User Manual

Document No: 1225. Issue 2.07 - 18/04/2019

 ID Card Printer – User Manual

CONTENTS
Safety Instructions .................................................................................................................................. - 3 -

Printer Installation .................................................................................................................................. - 4 -

Welcome ......................................................................................................................................... - 4 -
Unpacking ....................................................................................................................................... - 4 -
IMPORTANT – Do not connect USB yet ........................................................................................ - 5 -
Printer location requirements: ......................................................................................................... - 5 -
Prepare the Cleaning Roller ........................................................................................................... - 6 -
Install the Dye-Film ......................................................................................................................... - 7 -
Connect the Power Supply ............................................................................................................. - 7 -
Download your Driver from the Magicard website .......................................................................... - 8 -

Using your ID Card Printer ................................................................................................................... - 12 -

Printer Parts .................................................................................................................................. - 12 -
Multi-coloured Button functions .................................................................................................... - 13 -
Powering ON................................................................................................................................. - 14 -
Powering OFF ............................................................................................................................... - 14 -
Printing the ‘internal test pattern’ .................................................................................................. - 15 -
Feeding cards ............................................................................................................................... - 15 -
Removing printed cards ................................................................................................................ - 16 -
Cancelling a print job .................................................................................................................... - 16 -

Choosing the right Dye Film ................................................................................................................ - 17 -

Choosing the right Cards ..................................................................................................................... - 18 -

Card material ................................................................................................................................ - 18 -
Card size ....................................................................................................................................... - 18 -
Card thickness .............................................................................................................................. - 18 -
To obtain good quality prints the Card must be : .......................................................................... - 18 -
Printable area of the Card ............................................................................................................. - 18 -
Using Magnetic Stripe cards ......................................................................................................... - 19 -
Using HoloPatch cards ................................................................................................................. - 19 -
Using Self-Adhesive Cards ........................................................................................................... - 19 -
Using Rewriteable Cards .............................................................................................................. - 20 -

The Printer Driver Settings .................................................................................................................. - 21 -

Caring for your Printer ......................................................................................................................... - 22 -

CLEANING IS EASY AND INEXPENSIVE ........................................................................................................ - 22 -
THE CLEANING ‘SYSTEM’ .............................................................................................................................. - 22 -
Cleaning supplies.......................................................................................................................... - 23 -
Cleaning the Printer Rollers with the Cleaning Card .................................................................... - 23 -
Replacing the Cleaning Roller ...................................................................................................... - 24 -
Cleaning the printhead using the Cleaning Pen ........................................................................... - 25 -

Available Consumables........................................................................................................................ - 26 -

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................... - 27 -

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Magicard Limited shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental consequential damages in connection with
the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information belonging to Magicard Limited and may not be wholly or partially copied,
stored in a data retrieval system, or used for any purpose other than that for which it was supplied, without the express
written authority of Magicard Limited. All rights are reserved.

The HoloKote feature is protected by US PATENT No: 5,990,918 and by EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION EP 0 817
726 B1.

Microsoft and Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, 8 and 10 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright © 2010 Magicard Limited.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent electric shock, do not remove covers.
Do not attempt to service the Printer yourself.
There are no User serviceable parts inside. In the event of malfunction, refer servicing to your ID Card Printer supplier’s
Service Centre.
For safety reasons, your Printer should only be used with its original supplied Power source.
Take care not to spill any liquid on the Printer.
Ensure that the Power Supply cable is not longer than 2 metres in length and includes a properly earthed connection.

If using this printer in Germany:

To provide adequate short-circuit protection and over-current protection for this Printer, the building installation
must be protected by a 16 Amp Circuit Breaker.

Bei Anschluß des Druckers an die Stromversorgung muß sichergestellt werden, daß die Gebäudeinstallation mit
einem 16 A-Überstromschalter abgesichert ist.

When handling the Printer, avoid touching the thermal printing edge of the Print Head. Any grease and contamination will
shorten it’s life.
Before transporting the Printer, remove the Dye-Film & Card Hoppers and pack the Printer in it’s original packaging.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

PRINTER INSTALLATION
Welcome

Thank you for choosing this ID card Printer.

Before setting up your printer, please follow the simple steps in this guide. This will help make your
printing experience more enjoyable and secure.

Unpacking

Please ensure you have all the items listed before you start installation.

1. ID Card Printer
2. USB Cable (1.8 metres)
3. Multinational Power Adaptor
4. Cleaning Card (1 T-cards)

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

IMPORTANT – Do not connect USB yet

It is important to install the printer’s Driver first, before connecting the USB cable between your PC
and ID Card Printer.
It can be found at start.magicard.com

Printer & Dye Film location requirements:

Normal Office environment with:

• A properly earthed Power Supply

• Ambient temperature +10 to 30OC (50 to 86OF)

• Protection from direct sunlight and chemicals

• Protection from abrupt temperature changes

• Relative Humidity 20 - 70%

• Sufficient space for :

- Opening the top cover

- Cable access at the rear

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Prepare the Cleaning Roller

Open the Printer, then…

1. Remove the Cleaning Cassette.

2. Pull the Paper Tab to remove the

protective covering on the new Roller.

3. Refit the Cleaning Cassette into the

Printer.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Install the Dye-Film

• Remove the Dye-Film from it’s packaging.

• Place the loaded spool into the rear slots

and the take-up spool into the front slots.

• Close the Printer.

Connect the Power Supply

Select the correct adapter for your region and connect to Power Supply
unit. Plug in and connect to Printer (which will automatically switch on).

IMPORTANT : Do not connect the USB until the CD

ROM has been installed.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Download your Driver from the Magicard website

1. Please use the link: https://support.magicard.com/solution/driver/

2. Now follow the on-screen instructions to install the Printer Driver

(please see instructions on Page 9).

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Driver installation instructions (continued).

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Choose to install the Driver

for USB operation.

You are now ready to install

the Driver !

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

The Driver installation is complete. The Printer can now be

connected to the PC.

NOTE: You may need to restart your PC.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

USING YOUR ID CARD PRINTER

Printer Parts
1

1. Lid Latch
2. Thermal Print Head 2
3. Power Button (multi-coloured)
4. Hand feed/Cleaning Card entry slot
5. USB Port
6. DC Power input
3

6 5

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Multi-coloured Button functions

This printer is fitted with a multi-coloured Button to indicate the
various functions of the Printer.

These functions are indicated below :

OFF
- Button not illuminated – the Printer is powered off.

GREEN
– Indicates a ‘Ready’ condition - the Printer is ready to accept a
print job.

YELLOW
– Indicates the Printer is busy (such as file downloads, printing
etc.)

FLASHING YELLOW
– Indicates the Printer is waiting for a card to be fed into the
Card Feed Slot.

FLASHING RED/YELLOW
– Indicates the Printer is waiting for the card to be removed
from the Card Feed Slot.

RED
– Indicates an error condition. Read the displayed error
message from the PC screen (e.g. “out of Dye-Film”)

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Powering ON

Press the button once and

release …..

x1
…. Printer begins initialising …..

…. after initialising,
Printer goes to ‘Ready’

Powering OFF

Press and hold …..

(approx 2 seconds)

x1 (hold)
…. until the colour changes …..

…. then let go!

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Printing the ‘internal test pattern’

Press the Power Button twice in quick succession ….

(within 0.5 seconds)
x2
… the button’s colour will change to yellow (busy)….

… after a few seconds, the button will FLASH

YELLOW to request a card to be fed into the front
card slot ….

Feeding cards

When the button FLASHES YELLOW …

… insert a card into the front card slot.

Note: See page 19 for correct orientation of magnetic stripe cards and HoloPatch cards.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Removing printed cards

When the button FLASHES RED/YELLOW …

… remove the card from the front card slot.

Cancelling a print job

Any print job can be cancelled.

This can be done while the printer is

downloading the image or printing it …..

x1
…. when the button is yellow, just press once and release.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DYE FILM

Note:

• 300YMCKO Dye-Film is generally the appropriate choice for colour printing with this
printer.

• 1000K & 600KO Dye-Film – where running costs are critical, monochrome printing is a
fraction of the cost of colour printing.

The Table below is a guide to selecting the best Dye-Film to use for any intended application.

Ribbon
Type of images you Cards per Panel Part Number
want to print Ribbon Layout
*

Colour (1 side only) 300 (printing on 1 side only) YMCKO MA300YMCKO

Monochrome:
Black
Red
Blue
MA1000K-n
Green 1000 (printing on 1 side only) K
(n = colour)
Gold
Silver
White
Scratch

Black + Overcoat 600 (printing on 1 side only) KO MA600KO

* Ribbon Panel Layout Key: Y=yellow, M=magenta, C=cyan, K=resin, O=overcoat (No Colour)

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARDS

Card material
Not all white plastic Cards are the same. For best image quality always use high quality PVC Cards.
Pure PVC card stock or laminated PVC/polyester Cards are available. The latter are more durable and
better suited to heavy use and heat lamination when required. For access control and Smart Card
applications, your Dealer should provide the appropriate type for “direct to Card” printing.
For good consistent results, stick to a single variety of good quality cards, such as those available
from your ID Card Printer’s supplier.

Card size
• CR80 (Standard) = 3.375” x 2.125” (86.50 mm wide x 53.98 mm high).

• CR79 = 3.03” x 2.051” (83.90 mm wide x 51.0 mm high).

Card thickness
• Minimum - 0.015” ( 0.38mm).
• Standard - 0.030” ( 0.76mm).
• Maximum - 0.063” ( 1.60mm).

To obtain good quality prints the Card must be:

• Glossy white.
• Free from dirt and grease.
• Free from surface contamination.
• Free from pits and bumps in the surface.
• Free from burrs at the edge of the Card.
CR80 - 1016 pixels
• Completely flat.
CR79 - 990 pixels

CR80 - 53.98mm (2.125”)

CR80 - 642 pixels
CR79 - 51mm (2.051”)
CR79 - 601 pixels ISO Standard
Cards Sizes

Printable area of the Card

Printable area of the Card CR80 - 85.6mm (3.375”)

This ID Card Printer offers high quality edge to CR79 - 83.9mm (3.303”)
edge (Full Bleed) printing.
Die cut PVC Cards typically have an edge roll off (bevel) which can result
in a fine white line around the edge of full bleed printed Cards.
When setting up your Card design (using your graphics software on your PC), you should use a
maximum page size of 1016 pixels (3.45”/87.5mm) x 642 pixels (2.13”/54mm).

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Using Magnetic Stripe cards

If you have a printer fitted with the optional magnetic encoding module,
you can simultaneously print and encode the magnetic stripe on the rear
of a magnetic stripe Card.

The magnetic encoding module can encode both

HI-CO and LO-CO Magnetic stripe Cards.

When feeding Magnetic Stripe Cards, make sure the

stripe is on the left and underneath (when viewing from
the front of the Printer).

Refer to your PC Badge printing Application for instructions

on how to print and encode a Magnetic Stripe Card.

Using HoloPatch cards From the Start Menu on your PC go to the <Printer and Faxes>.
Right click on the ID Card printer and from the drop-down menu select
<Printing Preferences>
Then select the <Card Front> tab and select HoloPatch.

Only the HoloKote watermark

image will be printed onto the
Gold HoloPatch.

HoloPatch cards should be fed in with the gold patch on top, and on
the Left-hand side (viewed from the front of the printer).

Using Self-Adhesive Cards

We recommend only using self adhesive cards supplied by Magicard Limited via your ID Card Printer
supplier.

There are many different types of self-adhesive cards. Thorough investigation and testing has shown
that poorer quality or incorrect card types will cause problems in the Printer. These problems range
from poor image quality, dye-film being cut and cards getting jammed in the roller mechanism.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Using Rewriteable Cards

Re-writeable

Rewriteable Cards use a special heat sensitive

layer on the upper surface that can be erased and
rewritten (at least 500 times).
These Cards are not printed in the conventional
sense (where Dye-Film is used), but instead use
heat transferred directly from the Thermal
Printhead into the card surface.

To print on rewriteable cards:

1. Remove the Dye-Film from the printer.
2. Close the lid.
3. Ensure the “Colour Format” (Driver Preferences) is set to “Monochrome (K Only).
4. On your PC, click ‘Print’ in your printing application.
5. Insert a rewritable card in the card feed slot with the mat surface of the card
facing up.

Should you need to make changes within the Driver, please see “The Printer
Driver Settings” on page 21.

Heat sensitive layer with

embedded dye and developer.

PVC or PET substrate

PVC layer for full quality colour/Monochrome printing.

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THE PRINTER DRIVER SETTINGS

To access the Printer Driver settings in Windows 2000 and XP :

1. On the PC, go to “Start” 1. Right mouse click on the ID Card

then “Printers and Faxes” Printer’s driver and select the
“Printing Preferences…” option.

To access the Printer Driver settings in Windows Vista/Windows 7 and 8:

1. On the PC, go to the 2. Select “Printers” 3. Right mouse click on the

Windows logo then ID Card Printer’s driver
“Control Panel” and select the “Printing
Preferences…” option.

Understanding each individual

driver setting :

The Printer Driver contains a built-in

help file (in HTML format) – this file
gives an excellent, clear explanation
of each Driver setting.

To view the Driver’s Help file, go to

the Printer Preferences (as described above),
and click on the “Help” button in any of
the Tabs.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

CARING FOR YOUR PRINTER

CLEANING IS IMPORTANT !!!

• Printer care is an important factor of your Printer’s operation and longevity.
• Maintaining a regular cleaning routine will give you optimum print quality and prevent
“down” time.
• We recommend that you clean the Rollers and Print Head each time you fit a new roll
of Dye-Film and replace the supplied Cleaning Roller.

CLEANING IS EASY AND INEXPENSIVE

If you have not already done so, order a Cleaning Kit - see the ‘Cleaning Supplies’ box on the
next page.
• A clean Printer produces better quality Cards, as dust and dirt are not present when the Card is
being printed.
• A clean Printer is much less likely to require Factory maintenance, and the Print Head in your
Printer will last for many years of normal use. Remember, large particles of dirt can damage
the Print Head.
• A clean Printer also produces better quality magnetic encoding.

THE CLEANING ‘SYSTEM’

There are three main parts to your Printer’s cleaning system :
1. Clean the rollers using the Cleaning Cards :
You use a Cleaning Card to remove dirt from the print path. This
should be used after every time you replace your Dye-Film (every
250 to 300 prints). If you print only a few Cards a day, we
recommend that you clean the Printer more often.

2. Clean your PVC Cards using the Cleaning Roller :

There is a disposable Cleaning Roller fitted inside the printer to remove dust &
debris from the surfaces of the PVC Cards.
This will prolong the life of the Print Head and will help maintain image quality.
It should be replaced every time you replace your Dye-Film. A replacement
Cleaning Roller is supplied free with every new roll of Dye-Film.

3. Clean the Print Head using the Cleaning Pen :

There is also a Cleaning Pen, which is used to clean the Print Head. We recommend you use this
if any lines are seen on printed Cards.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Cleaning supplies
Two Cleaning Cards and a Cleaning Roller (sleeve & bar) are bundled with each new ID Card Printer.
You can also purchase additional Cleaning Kits, which include Cleaning Cards, Rollers and Pens :-

• Cleaning Kit (10 cards, 1 pen) - Part number - CK1

• Cleaning Roller Kit (5 sleeves, 1 roller bar) - Part number - 3633-0054

Cleaning the Printer Rollers with the Cleaning Card

To prevent the PVC Cards slipping on the rollers during printing, we recommend that you
clean your Printer using a Cleaning Card each time you replace the Dye-Film.

A. Remove the Dye-Film.

Leave the Lid open.

B. Take a new Cleaning Card from it’s

foil packaging.

C. Start the cleaning routine by selecting

the Driver Preferences and then the
“Printer” Tab.

D. Click “Clean the Printer” Button.

Place the narrow end of the Cleaning Card
into the front Card Feeder slot.
The Card will automatically enter the Printer and
the Rollers will be cleaned.

When the cleaning cycle is finished, the Cleaning

Card will be ejected.

For maximum cleaning effect, it is recommended that

you turn the Cleaning Card over and then
repeat step D.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

Replacing the Cleaning Roller

A new cleaning roller is supplied with every new Dye-Film roll.

– Open the Printer, remove the used Dye-Film, then :-

1. Pull out the Cleaning Cassette.

(This is the positioned towards the front of the Printer – just behind the front
Card slot – see below).

2. Slide out the metal bar, then remove and discard the used
Cleaning Roller.

3. Slide the metal bar into the new Cleaning Roller.

2
4
3

4. Pull the tab (A) to carefully remove the Cleaning Roller’s

protective cover. This will reveal the Roller’s “tacky” surface.

5. Place the new Cleaning Roller into the Cleaning Cassette,

and refit the Cleaning Cassette into the Printer.

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Cleaning the printhead using the Cleaning Pen

We recommend that you clean the Print Head each time you replace the Dye-Film.

• Take the Cleaning Pen from your cleaning Kit.

• Open the Printer and carefully run the Pen several times, along the complete length of the
Print Head.

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

AVAILABLE CONSUMABLES

Product Code Description

Dye-Film
• MA300YMCKO YMCKO 5 panel Dye-Film, 300 images.
• MA600KO - KO 2 panel Black Resin Dye-Film, 600 images.
• MA1000K - Monochrome Black Resin, 1000 images.
(Various monochrome colours avalable).

Product Code Description

Cleaning Kit
• CK1 - Contains 10 Cleaning Cards and 1 Pen.
• 3633-0054 - Contains 5 Cleaning Rollers and 1
Roller Bar.

Cards
• All standard PVC ISO CR79/CR80 sized Cards.
• HoloPatch®/Magstripe cards are available.
Card thickness: 0.51mm to 1.02mm (20mil to 40mil).

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 ID Card Printer – User Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING

Table 1 - Printer Error Messages

Error Message Probable Cause Solution
- Close the lid to continue
Lid Open, please close to The lid is open either during a print
- Do not open the lid while the printer is
continue. job or when there is a print job
printing or if there is a print job being
Code = 01:00 to 01:15 pending.
sent to the printer.

1. Ensure the card is being fed into slot

in the front when the multi-coloured
Hand feed error, please button flashes YELLOW.
The printer has not detected a card
select and try again. 2. Ensure card is inserted far enough into
inserted in the front slot.
Code = 03:00 to 03:01 the slot for printer's rollers to grab it.
3. Do not pre-stage a card in the printer
before printing.

1. Open the lid and remove the card if

possible.
If not close the lid and see if the card
Card Jam, please clear
The card has failed to move into the will eject.
printer mechanism.
correct position in the printer. 2. Once removed make sure your cards
Code = 06:00 to 06:27
are within the printers recommended
specification.
3. Clean the printer rollers

1. Make sure you are using genuine film

No film detected please
from the original printer supplier
load a new roll of film to The printer detects an invalid RFID
(cheaper clone supplies can cause
continue. film tag
this problem).
Code = 07:00
2. Install a new roll of film.

1. Make sure you are using genuine film

from the original printer supplier
(cheaper clone supplies can cause
this problem).
2. Check there is dye film installed, if not
Out of dye film, please load - install a roll of film.
While advancing the dye-film to the
a new roll of film to 3. Check whether the dye film has been
correct starting position, the printer
continue. completely expended, if so - install a
does not see the film advance.
Code = 08:00 to 08:18 new roll.
4. Make sure your dye film gear is
meshing with the film teeth.
5. Make sure you have the correct power
supply plugged into the printer.
6. Try installing a new roll of ribbon.

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Table 1 - Printer Error Messages (continued……)

Error Message Probable Cause Solution
1. Make sure you are using genuine film
from the original printer supplier
(cheaper clone supplies can cause
this problem).
Unsupported film, please 2. This could be a new film type for the
The printer has validated the dye-film
load different film to printer so a firmware upgrade might
but the configuration of colors is
continue. be needed. Download the latest
unsupported.
Code = 09:00 firmware from our website and install
it.
3. This could be genuine film, but the
incorrect type for your printer - check
with your supplier.
1. Make sure you have the right film type
fitted in your printer.
Wrong film type. Please
2. Check that your driver settings are
load different film to Can arise if sending a color print or
correct.
continue or press cancel to overcoat print job to a single color
3. Reinstall the printer driver.
clear print job. (monochrome) film.
(Note - If printing prn's to the printer it
Code = 10:00 to 10:06
can bypass the driver settings and
can produce this error).
1. Make sure you are using genuine film
from the original printer supplier
Can't find panel. Please (cheaper clone supplies can cause
check film and printer The printer cannot find the requested this problem).
mechanism, or press color panel within 8 panels of its 2. Make sure your dye film gear is
cancel to clear print job. starting point meshing with the film teeth.
Code = 11:00 to 11:02 3. Make sure you have the correct power
supply plugged into the printer
4. Try installing a new roll of ribbon.
RFID PCB Missing.
1. Make sure you have the correct power
Reconnected PCB to The printer does not detect the RFID
supply plugged into the printer.
continue. PCB
2. Try installing a new roll of ribbon.
Code = 12:00
Print Head Error, switch 1. Turn off the power, then make sure
The printer detects that the print
printer off and reconnect the printhead cable is connected.
head cable is not correctly
print head. 2. Check to make sure the correct power
connected.
Code = 13:00 to 13:02 supply is connected.
1. Turn off the printer so to allow the
printhead to cool down.
2. Check to make sure your room
Overheat error, switch temperature is with in the
printer off and allow The print head temperature is out of recommended specifications.
printhead to cool. range or is too hot. 3. Make sure your printer has proper air
Code = 14:00 to 14:01 flow around it.
4. Your printer driver settings for Print
Head Power might be set to high.
Reset them to 50.

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Table 1 - Printer Error Messages (continued……)

Error Message Probable Cause Solution
Image too dark, Please
1. Reduce the Print Head Power settings
cancel print job and reduce
Your printer driver settings for Print in the driver to 50.
driver printhead power
Head Power are set to high. 2. Make sure the correct power supply is
settings to try again.
connected.
Code = 15:00

1. Check the inside of the printer for

Can't Lift Head, Check The printer is attempting to move
obstructions.
Printer Mechanism. internal mechanical parts, but does
2. Check to make sure the correct power
Code = 16:00 to 16:08 not detect any movement
supply is connected.

1. Check the inside of the printer for

Can't Drop Head, Check The printer is attempting to move
obstructions.
Printer Mechanism. internal mechanical parts, but does
2. Check to make sure the correct power
Code = 17:00 to 17:01 not detect any movement
supply is connected

Mag Verify Fail,

1. Make sure you have the correct power
Press Retry or Cancel to The printer does not detect the RFID
supply plugged into the printer.
continue. PCB
2. Try installing a new roll of ribbon.
Code = 19:00 to 19:01
The printer has printed more than
Clean Required,
700 cards since the rollers were last
Please clean rollers to
cleaned. It needs to be cleaned to 1. Clean the print rollers.
avoid deterioration.
prevent deterioration of print
Code = 21:00
performance.
Wrong PSU?
Please switch printer OFF
The printer detects a low level of 1. Make sure the correct power supply is
and check the power
output from the Power Supply Unit. connected.
supply.
Code = 23:00

Table 2 - Card Feed Problems

Problem Probable Cause Solution
Cards failing to travel 1. Dirty rollers. 1. Clean the rollers.
correctly through the
Printer. 2. Fit correct Cards
2. Incorrect Card size.
Gives error message:-
“Card not found”.

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Table 3 - Printer Prints but with Image Quality Problems

Problem Probable Cause Solution
Mis-registration of colours. 1. Card is slipping due to dirty 1. Clean all Rollers. (See page 20
(Ghosting on Photographs etc.) Rollers. of this document).
Small areas of wrong colour. 1. Dust and debris on surface of the 1. Ensure Cards are kept clean, and
Card. (white ovals). protected from dust & debris.
(Small areas where one or
2. Contaminated with oily deposits 2. Replace Cards with clean ones
more colour layers have been
(darker blotches). and do not handle print surface.
missed from the image).
3. Card surface uneven (White 3. Replace Cards.
patches).
4. In the Driver, reduce printhead
4. Slight cutting of Dye-Film due to power setting, or determine
Print Head density set too high which end of Card is cutting the
(Jagged scratches). Film & adjust image “Start” or
“End” position accordingly, in the
Driver.
Dark or lighter vertical lines on 1. Card striking something during 1. Check print path is clear.
Card (always in the same the print process.
2. Contact your supplier’s Technical
place). 2. Card not running smoothly along
Support department for advice
the platen runway.
on clearing the Platen.
Vertical white line down one or 1. Incorrect Driver setting. 1. Ensure the Driver is not set to
both ends of Card. “White Border”.
2. Ensure page size 86.9mm x
2. Image page size incorrect.
54mm with margins at zero (in
Badging Application).
3. Incorrect image “Start” or “End” 3. Adjust settings in Driver.
position settings.
White line along length of all 1. Print Head has damaged heating 1. Contact your supplier’s Technical
Cards (always in the same elements. Support department for advice on
place). Print Head cleaning or
replacement.

Table 4 - Magnetic Encoding Problems

Problem Probable Cause Solution
Magnetic Encoding 1. Card slipping when moving over 1. Clean all Rollers. (See page 20 of
results are inconsistent. the Magnetic Head. this document).
2. Incorrect Cards fitted HI-CO / LO- 2. Ensure the correct type of magnetic
CO. stripe cards are being used.
Cards do not encode. 1. Card incorrectly oriented when fed 1. Position card with the stripe
into Printer. underneath and to the left when
2. Driver selections are incorrect for inserting into Printer.
encoding. 2. Check the Printer Driver settings are
3. Incorrect or defective Cards. correct.
3. Ensure the correct type of magnetic
stripe cards are being used.

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Table 5 - Dye-Film Problems

Problem Probable Cause Solution
Dye-Film is being cut 1. Ribbon sticking to Card. 1. Ensure cards are not already ‘used’.
during the print operation. Then lower Print Head power
settings.
2. Image printing over the ends of
the Card. 2. Adjust either the image “Start” if
cutting at beginning of film panel, or
the image “End” if cutting at rear of
Film panel.
Image is printed outside 1. A used roll of Dye-Film has been 1. Fit a new roll of Dye-Film.
the colour panels. (Puts a fitted.
coloured band across one
2. Remove loose Dye-Film.
end of Card). 2. Take Up Spool wound too
loosely.

Areas of Dye-Film peeling 1. Card has been used and has 1. Use only brand new cards (not ones
off card. Dark mosaic like overcoat layer on it. which failed to print fully).
image.
Cards printed incorrectly 1. Failure to re-set Driver settings 1. Set correct the Driver settings for
after switching between 2. A used roll of Dye-Film has been colour format.
YMCK and black Film. fitted. 2. Replace Dye-Film with a new roll.

Table 6 - Driver Related Problems

Problem Probable Cause Solution
Slow data download 1. Computer polling Access Control 1. Operate from a dedicated PC.
from Computer to Printer System in background.
2. Corrupted Driver or Spooler.
2. Update to latest Driver version.
No data download 1. Incorrect Printer Driver selected in 1. Select the correct printer driver in the
between PC and Printer, the Windows “Printers & Faxes” Windows “Printers & Faxes” window.
but Printer can print window.
2. Check Port selection in Driver
“Internal Test Cards”.
properties.
2. Incorrect Port selected.
3. Update with latest Printer Driver.
3. Driver corrupted.
Prints stuck in Print 1. Print Spooler paused. 1. Enable the Print Spooler.
Spooler. 2. Printer communication blocked. 2. Clear the Spooler and reset the
3. Damaged file is at front of print Printer.
queue. 3. Delete the damaged print if
necessary, and reset the Printer.
Print Spooler will not 1. Corrupted Printer Driver file. 1. Un-install the Printer Driver and then
automatically ‘enable’ re-install.
after each print.

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