Sensor Array Unpopulated Background Mode Debugger Connection, Program Loading Smart/Proximity Card Interface Ribbon Supply Motor, Ribbon Take-up Motor and Headlift Motor Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 34 P1 = Printhead Arm Sensor, P2 = Headlift Sensor, P3 = Ribbon Encoder Sensor P1 = Flipper Home Sensor, P2 = Encoding TOF Sensor Printhead: 12-Pin Connector Printhead: 20-Pin Connector Magnetics Board No Cable Assembly: Serial Port Connection DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 35: Replacing The Main Board (D850427)

    Along the left edge of the circuit board, remove the two (2) mounting screws at the middle and lower section. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 36 • See the LCD On-Line Menu Navigation instructions on page 187. • See the Reviewing the DTC500 Board Cable Connections Reference table on page 33. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 37: Replacing The Main Board (D850428)

    (3) Circuit Board mounting screws (located at the left, middle and right sections). Along the left edge of the circuit board, remove the two (2) mounting screws at the middle and lower section. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 38 • See the LCD On-Line Menu Navigation instructions on page 187. • See the Reviewing the DTC500 Board Cable Connections Reference table on page 33. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 39: Replacing The Main Board (D850429)

    Remove the two mounting screws at the middle and lower section (along the left edge of the circuit board). Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 40 • See the LCD On-Line Menu Navigation instructions on page 187. • See the Reviewing the DTC500 Board Cable Connections Reference table on page 33. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 41: Resolving The Failed Magnetic Encode Error Message

    Select Setup Printer and Encoder Settings. c. Change the Prox Setting from None to Installed. Check the appropriate software user’s manual for specific encoding instructions if the encoding data was sent in error. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 42: Resolving The No Smart Encoder Error Message

    Adjust the Flipper Offset (as needed) if the card is not feeding into the E- card Docking Station properly. See Resolving the Card Jam on the Flipper Table in page 24. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 43: Removing The Card Jam In The Printer's Magnetic Encoding Area

    Change the setting on the small increments. (Note: A negative adjustment will lower the side of the Flipper Table closest to the Exit Hopper.) Press Select to save the new value. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 44: Removing The Card Jam In The Printer's Smart Card Encoding Area

    Select Encoder Angle Change the setting on small increments. (Note: A negative adjustment will lower the side of the Flipper Table closest to the Exit Hopper.) Press Select to save the new value. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 45: Resolving The Printer Not Reading Encoded Magnetic Track Data

    Open the program and type in: ~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890? b. Select File > Page Setup and click on the Printer button. c. Ensure that the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersis selected and click on OK. d. Change all the margin settings to zero (0) and click on OK.
  • Page 46 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Resolving the Printer not reading Encoded Magnetic Track Data (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 47: Resolving The Magnetic Stripe Data Being Printed On A Card Problem

    Open the program and type: “~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890?” b. Select File > Page Setup and click on the Printer button. c. Ensure that the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersis selected and click d. Change all the margin settings to zero (0) and click OK.

  • Page 48: Printing Process Errors

    Repair the Ribbon. a. Repair the Ribbon by taping it back on to the take-up core if the Ribbon is broken. b. Press the Resume button to continue or Cancel to reset the Printer. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 49: Replacing The Ribbon Sensor Array Assembly (840108)

    Spread the sides of the Printer apart until there is enough clearance to remove the Ribbon Sensor Array. Take the Ribbon Sensor Array Assembly from the Printer. Disconnect the two cable connectors from the back of the Sensor board. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 50: Resolving The Print Ribbon Error Message

    If the break occurs after the yellow panel is transferred to the card, reduce the Print EOF by 5. c. Print a self-test to verify operation. See Printing the Self-test on page 190. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 51: Resolving The Wrong Print Ribbon Error Message

    If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/EncodersIcon and select Properties. • If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Document Defaults. • If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Printing Preferences.

  • Page 52: Resolving The Unknown Ribbon Type Error Message

    Remove the RibbonTraq mark from the Ribbon Sensor. (Note: The voltage should be greater than 4 VDC.) Replace the Sensor if the voltages are incorrect. See the Replacing the Ribbon Sensor Array Assembly (840108) procedure on page 49. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 53: Resolving The Headlift Error Message

    If the head cycles but does not stop at the position every time, check the Headlift Sensor as described in Sensor Testing on page 184. If the Headlift Sensor is failing, replace it. See the Replacing the Headlift Sensor (A000126) in the next two pages. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 54: Replacing The Headlift Motor (A000124)

    Motor to the front side plate. Tip the Printer carefully on its back and remove the Headlift Motor through the bottom access hole. Set the Printer upright carefully. Disconnect the cable connector. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 55: Replacing The Headlift Sensor (A000126)

    Completely remove the Card Output Hopper from the Printer by pulling back the release tab at the bottom of the Printer. b. Remove the two (2) Circuit Board mounting screws located in the Hopper opening. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 56 Locate the Sensor near the bottom of the Printer. Use the Torx T-10 Screwdriver to remove the two screws. Disconnect the cable connector. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 57: Resolving The Printer Pausing Between Panels Error

    If problem persists, replace with a new Printhead. See the Replacing the Printhead Components procedure on the next page. Ensure that the Printer has received data (at the speed that it requires). See Communication Errors on page 16. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 58: Replacing The Printhead Components

    (Note: This label can be found beneath the Printhead mounting bracket located in the mid-section of the Printhead Assembly.) Locate the value labeled R=XXXX, where XXXX are numbers that represent the average resistance value of the Printhead. Example: R=3400 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 59 FARGO Electronics, Inc. Replacing the Printhead Assembly (850102) (continued) Compress these 2 springs to remove the Printhead, as shown below. These arrows (below) show how the Printhead fits into the mounting bracket. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 60 When you remove the Printhead, you can see the circled area, as shown in the photo below. (Note: This is where the Printhead serial number and resistance value is located. It can only be seen when you hold the Printhead, as shown here.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 61: Removing The Original Printhead Assembly

    Lift up on the top bracket of the Printhead Assembly. b. Compress the head springs (150074). c. Rotate the Printhead Assembly out from the retaining hooks on the sides of the Printhead Arm Assembly. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 62: Installing The New Printhead Assembly

    190. (Note: This confirms that the new Printhead Assembly is functioning properly. If the test print looks good and is consistent with the overall position of the test print printed with the old Printhead, the Printhead installation is complete.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 63: Resolving The Printhead Temp Error Message

    Confirm that the cooling fan above the Printhead is operating properly. (Note: Upon power up, the fan should run momentarily and shut off.) Replace the Main Print Board if problem still remains. See the Replacing the Main Board procedure on page 29. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 64: Resolving The Flipper Alignment Error Message

    If unblocked, the Sensor should read > .4 VDC. e. If the voltages from the Flipper Home Sensor do not match, replace the Sensor. See the Replacing the Flipper Home Sensor (140407) procedure on the next page. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 65: Replacing The Flipper Home Sensor (140407)

    Release the plastic tabs in the four corners of the cover. Lift the cover off of the Printer. Use the Torx T10 Screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the Sensor Board Assembly. Disconnect the Sensor Board Assembly Cable. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 66: Firmware Errors

    Switch Box or peripheral). See the Updating the Main Firmware procedure on page 210. Alternative: Add a second Parallel Port into the computer (if a second Printer is required). Continued on the next page. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 67 (Note: The DTC Display should then run through its Update process. See the next page.) e. Reboot the Printer after it has completed the process. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 68 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Resolving an Upgrade Failed error (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 69: Resolving A Program Exception Error

    If a Program Exception is displayed again, continue to step 2. Reload the Firmware. See the Updating the Printer's Firmware on page 209. Replace the Main Board. See the Replacing the Main Board procedure on page 29. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 70: Diagnosing The Image Problems

    Use a Printhead Cleaning Pen from the Printer Cleaning Kit to firmly wipe back and forth across the surface of the Printhead. d. Close the Top Cover and Printhead Arm once the Printhead is completely dry. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 71 Be sure to push down on the cartridge until it clicks into place. • If the cartridge is not inserted properly, the Printer will not feed cards. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 72 Press the FORWARD and BACK buttons to move the Roller back and forth while cleaning. g. Replace the printing supplies. h. Close the Print and Transfer Stations after the Rollers are clean and completely dry. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 73: Resolving The Card Surface Debris Problems

    Remove any debris that may be inside. Caution: Be extremely careful not to let any alcohol drip inside the Printer! Re-install the printing supplies. g. Close the Top Cover and Printhead Arm. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 74 Insert the Cleaning Cartridge back into the Printer. Caution: Be sure to push down on the cartridge until it clicks into place. If the cartridge is not inserted properly, the Printer will not feed cards. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 75 Press the FORWARD and BACK buttons to move the Roller back and forth while cleaning. Replace the printing supplies and close the Top Cover and Printhead Arm after the Rollers are clean and completely dry. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 76: Resolving The Incorrect Image Darkness Problems

    If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/EncodersIcon and select Properties. • If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Document Defaults. • If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Printing Preferences.
  • Page 77 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Resolving the incorrect Image Darkness problems (continued) See previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 78 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Resolving the incorrect Image Darkness problems (continued) See previous procedure in this section. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 79: Resolving The Ribbon Wrinkle Problems

    If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/EncodersIcon and select Properties. • If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Document Defaults. • If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Printing Preferences.
  • Page 80 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Resolving the Ribbon wrinkle problems (continued) Step Procedure Check the Printhead for debris and burrs. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 81: Resolving The Excessive Resin Printing Problems

    If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/EncodersIcon and select Properties. • If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Document Defaults. • If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Printing Preferences.
  • Page 82 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Resolving the excessive Resin Printing problems (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 83: Resolving The Incomplete Resin Printing Problems

    If using Windows 95/98/ME, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/EncodersIcon and select Properties. • If using Windows NT 4.0, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Document Defaults. • If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encodersand select Printing Preferences.
  • Page 84 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Resolving the incomplete Resin Printing problems (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 85: Resolving The Cut Off Or Off-Center Card Image Problems

    Step Procedure Use the Image Position within the Card tab of the Printer driver to precisely center the image. See Using the Image Position button on page 171. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 86: Resolving The Poor Image Quality Problems

    (as captured either with a scanner or with a digital camera) Caution: If a small or low-resolution image is stretched or blown up, a pixilated or grainy effect will occur when printing, as shown below. Good DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 87: Printing A Test Image

    (Note: The image consists of sixteen (16) gray scale boxes and alignment arrows.) Adjust the Image Placement. (Note: The gray boxes are composed from a composite of YMC color panels.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 88: Reviewing The Color/Resin Ymck Self-Test

    Use this card to confirm that image colors are properly reproduced. Image consists of sixteen graduated steps of RGB and YMCK. (Note: This print will provide maximum image size, giving complete card coverage on a CR-80 sized card.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 89: Reviewing The Card Count Self-Test

    Use this option only applies if a Magnetic Encoding module is installed in the Printer. (Note: The Printer will feed, encode, and eject a card. Be sure to have high Coercivity cards installed when running this test.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 90: Card Lamination Module

    Cards from the Printer before making any repairs, unless otherwise specified. • To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the Printer. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 91: Loading The Overlaminate

    The supply end of the overlaminate roll is the side containing the fresh, unused portion of the overlaminate. The take-up end is the other side. Continued on the next page Take-Up Roll Supply Roll DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 92 Make certain the overlaminate material is fed from beneath the roll as shown.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 93 Close the lamination module. When you start to print, the Lamination Drive Hubs will automatically engage the overlaminate core notches. Caution: Do not reverse the overlaminate roll. Damage may occur to the lamination Roller! DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 94: Adjusting The Card Lamination Module

    To maximize Printer life, reliability, printed card quality and durability, you must use only FARGO Certified Supplies. For this reason, your FARGO warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use non-FARGO Certified Supplies. To order additional materials, please contact your authorized reseller.
  • Page 95 If the card is bowing downward, the reverse bending pressure may be too great. In this case, rotate the adjustment knob counter-clockwise. (Note: Some card types have very low heat resistance and may not be acceptable for laminating.) Adjustment Knob DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 96: Adjusting The Card Guide Rail

    Manually position the card so its edge is flush with the Card Guide Rail. Continued on the next page Card Guide Rail Screws CR100 CR90 CR80 Card Flipping Blank Card Mechanism DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 97 If the PolyGuard patch is being placed more toward a card's top edge (as shown), move the Card Guide Rail slightly toward the rear of the Printer (opposite the direction you would like the patch to move). Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 98 (Note: Be sure the Card Guide Rail always remains parallel to the card path and that the screws loosened in step 1 are retightened after each adjustment.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 99 .010"/.25mm between the card edge and the Internal Card Guide as indicated here: If necessary, adjust the Internal Card Guide as described in the remainder of this section. .010“/.25mm space CR100 CR90 Internal Card Guide CR80 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 100: Adjusting The Internal Card Guide

    Resume button. Manually position the card so its edge is flush with the Card Guide Rail. Continued on the next page CR100 CR90 CR80 Blank Card Internal Card Guide Screws DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 101 Internal Card Guide always remains parallel to the card path and that the screws loosened in Step 1 are retightened after each adjustment.) .010“/.25mm space CR100 CR90 Internal Card Guide CR80 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 102: Attaching The Card Lamination Module

    Remove the Card Output Hopper from the Printer. (Note: To do this, pull out on the Securing Tab located on the bottom of the Printer, and slide the Card Output Hopper completely out of the Printer.) Continued on the next page Securing Tab DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 103 Set the Printer on the lamination module's Baseplate at an angle as shown. (Note: This position will make it easier to connect the Power and Communication cables.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 104 (Note: both are labeled with a red Power label.) b. Push firmly to ensure both are securely connected. (Note: The port and cable are keyed for one way installation.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 105 Printer will rest securely in the holes in the lamination module's Baseplate when the Printer is seated properly.) Continued on the next page Rubber pads through Baseplate DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 106 Using a Phillips screw driver, insert each of the four (4) screws into the Baseplate, and tighten the screws to secure the Printer to the Lamination Module's Baseplate. Continued on the next page 4 screws to secure printer to Baseplate DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 107 Attaching the Card Lamination Module (continued) Step Procedure While being careful not to scratch the plastic cover, remove the FARGO DTC525 model number label from the front of the Printer, and replace it with the included FARGO DTC525-LC model number label. (Note: This is...

  • Page 108: Printer Adjustments

    Cards from the Printer before making any repairs, unless otherwise specified. • To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the Printer. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 109: Adjusting The Internal Card Guide

    To maximize Printer life, reliability, printed card quality and durability, you must use only FARGO Certified Supplies. For this reason, your FARGO warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use non-FARGO Certified Supplies. To order additional materials, please contact your authorized reseller.
  • Page 110 Open the Printer's Top Cover and Print Station. Rotate the guide's Securing Peg until it is parallel to the card guide, and push it down. (Note: This widens the card path so it holds thinner cards with less force.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 111: Printer Driver Options

    RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Printer Driver options These Driver options and pictures are from the DTC500 Series driver (Version 1.3.3). Using the Device options tab DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 112: Adjusting For The Ribbon Type

    K: Standard or Premium Resin • Colored Resin: Colored Resin is available in Red, Blue, Green, or White • Metallic Resin: Metallic Resin is available in Gold or Silver • Scratch-Off Resin DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 113: Adjusting For The Color Matching

    Select Monitor to allow the Printer driver to make color corrections similar to the Algebraic option but through an RGB color matching algorithm. (Note: This option shifts colors more radically so the colors in the image will more closely match how they appear on screen.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 114: Adjusting For The Resin Dither

    Step Procedure Select Optimized for Graphics when printing lower quality images (e.g., clipart, logos, etc.) with resin. Select Optimized for Photo when printing photo quality images with resin. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 115: Using The Print Both Sides Option (Dtc520 / Dtc525 Only)

    Select this option in conjunction with any application program that supports a multiple-page document, duplex printing. (Note: The program must be able to send down two or more separate pages to be printed within the same document.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 116: Using The Split 1 Set Of Ribbon Panels Option (Dtc520 / Dtc525 Only)

    YMCKO panels and the back is printed with the second K panel. (Note #1: This option is automatically enabled when the YMCKOK Ribbon type is selected.) (Note #2: The Print Both Sides option is automatically enabled when this option is selected.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 117: Using The Print On Back Side Only Option (Dtc520 / Dtc525 Only)

    The second page of the document will then be printed on the back of a second card. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 118: Using The Rotate Front By 180 Degrees Option

    Use this option to change the position of the printed image in relation to the set location of a card's Magnetic Stripe or smart chip. Step Procedure Select the Rotate Front 180 Degrees option to rotate the image on the front of the card by 180 degrees when printed. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 119: Using The Rotate Back By 180 Degrees Option (Dtc520 / Dtc525 Only)

    Use this option to change the position of the printed image in relation to the set location of a card's Magnetic Stripe or smart chip. Step Procedure Select the Rotate Back 180 Degrees option to rotate the image on the back of the card by 180 degrees when printed. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 120: Using The Buffer Single Card Option

    Do not select this option, and the Printer's memory will Buffer as many print jobs as possible until the Printer's memory is full. (Note: This is ideal for most applications where Printers are not networked together.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 121: Using The Link Card To Print Job Option

    Select this option to cause the Printer to dispense with the print job if a blank card is removed or ejected. (Note: The next card is then fed into the Printer and the next coinciding print job then printed.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 122: Using The Disable Printing Option

    Step Procedure Select this option to ensure no print data will be sent to the Printer (while all encoding instructions will be sent according to how they are configured within the software). DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 123: Using The Image Color Tab

    Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan (see the Image Color tab window, shown below). In most cases, the default settings of these options will suffice. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 124 Move the slide to the right to cause more heat to be used, thus generating a darker print. (Note: This slide only affects those images printed with Dye-Sublimation Ribbon panels (YMC).) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 125 (Note: This control can be helpful for fine-tuning the sharpness of resin text and bar codes. See the Resolving the excessive Resin Printing problems procedure on page 81.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 126 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Using the Image Color tab (continued) Step Procedure Return all options to their factory settings by clicking on the Default button. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 127: Using The K Panel Resin Tab

    Card with the K Panel Resin tab procedure on the next page. (Note: The Printer driver will print areas of the image where it finds black coloring with the print Ribbon's resin black (K) panel, as specified by each of the following options.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 128: Selecting The Full Card With The K Panel Resin Tab

    Selecting the Full Card with the K Panel Resin tab Step Procedure Select the Full Card option to print the resin black (K) panel for all black found within all areas of the image, as shown below. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 129: Selecting The Defined Area(S) With The K Panel Resin Tab

    Selecting the Defined Area(s) with the K Panel Resin tab Step Procedure Select the Defined Area(s) option to print the resin black (K) panel for all black found only in an area or areas defined, as shown below. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 130: Selecting The Undefined Area(S) With The K Panel Resin Tab

    (Note: In the card grid, black indicates the area in which the resin black (K) panel will be printed.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 131: Defining The Area To Activate The Card Grid

    When the card grid is first activated, a small black square will appear at its: • default size of .2" x .2" (5mm x 5mm) • default location in the lower left-hand corner (0,0) (Note: This square represents the first defined area.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 132: Measuring The Total Card Area

    Measure the total area, and enter those dimensions into the Dimension boxes. (Note: The minimum size for an area is .2" x .2" (5mm x 5mm).) See the next page. Karen Atkins Access Level-2 ID# 1234478 1.2“ * 172355* 1.8“ DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 133 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Measuring the Total Card area (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 134: Defining The Positioning Of The Area On The Card

    Enter these values into the X and Y boxes, as shown below. c. Note that the card grid lines are spaced at .2” (5mm) intervals. Karen Atkins Access Level-2 ID# 1234478 * 172355* Y=0.2“ X=1.4“ DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 135 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Defining the positioning of the area on the Card (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 136: Selecting The Print Ymc Under The K And Print K Only Options

    Select the Print K Only option (a) to print all black in the designated areas only with the resin black (K) panel or (b) to print resin black onto a white background to maximize the sharpness of printed text and barcodes. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 137 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Selecting the Print YMC under the K and Print K Only options (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 138: Using The Magnetic Encoding Tab

    Use these options only if the Printer has an optional Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module installed. Step Procedure Select the Magnetic Encoding tab to display options for controlling the Magnetic Stripe encoding process. (Note: The following describes these options and the Printer's magnetic encoding process.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 139: Using The Encoding Mode Option

    Using the Encoding Mode option Use the Encoding Mode option to specify which magnetic encoding standard to use. • The DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoderscan be installed with one of two types of factory-installed Magnetic Stripe Encoding Modules. • Change the encoding mode and Coercivity setting or modify the ISO standards for tracks 1, 2, and 3, by correctly modifying these Magnetic Encoding options.
  • Page 140 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Using the Encoding Mode option (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 141: Encoding The Mode / Coercivity / Magnetic Track Selection

    High Coercivity = 2500-4000 Oersted (FARGO’s High Coercivity UltraCards are 2750Oe) • Low Coercivity = 250-600 Oersted (FARGO’s Low Coercivity UltraCards are 300Oe) Select the Magnetic Track Selection option to specify which track is to be configured through the Magnetic Track options (if the application being used requires customization of the standard ISO encoding process).
  • Page 142 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Encoding the Mode / Coercivity / Magnetic Track Selection See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 143: Using The Magnetic Track Selection Option

    After making the required selection, the Magnetic Track options box displays the current set of customization options for the selected track. • Remember that each track must be customized independently of the other two tracks. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 144: Using The Magnetic Track Options

    (Note #1: After making the required selection, the Magnetic Track options box displays the current set of customization options for the selected track.) (Note #2: For most applications, the default settings for these options do not need to be changed.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 145: Using The Bit Density Radio Buttons

    Select 5 Bits to change the bits per character to 5 BPC. Select 7 BPI to change the bits per character to 7 BPC. Select 8 BPI to change the bits per character to 8 BPC. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 146: Using The Ascii Offset

    ASCII value of each Magnetic Stripe data character prior to encoding on the track.) Step Procedure Select NULL to change the ASCII Offset to NULL. Select SPACE to change the ASCII Offset to SPACE. Select ZERO to change the ASCII Offset to ZERO. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 147: Using The Lrc Generation Radio Buttons

    Select No Parity to change the Character Parity to none. Select Even Parity to change the Character Parity to Even Parity. Select Odd Parity to change the Character Parity to Odd Parity DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 148: Using The Verification Option

    Select the Manual Eject Each Error option so the Printer will signal an error on its LCD display (stating that the magnetic data could not be verified). (Note: When this occurs, press the Cancel soft key to manually eject the mistakenly verified card.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 149: Reviewing The Shift Data Left

    Select this option to shift the recorded magnetic data to the left-hand side of the card's Magnetic Stripe. (Note: This is useful in situations that require cards to be readable with insert type readers.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 150: Reviewing The Iso Track Locations

    Valid Characters Maximum Sentinel Sentinel Separator Number of Characters Track 1 ASCII 32-95 (See Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table on page 152.) Track 2 ASCII 48-63 Track 3 ASCII 48-63 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 151: Sending The Track Information

    Field Separator: When segmenting track data, the appropriate Field Separator (FS) must be used. (Note: See the table on the next page, which displays the SS, ES, FS, and the valid characters defined for each track.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 152: Reviewing The Ascii Code And Character Table

    RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table ASCII Code Character ASCII Code Character ASCII Code Character space " < & > DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 153: Using The Overlay / Print Area Tab

    (Note: This option is helpful if, to omit the overlay or printing around a card's smart chip or Magnetic Stripe. By default, this option is set to print and overlay the entire card.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 154: Using The Overlay / Print Area Dropdown Menu

    (Note: In the card grid, black indicates the area in which the overlay and/or printing will be applied.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 155: Using The Overlay / Print Area

    (Note: In this mode, the overlay is completely disabled; so it will not be applied.) Caution: An overlay or an overlaminate must protect Dye-Sublimation printing or it will quickly begin to wear or fade. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 156 Select the Defined Area(s) option to activate the card grid in the upper half of the window. (Note: This allows defined areas to be created. It is through this card grid that up to five areas can be defined.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 157 Measure the total size of the desired area, and enter those dimensions into the Dimension boxes. (Note: The minimum size an area is .2" x .2" / 5mm x 5mm.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 158 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Using the Overlay / Print Area (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 159 Enter these values into the X and Y boxes. (Note: The card grid lines are spaced at .2 inch / 5mm intervals.) Continued on the next page Karen Atkins Access Level-2 ID# 1234478 X=1.3“ Y=0.3“ DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 160 Delete an area by using the Defined Area arrows to select the area, and click on the Delete button. (Note: If all areas are deleted, the Overlay / Print Area options will automatically be deselected.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 161: Using Smartshield Area Dropdown Menu

    (Note #1: This is a convenient way of turning the SmartShield Security Feature ON or OFF.) (Note #2: It is not possible to apply an overlay and a SmartShield image to the same side of a card. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 162: Using The Card Tab

    RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Using the Card tab Use this option to control specific Printer functions. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 163: Selecting The Card Size

    Make a simple card size adjustment to the Printer's Card Thickness Adjustment Lever if printing with CR-79 sized cards to decrease the accepted card thickness. Select either the inches or mm radio button (as needed). Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 164 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Selecting the Card Size (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 165: Using The Card Hopper Selection (Dtc515 / Dtc525 Only) Option

    (e.g., Mag stripe cards in Hopper 1 versus non stripe cards in Hopper 2). Select Hopper 2 to print only from Hopper 2 in this same fashion. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 166 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Using the Card Hopper Selection (DTC515 / DTC525 only) option (cont.) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 167 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Using the Card Hopper Selection (DTC515 / DTC525 only) option (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 168: Reviewing The Orientation

    Select Portrait to cause the card to print in a vertical orientation. Select Landscape to cause the card to print in a horizontal orientation, as shown on the below. Specifying the Copies Specifies the number of copies to be printed, as shown above. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 169: Using The Test Print Button

    DTC510/DTC515, or YMCKOK print Ribbon is required for a DTC520/DTC525. • Test Print Procedure: This test print procedure can be helpful in ensuring (a) that the computer is effectively communicating with the Printer, and (b) that the Printer is functioning properly. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 170: Clicking On The About Button

    RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Clicking on the About button Click this About button to open a dialog containing the copyright and version information about this Printer driver software. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 171: Using The Image Position Button

    Use the Image Position controls to adjust the position of the overall print area to be precisely centered on a card. Step Procedure Adjust the Image Position values by clicking on the Vertical and Horizontal adjustment arrows, as shown below. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 172 To illustrate this, the card illustration shown in the Image Position box will flip and rotate according to whether you have selected the Portrait or Landscape radio buttons. However, the outline around the illustration will always remain in the same landscape orientation. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 173 Printer (if a positive number is entered) and more toward the card input side of the Printer (if a negative number is entered). (Note: The maximum value for the Vertical and Horizontal adjustments is ±100 pixels (10 pixels =.0333"/.847mm).) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 174: Using The Lamination Tab (Only With Card Lamination Module)

    Use this option to control specific Printer functions. The Lamination Tab appears only if the Printer is equipped with the Card Lamination Module. These options allow you to control the Printer's lamination process. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 175: Selecting The Lamination Position

    Horizontal adjustment is ±100 pixels (10 pixels = about .03"/.8mm).) • To adjust the Vertical placement of the PolyGuard overlaminate, see the Loading the Overlaminate procedure on page 91. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 176: Selecting The Lamination Side

    Select the No Lamination option if you do not want to use the Printer's built-in laminator. b. Select Laminate Front Side, Laminate Back Side, or Laminate Both Sides to specify the side(s) of the card to laminate. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 177: Selecting The Lamination Type

    If the Film Lamination option is selected, the film lamination is applied to the printed card, then the card is ejected. (Note: This is the fastest way to apply the film lamination, yet it provides the lowest film durability.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 178: Selecting The Lamination Type

    Select the PolyGuard Alternating Patch option only if using PolyGuard material that has alternating patch configurations on the same roll (e.g., full patch on the front of the card and half patch on the back). DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 179: Adjusting The Transfer Dwell Time And Transfer Temperature

    Adjust the Default settings as needed when using other types of cards. (Note: The Default settings for the Lamination Dwell Time and Temperature are preset for factory-recommended card stocks and overlaminate types.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 180: Calibrating The Card Lamination Module's Lamination Sensor

    Be sure the Printer is powered ON and that the lamination module's Top Cover and Lamination Station are closed when calibrating. (Note: This Sensor is not used if applying Thermal Transfer Film overlaminate.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 181: Board Level Diagnostics

    Replacing the Main Board procedure on page 29. As an alternative to replacing the Main Print Board, the chip U16 (080239) can be replaced. (Note: FARGO recommends that only a qualified electronics technician perform this procedure.) Resolving the EE Checksum Error Symptom: An error has occurred in the permanent circuit memory.

  • Page 182: Resolving The Dram Memory Error

    29. As an alternative to replacing the Main Print Board, the chip U17 (080229) can be replaced. (Note: FARGO recommends that only a qualified electronics technician perform this procedure.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 183: Resolving The Fpga Error

    29. As an alternative to replacing the Main Print Board, the chip U2 (080066) can be replaced. (Note: FARGO recommends that only a qualified electronics technician perform this procedure.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 184: Resolving The Update Firmware Now

    Open the upper module to find the Ribbon Sensor orientation. (Note: The numbers indicate the location on J16, as shown in the Sensor Location and Voltages table on the next page.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 185: Reviewing The Sensor Location And Voltages

    Uncovered 3.0 - 3.3 Covered Sensor Bypass Uncovered 3.0 - 3.3 Covered Feed/Hopper Card Sensor Hopper Door Unblocked .17 - .9 Blocked 3.0 – 3.3 Sensor (not used) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 186: Reviewing The Sensor Layout On Ribbon Sensor Array

    Uncovered 3.5 – 5.0 Covered Ribbon Sensor Uncovered 3.5 – 5.0 Covered Ribbon Sensor Uncovered 3.5 – 5.0 Covered Ribbon Sensor Uncovered 3.5 – 5.0 Covered Reviewing the Sensor Layout on Ribbon Sensor array DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 187: Lcd On-Line Menu Navigation

    Press the button below Select to choose an option. Choose from these five categories: Print Test Image, Setup Printer, Show error count, Show card count, and System Upgrade. MENU Ready DTC5XX MENU SELECT FUNCTION [Print Test Image] Setup Printer EXIT HELP SELECT DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 188: Using The Softkey And Scroll Buttons

    • Use this menu option to access several test, setup, and reporting functions. • Refer to the Menu Option Structure Tree for all available menu options, on the next page. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 189: Selecting From The Menu Option Structure Tree

    Lot Number: Wrong Print Ribbon Not Available Occurrences: 2 Error Log End Show Card Count CARD STATISTICS CC: XX PC: XX System Upgrade SYSTEM UPGRADE Are you sure you want to continue? DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 190: Using The Lcd Menu

    For example, the Color/Resin YMCK self-test can be printed with either a YMCKO or YMCKOK full-color print Ribbon. Press the SELECT button to begin printing. The self-test print will begin as soon as the test image is processed. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 191: Reviewing The Gray/Align Ymc (Dtc510/515) And Gray/Align Ymc/K (Dtc520/525) Self-Test

    (b) the Resin Panel is printing properly. (Note: The Image consists of twelve spot colors, YMC and RGB, as well as gray density bars and thin resin lines.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 192: Reviewing The Card Count Ymc Self-Test

    Ribbon panel is printed or passes beneath the Printhead.) Reviewing the Standard Resin Self-Test Step Procedure Print this card with any resin Ribbon. However, it will work best with a standard resin black Ribbon. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 193: Using The Magnetic Test Option (Only With Magnetic Encoding Module)

    Refer to this label if you ever need to reset the Printer settings back to the factory defaults. Use this option to change the Printer's internal settings for controlling the procedures in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 194: Print Tof And Print Eof Alignment Procedures

    MENU, Setup Printer, and the parameter to be changed. Change the value by pressing the appropriate scroll button, and press SELECT to save the value. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 195: Preparing To Adjust The Print Tof And Print Eof

    If your test card does not look like the sample shown below, go to Step 5 to adjust the Print TOF.) Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 196: Setting The Print Eof

    Trailing edge. b. If the test card does not look like the sample shown below, go to step 5 to adjust the Ribbon Tension. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 197 Press SELECT to save the value. Print a test card as described in step 1. Repeat Steps 1 to 6 (above) until the Test Image is correctly positioned or Ribbon wrinkle is alleviated. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 198: Adjusting The Ribbon Tension

    Trailing edge. If the test card does not look like the sample shown below, go to step 5 to adjust the Ribbon Tension.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 199: Setting The Printhead Resistance

    Locate the Printhead Setting Number on the bottom of the Printhead. The number reads R=XXXX. Select MENU, Setup Printer, and Printhead Resistance. Enter the given value for the Printhead. Press the Select button to save the value. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 200: Adjusting The Image Darkness

    The Ribbon can jam or break if the setting is too high. Press SELECT to save the value. Print a test card as described in Step 1. Repeat Steps 1 to 7 until the image darkness is correct. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 201: Changing The Encoder Settings

    Prox Card Encoder is installed. • Position: This option is set according to the card size for which your Encoder is physically positioned inside the Printer. (Note: All DTC500 Series Printers are configured only for CR-80 size cards.) Do not change this setting.

  • Page 202: Adjusting The Magnetic Tof

    If the Start Sentinel is too close to the leading edge of the card, increase (or make positive) the Magnetic TOF setting needs. Select MENU, Setup Printer, and Magnetic TOF. Record the Magnetic TOF value on the test card last printed. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 203 Magnetic Stripe reaches the encoding head. Repeat steps 1 to 5 until the Magnetic TOF is correct. Press SELECT to save the value. .293“ / 7.44mm Magnetic Track Data Trailing Edge Leading Edge of Card of Card DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 204: Changing The Hopper Settings

    (below the Hopper) for exception cards to be inserted. The only caution when using this feature is that cards must be loaded properly. Press SAVE to save your settings. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 205: Changing The Baud Rate Settings

    Card Flipper onto the card path or into he Encoder. • Decrease the Flipper Offset setting to lower the lip of the Flipper. • Increase the setting to raise it. Press the Select button to save the value. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 206: Viewing The Report Supplies

    Press the Reset button to clear the entire existing error log and start a new log. (Note: The error log will stop logging errors once it has reached its error occurrence limit of 255.) DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 207: Showing The Card Count

    The LCD will prompt: Are you sure you want to continue? Select YES to begin the System Upgrade. Select NO to return to the READY screen. See the the Updating the Printer’s Firmware procedure on page 209. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 208: Firmware Updates

    Double-click on the SETUP.EXE file to launch the Firmware Updater Setup Program Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation. Once installed, the Firmware Updater icon will appear in the Start / Programs / FARGO folder . Select the icon displayed below to open the Firmware Updater application program.

  • Page 209: Downloading Firmware Updates

    Decompress the file by double-clicking on the designated icon. Updating the Printer's Firmware The Main Firmware and the LCD Firmware are type types of Firmware for FARGO Printer models. Each Firmware type has a different update process. •...

  • Page 210: Updating The Main Firmware

    (Note: The file name, location, and version will appear in the Firmware Updater window, as shown on the next page.) Click the Select Printer button and select the specific FARGO Printer model, click OK. At this time, the Printer must be prepared to receive the Firmware update file.
  • Page 211 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Updating the Main Firmware (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. Continued on the next page DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 212 If the upgrade was not successful, the LCD will either display Upgrade Failed or Upgrade Firmware Now on boot up. b. If this message is received, try updating the Firmware again. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

  • Page 213: Updating The Lcd Firmware

    (Note: The file name, location, and version will appear in the Firmware Updater window, as shown on the next page.) Click on the Select Printer button and select the specific FARGO Printer model, click OK. Click on the Send Update button to bring up the Sending Update to Printer dialog, as shown on the next page.
  • Page 214 RESTRICTED USE ONLY FARGO Electronics, Inc. Updating the LCD Firmware (continued) See the previous procedure in this section. DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 215 Card Hopper Jam, 9 color matching, 113 Card Input Guide adjustment, 94, 95, 96, color matching algorithm, 113 97, 98, 99 Color Matching software, 113 Card is encoded, 45 Colored Resin, 112 Card Jam DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 216 116 Flipper Table Home Sensor, 64 Dye-Sub Intensity slide, 124 Flipper Table Tension Spring, 25 dye-sub printed image, 124 For Overlay Only, 155 Dye-Sublimation Ribbon panels, 124 For Print and Overlay, 155 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 217 Image Color tab, 79, 81, 83, 113, 124, 126 Image Darkness, 76, 200 Image Position controls, 171 Mag Encode Failed, 13 inadequate data cable, 16 Magnetic Card Analyzer, 202 incorrect image darkness problems, 76 Magnetic Encoder, 28 Input Hopper, 23 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 218 136 Omit Signature Area option, 154 Printer cannot align Flipper, 64 Omit Signature Area setting, 157 Printer cannot read encoded data, 45 Omit Smart Chip Area option, 154 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 219 Split 1 Set - Ribbon Panels, 116 Ribbon / Cards, 8, 108 SS, ES, FS, 151 Ribbon jammed, 48 Standard or Premium Resin or K, 112 Ribbon panels, 116 Start Sentinel, 203 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)
  • Page 220 Undefined Area(s) - K Panel Resin tab, YMCK, 112 YMCK / YMCKK print Ribbons, 116 Undefined Area(s) option, 130, 154 YMCK or YMCKK print Ribbon, 114 Unknown Ribbon Type, 52 YMCKH, 112 Update Failed, 15 DTC500 Series Card Printer/Encoders Troubleshooting Guide (Rev. 3.0)

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