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DataCard ImageCard IV User Manual

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User's Guide for the
ImageCard® IV Printer
ImageCard® Series
May 2003
Part No. 539042-001

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Summary of Contents for DataCard ImageCard IV

  • Page 1 User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer ImageCard® Series May 2003 Part No. 539042-001...

  • Page 2: Liability Statement

    Please do not attempt to operate or repair this equipment without adequate training. Liability statement This Datacard® product has been built to the high standards of DataCard Corporation. “Safety and compliance” on page A-1 for the statement of liability.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    About the ImageCard IV printer ....... 1-2 ImageCard IV printer options ....... . . 1-5 How options are identified in this manual .
  • Page 4 Loading supply in the cartridge ......4-11 Replacing the supply cartridge ......4-12 Changing the topcoat in the topcoat station .
  • Page 5 Magnetic stripe test card ........8-8 Problems with card appearance .
  • Page 6 NTT character set ......... . D-7 Magnetic Stripe settings used by the ImageCard IV printer ..D-8 Appendix E: Related publications .
  • Page 7 The Datacard® ImageCard® IV photo ID printer, including a description of the printer, its components, and the driver • Optional features of the ImageCard IV printer that may or may not be part of your printer • How information about optional features is identified in this manual •...

  • Page 8: Chapter 1: Overview

    (At the time of printing, the current printer driver is the SmartDriver version 5.1.) About the ImageCard IV printer The ImageCard IV photo ID printer includes the printer and a printer driver which runs on a PC. The printer uses supplies when printing cards, including: •...
  • Page 9 Figure 1-2: The ImageCard IV photo ID printer Figure 1-3 shows the back of the printer: Smart card serial port (optional) Parallel port ICIV060U Service port Power cord receptacle Figure 1-3: The back of the ImageCard IV photo ID printer User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...
  • Page 10 If you use the ImageCard IV printer to produce more than one type of card with different card stock, the removable tray also allows you to have one input tray and one output tray for each type of card stock you use.

  • Page 11: Imagecard Iv Printer Options

    The light-colored handles and knobs in Figure 1-3 are user controls. ImageCard IV printer options The ImageCard IV printer can be purchased with one or more of the following options installed: •...
  • Page 12 When that process is successfully completed, personalization continues and the driver manages communication and processing. The ImageCard IV printer can have a contact smart card module, a contactless (radio) module, or both modules. It can also have a contact station used with an external coupler.

  • Page 13: How Options Are Identified In This Manual

    Overview How options are identified in this manual This manual describes all of the features of the ImageCard IV printer, including all the options. Because many printers do not have all options, the following method is used to help you identify information that applies to an option.

  • Page 14: How The Printer Works

    Overview How the printer works The ImageCard IV printer produces personalized cards. The following describes the process used to print cards: The numbers in Figure 1-6 illustrate each step. The printing process begins with a card creation application running on a PC. In a card creation application, you assemble the elements of the card design.

  • Page 15: Pc And Software Specifications

    PC and software specifications The ImageCard IV printer must be used with a PC that runs the printer driver. The PC also runs a card creation application that captures and organizes the data to appear on each card.

  • Page 16: Who To Call For Assistance

    Who to call for assistance If you work with a Datacard-authorized dealer, distributor, or value-added reseller, contact them for assistance. A value-added reseller provides the ImageCard IV printer as part of an overall system. If any contents of the box are missing, contact your Datacard-authorized dealer, distributor or reseller.
  • Page 17 G etting started This section describes what to do before installing the Datacard® ImageCard® IV photo ID printer. It describes: • General requirements for using the printer • Selecting the site • Unpacking the printer • Supplies and tools to use with the printer...

  • Page 18: Chapter 2: Getting Started

    Keep paper and foreign materials off the ImageCard IV printer. • Do not block the left-side air vent or rear fan opening on the ImageCard IV printer. • Place the ImageCard IV printer on a stable platform; keep it off the floor.

  • Page 19: Physical Requirements

    Getting started • Single phase, 3-wire grounded receptacle only The maximum input current for the ImageCard IV printer is 5 amps at 100 VAC applied. Physical requirements The ImageCard IV printer requires an environment that accommodates its physical dimensions and weight.

  • Page 20: Environmental Requirements

    Storage temperature range: 0° F to 100° F (-17.8° C to 37.8° C) Unpacking the printer After you select a location that meets the site requirements for the ImageCard IV printer, unpack the printer. You need a cutting device to unpack the printer.
  • Page 21 Getting started Slide the printer and packing material out of the shipping carton (step 1 in Figure 1-2). Remove the back shipping cushion (step 2 in Figure 1-2). Remove the accessory bag (step 3 in Figure 1-2). Remove this User's Guide from the bag.

  • Page 22: Contents Of The Accessories Bag

    • User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer. The guide tells you how to set up, use, maintain, and fix problems with the ImageCard IV printer. • Cleaning pen. The cleaning pen can be used to remove deposits from the printhead and optional magnetic stripe head.

  • Page 23: Supplies, Parts, And Tools

    “Supplies and cards” on page B -1 “Related publications” on page E-1. Supplies, parts, and tools This section briefly reviews the supplies, parts, and tools used with the ImageCard IV printer. For details on supplies, see “Supplies and cards” on page B-1.

  • Page 24: Parts

    • You can purchase additional parts, including supply cartridges and card trays, for your ImageCard IV printer. If you make more than one type of card and use different supplies, additional supply cartridges allow you to keep supplies loaded in the cartridge. Additional supply cartridges also can help maintain production rates by allowing the operator to immediately replace an empty cartridge with a full one.
  • Page 25 S etting up the printer This chapter describes how to set up the printer and get it running after it has been unpacked. It describes: • How to connect the power cord, the interface cable, and the optional smart card cable(s) •...

  • Page 26: Chapter 3: Setting Up The Printer

    This section explains how to connect the printer to the PC that runs the printer driver and then to a power source. It also explains how to connect the optional smart card cable. If the printer is connected over a network, see the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers for connection information. Connect communication cables...
  • Page 27 Setting up the printer Contactless smart card module Contact smart card module or contact station ICIV054U Power cord receptacle PC serial port Service port (COMx) Printer parallel port Figure 3-2: Attach the optional smart card serial cable(s) If your printer has a smart card module, the ports to use correspond to the module installed: –...

  • Page 28: Unlocking The Cover

    Setting up the printer Verify that serial port settings are correct using the steps in “PC port settings” on page C-1. ♦ Connect the power cord Attach the power cord to the power receptacle on the back of the printer (step 1 in Figure 3-3).

  • Page 29: Loading Cards

    Setting up the printer ICIV013U Figure 3-4: Turn key to lock or unlock printer When the printer's top cover is unlocked, the input tray cover, input tray, output tray cover, and output tray can be opened or removed. The lock does not affect the ability to operate the printer.

  • Page 30: Load Cards

    Card input tray cover Card input tray Card pusher ICIV001U Figure 3-7: Load cards in the ImageCard IV printer Place up to 250 cards in the space created by moving the card pusher back (step 3 in Figure 3-7). If your cards are thicker or thinner than 0.030 inch (0.76 mm), the maximum number of cards you can load changes.

  • Page 31: Verifying The Debower Position

    Setting up the printer If you use a topcoat station, an overlay station or both, use composite cards with a nominal thickness of at least 0.030 inch (0.76 mm). Hold the card tray and release the card pusher to hold cards in place. Replace the input tray cover.

  • Page 32: Printing Thicker Or Thinner Cards

    ♦ Printing thicker or thinner cards The ImageCard IV printer can print cards that are as thin as 0.020 inch (0.5 mm or 500 microns) and as thick as 0.050 inch (1.3 mm). (These are nominal dimensions, and cards can be 10 percent thicker or thinner than the stated dimension.) If you use a topcoat station, an overlay station, or both, purchase and use composite cards with a nominal thickness of at least 0.030 inch (0.76 mm).
  • Page 33 Setting up the printer Set the card separator Remove the cover of the input tray. If the tray has a latch, turn the latch one- quarter turn counterclockwise to release the tray (Figure 3-9). Lift the input tray and set aside (Figure 3-9).
  • Page 34 3-10 Setting up the printer Card separator Card separator knob .035 - .055 inch (.89 - 1.4 mm) Guide roller .018 - .028 inch (.46 - .71 mm) iciv071u Figure 3-10: Set the card thickness – If the card cannot move past the separator, turn the card separator knob clockwise until the card can slide past the separator.

  • Page 35: Installing The Printer Driver

    The card stock might have more variation than the two cards used in making the setting. ♦ Installing the printer driver The ImageCard IV printer includes a CD-ROM that contains the printer drivers for the supported Windows operating systems. The supported operating systems are: • Windows Millennium Edition (Me) (recommended) •...
  • Page 36 SmartDriver Direct Network Guide for more information. • See the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers for information on printer pooling on the Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. Find the section that applies to the type of port and operating system on the PC: •...
  • Page 37 Choose “Restart” from the list and click OK to restart Windows. 20 When Windows has restarted, remove and insert the CD-ROM in the PC's drive. The Datacard Group window opens automatically. If the installation program does not start, make sure the CD-ROM is installed correctly.
  • Page 38 Continue with these steps and be sure to perform step 28. Click OK to close the message box if it appears. 27 The program installs the files for the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers. Click Finish when it is complete.
  • Page 39 3-15 Setting up the printer If the installation program does not start, make sure the CD-ROM is installed correctly. If needed, start the Demo32.exe application on the CD-ROM. Figure 3-13: Driver installation program Click “Install Driver.” The SmartDriver installation program starts. Figure 3-14: SmartDriver installation dialog box Click Next on the first Printer Driver Setup dialog box.
  • Page 40 Choose the e-Guides to install. You can choose the Magna e-Guide, the Select e-Guide, ImageCard IV e-Guide, or the SP35 e-Guide. Install the ImageCard IV e- Guide. (You can install additional e-Guides if you are likely to use more than one type of printer with this PC.) Click Next to install the e-Guide(s) you selected.

  • Page 41: Changing Required Printer Settings

    3-17 Setting up the printer Changing required printer settings After installing the printer driver, there are several other tasks you might need to perform. The required tasks are: • For Windows 2000, XP, and NT, set permissions to the printer for other users of the PC.

  • Page 42: Printing Sample Cards

    3-18 Setting up the printer Printing sample cards The printer is shipped with cards that are printed in the factory. You can also print a sample card, which looks like one of the factory-printed cards, using the Printer Toolbox. Print sample cards Begin with the printer powered on and connected to the PC, supplies loaded, the printer driver installed, and Windows running.

  • Page 43: Changing Optional Settings

    Change color settings. After the card design is defined and other components of an identification system are set up, you might want to change color settings for maximum color quality. See the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers for steps to follow.

  • Page 44: Setting Printer Permissions

    3-20 Setting up the printer Setting printer permissions If the PC to which the printer is attached has other users, set permissions that: • Make all features of the printer and driver available to users, including messages. (Messages inform users when they need to change the ribbon, load cards, and fix problems.) •...
  • Page 45 3-21 Setting up the printer • For a user connected through a network using Printer Sharing, select Allow only for the Print permission. (Select Deny for Manage Printers and Manage Documents.) Select Apply to save the change. Save changes for each name. Repeat steps 5 through 8 to add other users or groups.
  • Page 46 3-22 Setting up the printer User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...
  • Page 47 L oading supplies This chapter explains how to load supplies in the ImageCard IV printer. It describes: • How to change the print ribbon • How to change the cleaning tape • How to change the laminate (overlay) supply • How to change the topcoat supply For information about loading cards, see “Loading cards”...

  • Page 48: Chapter 4: Loading Supplies

    Remove the print ribbon cartridge from the printer when the "print ribbon empty" message appears, or when changing the type of ribbon you use. If you change the type of print ribbon you use, see the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers for the complete process to follow.

  • Page 49: Loading Print Ribbon In The Cartridge

    Loading supplies iciv168u Figure 4-2: Remove the print ribbon cartridge Move the printhead cage to the resting position (step 2 in Figure 4-2). Using the handle, lift the print ribbon cartridge straight up until the cartridge is above the printhead cage (step 3 in Figure 4-2).

  • Page 50: Replacing The Print Ribbon Cartridge

    Loading supplies Place the full supply roll on the right spool holder (step 1 in Figure 4-3). Place the empty take-up spool on the left spool holder (step 3 in Figure 4-3), with the ribbon in front of the glide rollers (step 2 in Figure 4-3).

  • Page 51: Changing The Cleaning Tape

    Loading supplies iciv170u Figure 4-4: Replace the print ribbon cartridge in the printer Lower the print ribbon cartridge into the printer (step 1 in Figure 4-4). Make sure the ribbon passes between the printhead cage and the print platen roller. Make sure the print ribbon passes through the color sensor (marked “S”...

  • Page 52: Removing The Cleaning Tape Cartridge

    Loading supplies Removing the cleaning tape cartridge Remove the cleaning tape cartridge when a "Cleaning tape empty" message appears or when setting up the printer. Remove the cleaning tape cartridge Push down on the corner of the printer's top cover to unlatch it. Lift the top cover to the fully upright position.
  • Page 53 Loading supplies Load cleaning tape in the cartridge Place the cleaning tape cartridge upside down on a level surface, such as a table, with the glide roller toward you. Pull up firmly on the full take-up roll to remove it. Do not re-use cleaning tape.

  • Page 54: Replacing The Cleaning Tape Cartridge

    Loading supplies Glide roller Empty take-up spool Full supply roll iciv180u Figure 4-6: Load cleaning tape in the cartridge 12 Press down on the take-up spool and turn slightly (if needed) until the spool fully covers the spool holder ribs (step 4 in Figure 4-6).

  • Page 55: Changing The Laminate In The Overlay Station

    Loading supplies Take-up knob Glide roller Glide roller shaft iciv040u Figure 4-7: Replace the cleaning tape cartridge Lower the cleaning tape cartridge into the printer. Press down firmly to seat the cleaning tape cartridge in the printer. Press down on the lock (step 2 in Figure 4-7) to secure the cleaning tape cartridge in the printer.

  • Page 56: Removing The Supply Cartridge

    4-10 Loading supplies Removing the supply cartridge Remove the supply cartridge when a "Supply empty" message appears, or when setting up the printer. Remove the overlay cartridge Push down on the corner of the printer's top cover to unlatch it. Lift the top cover to the fully upright position.

  • Page 57: Loading Supply In The Cartridge

    4-11 Loading supplies Loading supply in the cartridge After removing the supply cartridge from the printer, remove the used material and load new material. Load supply in the cartridge Place the supply cartridge upside down on a level surface, such as a table, with the wide side away from you.

  • Page 58: Replacing The Supply Cartridge

    4-12 Loading supplies 10 Lift the label on the supply roll and unroll about 8 inches from the supply roll. 11 Wind the supply material in front of the guides and around the take-up spool (step 3 in Figure 4-9). Make sure that the material will wind counterclockwise 12 Press the label onto the take-up spool to secure the supply material (step 4 in Figure 4-9).

  • Page 59: Changing The Topcoat In The Topcoat Station

    4-13 Loading supplies iciv035u Figure 4-10: Replace the overlay cartridge Lower the overlay cartridge into the printer (step 1 in Figure 4-10). Make sure the supply material passes between the heated roller and the platen roller. Turn the supply knobs if needed to take up slack so the material does not wrinkle as the cartridge is pushed in place.

  • Page 60: Removing The Topcoat Cartridge

    4-14 Loading supplies • Replace the topcoat cartridge If you change the type of supply material you use, see “Changing operational settings” on page 6-15 for the complete process to follow. Removing the topcoat cartridge Remove the topcoat cartridge when a "Topcoat empty" message appears or when setting up the printer.

  • Page 61: Loading Topcoat In The Cartridge

    4-15 Loading supplies Lift the cartridge straight up until the cartridge is above the edge of the printer (step 3 in Figure 4-11). Remove the cartridge from the printer. ♦ Loading topcoat in the cartridge After removing the topcoat cartridge from the printer, remove the used topcoat material and load new topcoat material.

  • Page 62: Replacing The Topcoat Cartridge

    4-16 Loading supplies iciv150u Figure 4-12: Load topcoat in the cartridge Make sure the ribs inside the spool align with the grooves in the spool holder. Press on the spool and turn the supply roll slightly (if needed) until the spool fully covers the spool holder ribs.
  • Page 63 4-17 Loading supplies If you have more than one optional station, make sure you match the cartridge with the station. Align the topcoat cartridge so the spools in the cartridge are over the spindles in the station. iciv148u Figure 4-13: Replace the topcoat cartridge Lower the topcoat cartridge into the printer (step 1 in Figure 4-13).
  • Page 64 4-18 Loading supplies User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...
  • Page 65 U sing the printer This chapter provides information to help you run the ImageCard IV printer effectively and efficiently. It describes: • How to use the buttons and panel lights on the printer • How to power on the printer •...

  • Page 66: Chapter 5: Using The Printer

    Using the printer Buttons and lights Two ImageCard IV printer buttons control the printer directly. Printer panel lights provide information about the printer’s current state. Buttons Use the Power button and Ready button to control the printer directly. (The printer driver also includes controls that affect the printer.

  • Page 67: Panel Lights

    Using the printer When the printer has been paused, press the Ready button to resume operation. If there are no problems in the printer, the printer finishes cards in the printer and moves them to the output tray. ♦ Clear cards from the printer To clear the cards currently in the printer, press and hold the Ready button until a tone sounds.

  • Page 68: Powering On The Printer And Pc

    Using the printer Status Light Description The printer is starting. Red Amber Green The printer is ready and waiting for cards. Steady green The printer is busy printing cards. Blinking green The printer is paused without an error. Steady amber The printer has issued a message.

  • Page 69: Making Cards

    ♦ Making cards This section describes several ways to make cards using the ImageCard IV printer. • The ImageCard IV printer is designed to produce cards continuously. Usually, cards are sent from a card creation application such as Datacard’s ID Works™...
  • Page 70 PCs that send jobs to the printer. Developers can write card creation applications using the SmartDriver™ Software Developer’s Kit. This kit can be found on the SmartDriver CD-ROM or downloaded from www.datacard.com. ♦ Make an exception card Wait until the printer has printed all the cards currently queued.

  • Page 71: Print From A Pc Application

    Replace the card input tray cover. In the card creation application, send the exception card to print. The ImageCard IV printer picks the exception card and uses the data from the card creation application to process it. When the exception card is complete, it is placed in the output tray along with all other printed cards.
  • Page 72 Using the printer – Set the paper size to CR80 Card 2.13" x 3.38". – Set all the margins to the same value as the driver. (You can set the margins in the application wider than the driver, if desired.) –...

  • Page 73: Operating Tips

    PC resources, such as processor speed and memory, can also affect the speed of processing for individual cards. Card quality tips Several factors can affect the quality of the cards printed by the ImageCard IV printer. Production rates lower when cards must be made again because of problems with quality.
  • Page 74 • Age of supplies Datacard supply products, such as print ribbon and topcoat or overlay supply, are dated. If supplies are older than the recommended shelf life, the quality of the cards might decline. See “Supply roll storage” on page B-6 for more information.
  • Page 75 • Shade count The ImageCard IV printer can print up to 16 million colors on one card, plus true black (K). The printer driver creates these colors with just three color panels of print ribbon (YMC) by combining colors and varying the intensity of each color (shades).
  • Page 76 5-12 Using the printer Recover from opening the top cover When the top cover opens, the interlock switch removes power to the motors and fans. Power is removed from the heater in the topcoat and overlay station. The topcoat and overlay stations remain HOT. Check the card location.

  • Page 77: Removing Cards

    5-13 Using the printer You can remove the card from the print station or allow the printer to clear the card. Replace the print ribbon cartridge. See “Replacing the print ribbon cartridge” on page 4-4. Close the cover of the printer and press to latch it. If the printer has a lock, lock the printer.

  • Page 78: Responding To Messages

    5-14 Using the printer Hold the card output tray and release the output tray card pusher. Replace the output tray cover. If the printer has a lock, lock the printer. ♦ Remove rejected cards Remove rejected cards from the reject bin when the "Reject bin full" message appears or when removing completed cards.
  • Page 79 Before you call your service representative, write down the following: – The message and message number. – The model of the printer, such as “ImageCard IV.” – The serial number of the printer. See “Troubleshooting” on page 8-1.

  • Page 80: Shutting Down The Printer And Pc

    5-16 Using the printer Depending on the situation, the message box might be removed automatically or you might need to respond. Cards still in the printer might be ejected. The message box can have one or more of these buttons: –...
  • Page 81 5-17 Using the printer – Unlatch and remove the card input tray and output tray. – Remove the print ribbon cartridge and optional supply cartridges. Carry cartridges to a secure location such as a safe, locking drawer, or locking closet. Close PC applications and power off other equipment (including the PC) following your established procedure.
  • Page 82 5-18 Using the printer User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...
  • Page 83 U sing the printer driver This chapter describes the tasks you perform using the printer driver. It describes: • How to change printer settings • How to use the Printer Toolbox • Operational settings to change in the printer User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...

  • Page 84: Chapter 6: Using The Printer Driver

    PC are connected so the value you select is sent to the printer and saved. (For printers used over a network, see the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers. For printers connected over a network using a print server, change settings from the Administrative PC first.)

  • Page 85: Properties For Windows Me & 98

    If you change the type of printing you do and use a different type of print ribbon, you need to change printer settings. The settings to change depend on the current ribbon type and the new ribbon type. See the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers for more information about changing the ribbon type.
  • Page 86 Using the printer driver Use the Properties dialog box Make sure the printer power is on and the printer is connected to the PC. Select Start from the Windows taskbar. From the Windows Start menu, select Settings and then Printers. The Printers window appears.

  • Page 87: Properties & Printing Preferences For Windows 2000 & Xp

    Using the printer driver Properties & Printing Preferences for Windows 2000 & XP The Printing Preferences dialog box includes the following settings or data: • Print on both sides (duplex printing) • Print ribbon type • Card design settings, such as landscape or portrait orientation •...
  • Page 88 Using the printer driver Figure 6-2: Properties dialog box, Windows 2000 and XP Select the tab that contains the information you want to view or change. If you make changes, click OK to save the settings and close the dialog box. If you do not want to make changes, click Cancel to close the Properties dialog box.
  • Page 89 Using the printer driver Figure 6-3: Printing Preferences dialog box, Windows 2000 and XP If the setting you want to change appears, select the setting. If the setting you want to change does not appear, click the Advanced button to display the Advanced Options dialog box.

  • Page 90: Properties And Default Document Properties For Windows Nt

    “Using the Printer Toolbox” on page 6-10. For a network-connected printer, see the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers . To view help for settings, click on the What's This help button and then click any setting in the Printer Features list. A list of settings is displayed. Select the setting for which you want help.
  • Page 91 Using the printer driver Select Start from the Windows NT taskbar. From the Windows NT Start menu, select Settings and then Printers. The Printers window appears. Click once on the SmartDriver icon. Select File from the Printers menu bar, and then select Properties. The SmartDriver Properties dialog box appears.

  • Page 92: Using The Printer Toolbox

    6-10 Using the printer driver If you have the Printer Toolbox open, you can click the Default Document Properties button on the Status page to open the Default Document Properties dialog box. Figure 6-6: Default Document Properties dialog box, Windows NT Select the tab that contains the information you want to view or change.
  • Page 93 6-11 Using the printer driver Figure 6-7: Printer Toolbox icon The Printer Toolbox starts as part of Windows startup and is displayed by default. If you exited the Printer Toolbox, it starts again after a card is printed or after the Properties, Printing Preferences, or Default Document Properties dialog box is opened.

  • Page 94: Opening And Using The Printer Toolbox

    6-12 Using the printer driver Use the Help button on the Printer Toolbox for more information about each window. Opening and using the Printer Toolbox You can use the Printer Toolbox to do the following: • View information about the printer and driver •...

  • Page 95: Viewing Printer Toolbox Information

    6-13 Using the printer driver Viewing Printer Toolbox information The Printer Toolbox displays the following status information: • The top line displays the current printer or driver status. • If the printer is directly connected to this PC, the second line displays any messages.

  • Page 96: Starting Or Quitting Advanced Setup

    Setup.” Click the Quit Advanced Setup button to remove the additional tabs and return to printing mode. For directly networked PCs, Datacard recommends that you use Advanced Setup only from an Administrative PC, and that you suspend communication at other PCs connected to the printer.

  • Page 97: Changing Operational Settings

    6-15 Using the printer driver Changing operational settings This section describes the operational settings for the printer that you can change using the printer driver. These settings can be used to customize the performance of your printer to meet the demands of your card design. Detailed information about how to change settings is available in help for each tab.

  • Page 98: Process For Changing Settings

    If you change the type of overlay or topcoat material you use, you should select the new material type using the Laminator–Material tab of the Printer Toolbox. The ImageCard IV printer is factory-set for the type of material you specified when ordering the printer. Use these factory settings unless you change the type of material.
  • Page 99 6-17 Using the printer driver module, make sure the magnetic stripe test cards and the printer have the same coercivity. – Permanent marker (for recording data on cards) or a pen (if you record data on paper). – Paper and tape, if you want to create log pages. A log page has “test cards” taped to it with corresponding data (such as setting values) written on the page.
  • Page 100 6-18 Using the printer driver User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...
  • Page 101 M aintaining the printer This chapter describes how to maintain the ImageCard IV printer for optimal performance. It describes: • How to use a cleaning card • Routine maintenance and cleaning tasks and how often to perform them • How to clean the printhead •...

  • Page 102: Chapter 7: Maintaining The Printer

    Maintaining the printer Using the cleaning card The rollers in the printer should be cleaned periodically with the ImageCard IV cleaning card to ensure card quality and continued smooth operation of the printer. The cleaning card is sticky and removes particles and other debris from inside the printer, especially from the rollers.
  • Page 103 Maintaining the printer Close the printer's top cover and push down to latch it. Remove the card input tray cover. Hold the tray and latch the card pusher in the notch on the bottom of the card input tray. Move cards back to rest on the card pusher.

  • Page 104: Routine Maintenance And Cleaning

    You are ready to resume normal printer operation. ♦ Routine maintenance and cleaning This section describes how to maintain and clean the ImageCard IV printer. Perform routine cleaning tasks weekly or after every 5000 cards. Routine cleaning tasks include: •...

  • Page 105: Cleaning The Outside Of The Printer

    Maintaining the printer • Cleaning the card input and output trays and cavities • Using the cleaning card Cleaning the outside of the printer The outside of the printer should be kept clean for best appearance and to prevent air intake and exhaust fans from moving debris inside the printer or becoming obstructed.

  • Page 106: Clean The Inside Of The Printer

    Vacuum cleaner with attachments • Clean, lint-free cloth • ImageCard IV cleaning card Clean the inside of the printer Turn off the power to the printer. Remove the power cord from the receptacle. Unlock the printer if needed. Push down on the corner of the printer's top cover to unlatch it. Lift the top cover to the fully upright position.
  • Page 107 – If you have not run a cleaning card, remove the protective paper from the ImageCard IV cleaning card. Figure 7-4: Remove the protective paper from the cleaning card Roll the sticky surface of the cleaning card against the full length of the debower roller to remove any particles.

  • Page 108: Cleaning The Card Trays And Cavities

    Maintaining the printer 10 Continue with other cleaning tasks, such as cleaning the card input and output trays and cavities. ♦ Cleaning the card trays and cavities The card input tray requires regular cleaning because it holds unprocessed cards, which can have particles or powder on them. The card output tray should be kept clean so it does not negatively affect card quality.

  • Page 109: Cleaning The Printhead

    Maintaining the printer Figure 7-6: Clean sensor windows in the card tray cavities Use the vacuum cleaner to clean all visible surfaces on the inside and outside of the card trays and their covers. Close the cover of the printer if it is open and press to latch it in place. Replace the card input and output trays and their covers and latch them in place.
  • Page 110 7-10 Maintaining the printer Remove the power cord from the power receptacle. Unlock the printer if needed. Push down on the corner of the printer's top cover to unlatch it. Lift the top cover to the fully upright position. Remove the print ribbon cartridge. See “Removing the print ribbon cartridge”...

  • Page 111: Cleaning The Magnetic Stripe Head

    ♦ Cleaning the magnetic stripe head The magnetic stripe head in the ImageCard IV printer directly contacts the card's magnetic stripe when encoding data. The head can become dirty, which interferes with its ability to encode data successfully. Use a cleaning pen to remove the particles or coating from the magnetic stripe head and restore the reliability of encoding.
  • Page 112 7-12 Maintaining the printer Push down on the corner of the printer's top cover to unlatch it. Lift the top cover to the fully upright position. Remove the print ribbon cartridge. See “Removing the print ribbon cartridge” on page 4-2. If the printer has a topcoat or overlay station in location 1, remove the supply cartridge to enable the card track gate to open farther.
  • Page 113 7-13 Maintaining the printer ICIV084U Figure 7-10: Gently clean the magnetic stripe head Close the card track gate. ICIV085U Figure 7-11: Close the card track gate 10 Replace the print ribbon cartridge. Also replace the topcoat or overlay cartridge if it was removed.

  • Page 114: Cleaning The Heated Roller

    7-14 Maintaining the printer Cleaning the heated roller At times, the heated roller in the optional overlay or topcoat station can have deposits that affect card appearance. Clean the heated roller to remove deposits and improve card appearance. Clean the heated roller Power off the printer.

  • Page 115: Replacing The Printhead Cartridge

    ♦ Replacing the printhead cartridge The printhead in the ImageCard IV printer has a direct effect on print quality. The printhead is subject to wear, which reduces card quality. If cleaning the printhead does not restore card quality, replace the printhead cartridge.
  • Page 116 7-16 Maintaining the printer Push down on the corner of the printer's top cover to unlatch it. Lift the top cover to the fully upright position. Remove the print ribbon cartridge. See “Removing the print ribbon cartridge” on page 4-2. Put on the ESD strap.
  • Page 117 7-17 Maintaining the printer iciv072u Figure 7-14: Press the printhead cage stop Avoid bumping the wheel at the bottom of the supply spindle (A in Figure 7-14). Push up on both sides of the printhead cartridge to release the printhead from the cage.
  • Page 118 7-18 Maintaining the printer iciv179u Figure 7-16: Guide the printhead cable through the cage ♦ After you remove the printhead cartridge, replace it with a new printhead. Replace the printhead cartridge Make sure the power for the printer is off. You can damage the printhead if you do not power off the printer.
  • Page 119 7-19 Maintaining the printer iciv179u Figure 7-17: Pass the connector through the printhead cage Lift the printhead cage to move it to the resting position. Grasp the printhead and align the side pins with the clips in the printhead cage. Press firmly on the ribbed side of the printhead (step 1 in Figure 7-18) and then...
  • Page 120 7-20 Maintaining the printer Align the connector and the receptacle with the green label away from the printhead. The connector fits into the receptacle in only one way, as shown in Figure 7-19. iciv181u Figure 7-19: Align the cable notch with the slot Press the printhead cable into the connector on the printhead board until it is seated (Figure...
  • Page 121 7-21 Maintaining the printer 11 Replace the print ribbon cartridge. See “Replacing the print ribbon cartridge” on page 4-4. 12 Close the cover of the printer and press to latch it. Lock the printer if needed. 13 Plug the power cable into the power receptacle. 14 Make a printer test card.
  • Page 122 7-22 Maintaining the printer User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...

  • Page 123: Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

    T roubleshooting This chapter explains how to troubleshoot the Datacard® ImageCard® IV photo ID printer and how to obtain service. It explains: • What to do if you think the printer is not working • How to make test cards •...
  • Page 124 Troubleshooting When you experience problems using the printer, follow these guidelines: • Record the printer model serial number located on the back of the printer, shown Figure 8-1. Label with serial number ICIV089U Figure 8-1: Location of printer serial number The last three or four digits form the sequential serial number, shown in Figure 8-2.

  • Page 125: Troubleshooting Guide

    Card did not print as expected “Working with Properties and other driver dialog boxes” on page 6-2 and the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers . If you think the printer is not working The printer, printer driver, and card creation application work together to produce cards.

  • Page 126: Making And Evaluating Test Cards

    Follow these steps to make printer test cards on all supported Windows operating systems. Make a printer test card The ImageCard IV printer does not need to be connected to a PC to print this card. Power off the ImageCard IV printer.

  • Page 127: Printer Test Card

    Troubleshooting ICIV183U Figure 8-3: Press and hold Ready button (1) and then Press Power switch (2) Release the Ready button. You hear the internal components initialize. Allow 30 to 60 seconds for the printer to begin printing the test card. The status light will flash green while the printer is processing the data.
  • Page 128 Troubleshooting Blue Cyan Magenta Green Dark Blue Yellow Black Black Black Border Figure 8-4: ImageCard printer test card (using color ribbon) Your service provider might ask you to use a different procedure to make a printer test card. The card printed might have additional areas printed on it. For UltraGrafix printers, the test card is printed with one color, such as black.

  • Page 129: Windows Test Page

    Troubleshooting Windows test page Follow these steps to print a Windows test page on all supported operating systems. Print the Windows test page The printer must be connected to the PC with the driver installed, and both printer and PC must be running. Select Start from the Windows taskbar.

  • Page 130: Magnetic Stripe Test Card

    Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows Print winNTtp Figure 8-6: Windows test page, landscape orientation The Windows test page can have a different appearance, depending on the operating system and how the printer is connected to the PC. The Windows test page is generated by Microsoft Windows. The small size of the card, compared to printer paper, means that some of the text is not printed on the card.

  • Page 131: Problems With Card Appearance

    This section describes possible problems you might observe with the quality of cards you produce with the ImageCard IV printer. To diagnose and fix card quality problems, find the symptom in the tables that follow. For each possible cause, attempt the solutions listed.

  • Page 132: Print Station

    8-10 Troubleshooting Print station Table 8-1 describes problems that can originate in the print station. Table 8-1: Print quality problems What you see Possible causes Solutions One or more unprinted The printhead might be Clean the printhead. See lines run the entire length dirty or damaged.
  • Page 133 Chapter 3. Fan cards before inserting them in The print ribbon might not the card cartridge. be Datacard- recommended. Obtain and use Datacard- ic4tcpnl recommended print The ribbon registration ribbon. See Appendix might be incorrect. Change the ribbon panel length.
  • Page 134 8-12 Troubleshooting Table 8-1: Print quality problems What you see Possible causes Solutions Printed card images The image capture system See the information for the (photos) are blurry. needs adjustment. image capture system. Printed cards, including The rollers may be dirty. Run a cleaning cycle, then text, are blurry.
  • Page 135 The printhead may be Clean the printhead. See dirty. Chapter The print ribbon is not Use only Datacard ribbon Datacard-recommended in the ImageCard IV ribbon. printer. If the problem persists, contact your service representative. Part of the printed image Cards might have Handle cards without is discolored.
  • Page 136 8-14 Troubleshooting Table 8-1: Print quality problems What you see Possible causes Solutions The printed card shows The card is scratched, the If the problem occurs small unprinted spots. card surface is uneven, or frequently, obtain and use the card edge has burrs. a different supply of cards.
  • Page 137 8-15 Troubleshooting Table 8-1: Print quality problems What you see Possible causes Solutions The card shows irregular The print ribbon is Lower the printhead lighter or darker spots. wrinkling because the intensity setting. See the intensity setting is too e-Guide. high.
  • Page 138 8-16 Troubleshooting Table 8-1: Print quality problems What you see Possible causes Solutions Black-and-white images The image capture system See the information for the are poorly dithered. needs adjustment. image capture system. Brightness, contrast, or Change settings on the sharpness might not be Color Settings tab of the set for the card design.
  • Page 139 8-17 Troubleshooting Table 8-2: Topcoat (T panel) quality problems—print ribbon What you see Possible causes Solutions The topcoat shows bands The printhead intensity is Increase the printhead across the width of the card. too low. intensity setting for topcoat. See the e-Guide . The printhead is not aligned Contact your service correctly.

  • Page 140: Optional Topcoat Station

    8-18 Troubleshooting Optional topcoat station This section describes problems that might originate in the topcoat station. Table 8-3: Topcoat quality problems—topcoat station What you see Possible causes Solutions Random scratches appear The inside of the printer is Clean the inside of the in the topcoat of the dirty.
  • Page 141 The supply is not a Obtain Datacard-approved laminate. Datacard-approved supply topcoat material. material. All topcoat materials The lot number of supply Contact your Datacard release particles. Cleaning material produces supplies vendor. the inside of the printer particles excessively. can help control topcoat particles.

  • Page 142: Optional Overlay Station

    8-20 Troubleshooting Optional overlay station This section describes problems originating in the optional overlay station. Holographic or clear laminate can be applied in the overlay station. When you apply laminate, you might see problems. Use this table to address problems you see with laminate.
  • Page 143 8-21 Troubleshooting Table 8-4: Overlay quality problems What you see Possible causes Solutions Laminate patch is off a Supply material is not Load the supply roll long edge of the card. loaded correctly in the correctly. See Chapter cartridge. Supply material is wound Remove used supply from loosely on supply roll, the take-up spool.
  • Page 144 Handle pre- loaded cartridges carefully to avoid contamination. The supplies are not Obtain and use Datacard- Datacard-recommended. recommended supplies. The printer is being used Move the printer to a clean in a dirty environment.

  • Page 145: Obtaining Service

    8-23 Troubleshooting Table 8-4: Overlay quality problems What you see Possible causes Solutions The surface of the card or The temperature setting is Change the temperature laminate appears uneven. too high. setting. See the e -Guide. The heated roller is Turn off the power to the damaged.

  • Page 146: Packing The Printer For Shipping

    8-24 Troubleshooting Packing the printer for shipping When service requests that you return the printer to a service center for repair, pack the printer for shipping. You might also need to pack the printer to send it to another location. Pack the printer Turn off the power to the printer.
  • Page 147 8-25 Troubleshooting Close the cover and press down to latch it. Use the original shipping carton, plastic bag, and foam shipping cushions. Latch the card trays to the printer so they do not move during shipment. You can also use clear packing tape to further secure the trays and their covers. 10 Place the plastic bag around the printer and close it.
  • Page 148 8-26 Troubleshooting 16 Place the rear shipping cushion in the box, covering the back of the printer, when the printer is completely in the carton (step 4 in Figure 8-8). 17 Close the cardboard flap at the opening to the shipping carton (step 5 in Figure 8-8).

  • Page 149: Appendix A: Safety And Compliance

    Communications du Canada. Notice for the European Union We hereby certify that the Datacard® ImageCard® IV photo ID printer complies with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC.This printer conforms to Class A of EN 55022 and to EN 301 489-5. Operation of this equipment in a residential environment may possibly cause interference.

  • Page 150: Notice For Taiwan And China

    Datacard, the printer manufacturer. You may not modify the coupler or how it is used without the written permission of Datacard. You may not operate the printer after modifying the coupler or its method of operation.

  • Page 151: Safe Environment

    73/23/EEC. Therefore, safety issues pertaining to operation and repair of Datacard® equipment are primarily environmental and human interface. The following basic safety tips are given to ensure safe installation, operation and maintenance of Datacard® equipment and are not to be considered as comprehensive on all matters of safety.
  • Page 152 User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...
  • Page 153 S upplies and cards This appendix describes specifications, part numbers, and handling for supplies and components used with the Datacard® ImageCard® IV photo ID printer. It includes: • Personalization supplies, including print ribbons, optional laminate material, and optional topcoat material •...

  • Page 154: Personalization Supplies

    Use Datacard-certified supplies in the printer. Print ribbons The ImageCard IV printer uses print ribbon with color panels. Color panels are identified by initials for their color as follows: Y=Yellow, M=Magenta (red), C=Cyan (blue). Print ribbons can also include a K panel to print black and a T panel which applies topcoat using the printhead.
  • Page 155 If you change the type of ribbon you use, be sure to make the appropriate changes to the printer driver. See “Changing the type of print ribbon” in the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers . When you use a monochrome-only print ribbon, use a printhead cartridge designed for monochrome printing for optimum results.

  • Page 156: Laminate Material

    Laminate material Use Datacard DuraGard® laminate material in the ImageCard IV printer if the printer includes an optional overlay station. (Laminate is also called overlay.) Some material types can only be used with the newer metal heated roller. The overlay station has a light blue dot on it if it contains a metal heated roller.
  • Page 157 Laminate the area of the smart card chip. About 300 uses. Datacard recommends that laminate patches not be applied over magnetic stripes or signature panels. Laminate can be applied over topcoat applied in the topcoat station. Full-card laminate can be applied to contactless (RF) smart cards.

  • Page 158: Topcoat Material

    Topcoat material Use Datacard-approved topcoat material in the ImageCard IV printer, if the printer includes an optional topcoat station. The following describes the topcoat supply to use: If the printer has an optional overlay station, see “Laminate material” on page B-4.

  • Page 159: Cards

    ImageCard IV printer. It also describes the environmental specifications for storage of card stock. Card specifications For best results with the ImageCard IV printer, use high-quality card stock that meets the specifications and recommendations described in this section. Card size...
  • Page 160 Pre-punched cards Datacard recommends that you punch cards after printing them. However, you can use pre-punched cards with the ImageCard IV printer as long as the hole is free of raised areas or burrs. Figure B-3 shows where punched areas are not allowed.

  • Page 161: Card Quality Guidelines

    New cards preferred The ImageCard IV printer is designed to print on new card stock. If you print on cards twice, be careful to avoid getting dirt, fingerprints, or other contamination on cards before the second printing. Printing on cards that have been issued might introduce substances that interfere with card printing or damage the printer.

  • Page 162: Card Storage Specifications

    1300 cards you print. Cleaning card The ImageCard IV printer uses a cleaning card to remove particles inside the printer left by printing supplies. Plan to use a cleaning card weekly or at least after every 5000 cards. If you use holographic topcoat, use a cleaning card daily or at least after every 1000 cards.

  • Page 163: Heated Roller Cleaning Stick

    Printer driver CD-ROM The ImageCard IV printer drivers are delivered on a CD-ROM. The CD-ROM also contains associated files and utilities you might need. The following table lists the contents of the CD-ROM, the path, and the purpose of the program, file, or utility:...
  • Page 164 Select e-Guide files, which contains error with AIT\DS-e-Guide.pdf recovery procedures and other files with names linked to help. in the S_xxx.pdf format D:\e-Guide\ ImageCard IV ImageCard IV e-Guide, which contains error -e-Guide.pdf and other files recovery procedures with names in the 4_xxx.pdf linked to help.

  • Page 165: Anti-Static Wrist Strap

    805768-001, from Datacard or obtain one from any electronics store. Printer components The ImageCard IV printer has a replaceable printhead cartridge. You can also order additional or replacement parts. This section describes the printer parts you can order. Printhead cartridge The ImageCard IV printer has a replaceable printhead cartridge.

  • Page 166: Print Ribbon Cartridge

    B-14 Do not touch the printing edge of the printhead in the printhead cartridge. If you do, use the cleaning pen to clean it. Print ribbon cartridge Be sure to change the print ribbon setting in the printer driver when you change the type of print ribbon.

  • Page 167: Interface Cable

    Chinese power cable (part number 806842-009) Smart card cable If the ImageCard IV printer has one or more smart card modules, it uses a smart card cable to connect the smart card port and the PC. The smart card serial cable must be a DB9 serial cable, up to 2 feet (1.8 meters) long maximum.

  • Page 168: Overlay Cartridge

    B-16 Overlay cartridge If your printer has both topcoat and overlay stations, you must have specific cartridges for topcoat and laminate (overlay). The cartridges are not interchangeable. Three models of overlay cartridge are available. Order the cartridge that matches the one you currently use.

  • Page 169: Topcoat Cartridge

    B-17 adjustable overlay cartridge kit is 553402-001. Follow instructions provided with the cartridge to use it. Clip Adjustment Knob Figure B-12: Adjustable overlay cartridge Topcoat cartridge If your printer has both topcoat and overlay stations, you must have specific cartridges for topcoat and laminate (overlay). The cartridges are not interchangeable.

  • Page 170: Spool Cap

    B-18 Figure B-14: Topcoat cartridge, part number 551215-002 Spool cap The spool cap maintains alignment of the supply material in the optional overlay or topcoat cartridge. The spool cap is part number 556900-001. Figure B-15: Spool cap Optional key You can purchase a replacement key for a printer with the optional lock. The key is part number 547069-001.

  • Page 171: Tray Latching Pin

    B-19 Tray latching pin You can purchase a replacement latching pin for the input or output tray. Both trays use the same latching pin. The latching pin is part number 547499-001. Figure B-17: Tray latching pin Fuse The fuse, located in the power receptacle, is part number 804960-017. Figure B-18: Power receptacle fuse The power receptacle fuse is a 2.5 ampere slow blow fuse.

  • Page 172: Card Output Tray

    B-20 Figure B-19: Card input tray Do not tip the trays upside down. The latching pins can fall out and the pin is required for the trays to operate properly. Card output tray Two card input trays are available, as shown in the following table. Order the cartridge that matches the one you currently use.

  • Page 173: Cleaning Tape Cartridge

    B-21 Cleaning tape cartridge Two models of cleaning tape cartridge are available. Order the cartridge that matches the one you currently use. Cartridge lock Part number Serial numbers Turn 556848-001 0992 and lower Push/pull 548632-999 0993 and higher iciv175u Figure B-21: Cleaning tape cartridge, part number 556848-001 iciv103u Figure B-22: Cleaning tape cartridge, part number 548632-999 User’s Guide for the ImageCard®...
  • Page 174 B-22 User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...

  • Page 175: Appendix C: Pc Port Settings

    P C port settings This appendix provides information about the PC on which the printer driver for the Datacard® ImageCard® IV photo ID printer is installed. It describes: • Configuring the ECP parallel port • Setting port values • Configuring the optional smart card serial port...

  • Page 176: Pc Port Settings For All Operating Systems

    PC port settings for all operating systems This section describes how to configure ports. See the information that accompanies your PC for details about changing the BIOS settings. Configure the ECP parallel port For most PCs, the parallel port is configured as an ECP parallel port in the PC's BIOS. The following applies to some PCs and to the Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 98, and Windows NT operating systems.
  • Page 177 Click the + next to Ports (COM and LPT) to display the port entries. Usually the second installed port is LPT2. Click Printer Port (LPT2), or other entry for the installed port, and then choose the Properties button. The Printer Port (LPT2) Properties dialog box appears. Click the Resources tab.

  • Page 178: Setting Parallel Port Values

    Make sure that "Enable Bidirectional Support" is checked. Do not choose "Enable Printer Pooling." To set up a printer pool on Windows 2000 or XP, see the e-Guide for ImageCard IV Printers. Choose OK to save the settings and close the Properties window.

  • Page 179: Setting A Smart Card Serial Port-Windows 2000, Xp, And Nt

    16 Click OK on the Printer Port (LPT1) Properties dialog box and on the System Properties dialog box to save settings and close the dialog boxes. ♦ Setting a smart card serial port—Windows 2000, XP, and NT For some smart card applications, you connect the PC to the printer’s smart card serial port.
  • Page 180 Figure C-3: Settings dialog box Choose the following settings: Setting Value Baud rate 9600 Data bits Parity None Stop bits Flow control None When the settings are correct, click OK to save settings and close the dialog box. ♦ Set the serial port on Windows XP From the Start menu, choose Settings and then Control Panel.

  • Page 181: Pc Settings For Windows Me And 98

    Figure C-4: Communications Port Properties dialog box Choose the Port Settings tab. If the PC has more than one serial port, make sure you view the settings for the serial port to which the smart card module is attached. Choose the following settings: Setting Value Baud rate...

  • Page 182: Setting Parallel Port Values-Windows Me And 98

    Setting parallel port values—Windows Me and 98 Parallel port values include the port to which the printer is assigned, the communication mode for the port, and printer spooling. Verify port assignment and settings From the Windows taskbar choose Start, Settings, and then Printers. The Printers window appears.

  • Page 183: Setting A Smart Card Port For Windows

    For some smart card applications, you connect the PC to the serial port on the ImageCard IV printer. The PC should be set to match the printer serial port settings. This section describes how to set the PC serial port in the Windows 98 and Windows Me operating systems.
  • Page 184 C-10 Choose the Properties button to display the port settings. If the PC has more than one serial port, make sure you view the settings for the serial port to which the smart card module is attached. Figure C-6: Settings dialog box Choose the Port Settings tab.

  • Page 185: Appendix D: Magnetic Stripe Encoding

    M agnetic stripe encoding This appendix describes the specifications and characters you can encode on a magnetic stripe in the Datacard® ImageCard® IV photo ID printer, including: • IATA, ABA, and TTS character sets • NTT character sets This appendix also describes basic steps required to set up for magnetic stripe encoding.
  • Page 186 • The following table lists formatting choices available and provides information about setup: Format Printer Data can be Data is Driver Magnetic stripe formatted by: verified by: format Diagnostics Module setting ID Works Driver Magnetic Stripe Fonts Printer (includes Preface) Escape Codes Printer J (single track)

  • Page 187: Magnetic Stripe Escapes

    Magnetic stripe escapes Customers have the ability to use magnetic stripe escape codes with the SmartDriver, version 5.0 and higher, and the ImageCard IV printer. Magnetic stripe escape codes are used by card printers from several other manufacturers. To support existing custom applications, Datacard has implemented magnetic stripe escapes.

  • Page 188: Using Magnetic Stripe Escapes

    – For Windows 2000 and XP, select Printing Preferences. On the Printing Preferences dialog box, click Advanced to display Advanced settings. – For Windows NT, click Document Default Settings. Click the Advanced tab to display Advanced settings. – If you have the Printer Toolbox open, you can click the Properties (9x), Printing Preferences (2000 and XP), or Default Document Properties (NT) button on the Status page to open the Properties or Advanced dialog box.
  • Page 189 #. Only the default start sentinel, a semicolon (;), is permitted. • For information about the characters allowed for each track format, see the following section. • For more information about requirements for using escapes, see the documentation for the non-Datacard printer. User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...

  • Page 190: Iata, Aba, And Tts Character Sets

    IATA, ABA, and TTS character sets The IAT encoding format selection for the ImageCard IV printer encodes IATA data on track 1, ABA data on track 2, and TTS data on track 3. IATA (International Air Transport Association) The maximum field length for IATA format is 76 characters. IATA allows spaces, upper case alphabetic characters, numeric characters, and the following special characters: ! # $ % ' ( ) * + , - .

  • Page 191: Ntt Character Set

    NTT character set The maximum field length for NTT (Nippon Telephone & Telegraph) format is 69 characters. NTT allows spaces, numeric characters, upper case alphabetic characters, lower case alphabetic characters, and special characters. From a PC running a Japanese edition of a supported Windows operating system, NTT also supports 55 Katakana characters.

  • Page 192: Magnetic Stripe Settings Used By The Imagecard Iv Printer

    Magnetic Stripe settings used by the ImageCard IV printer The following table presents technical details that apply to encoding magnetic stripe data. IATA Binary Character Differential Start Sentinel (SS) % (37) ; (59) ; (59) None (ASCII character) End Sentinel (ES) ? (63) ? (63) ? (63)
  • Page 193 Datacard printers, including the ImageCard IV printer. This manual is available only as part of the kit, which is available on the Datacard Web site. • ImageCard IV Service Information CD-ROM, Part Number 539119-001 This CD-ROM provides information to Datacard-authorized service providers who maintain or repair the ImageCard IV printer.
  • Page 194 User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer...

  • Page 195: Appendix F: Laminate Material Default Settings

    L aminate material default settings This appendix describes the default settings to use for different topcoat and laminate materials. Use these values: • To compare with the settings currently used by the printer • To setup the option station for a material that is not included in the Material Settings list in the Printer Toolbox Use the Advanced Setup Laminator -Advanced tab to view the values in the printer.
  • Page 196 The following are default values for laminate materials that can be used in an overlay station with a metal heated roller: Temp Speed Pressure DuraGard 0.5 mil Clear 1550 Laminate DuraGard 1.0 mil 1550 Clear Laminate DuraGard 0.6 mil 1550 Holographic Laminate DuraGard 1.1 mil Holo- 1550...

  • Page 197: Index

    Index blank quality 5-10 blank test 2-7 AC power cord 2-7, B-15 cleaning 1-4, 5-9, 7-2, B-10 administrator composite 3-7, B-7 printer 1-2 contactless specifications B-8 settings 6-3 debower 3-7 Windows 2000 and XP 3-12 design 5-6, 6-2, 8-4 Windows 2000, XP and NT 3-20, C-4 exception 5-5, 5-6 Windows NT 3-15 factory-printed 3-18...
  • Page 198 1-5 print ribbon B-14 unlocking 3-4 printhead 7-15 replace supply 4-12 replace topcoat 4-16 data cable B-15 center printing 6-16 Datacard Web site 3-12, B-13, D-1 character sets debower magnetic stripe D-6 cleaning 7-7 choices 6-12 setting 3-7 cleaning...
  • Page 199 faded cards 8-13 input tray FCC notice A-1 See card input tray 1-4 firmware version number 6-13 installation fixing problems 5-14, 8-3 Adobe Acrobat Reader B-12 flash, topcoat 7-2 installer 1-2 fonts printer 3-1 displaying 5-8 printer driver 3-11 magnetic stripe 5-8, D-2 problems 8-3 TrueType 5-8 set up tips 3-18...
  • Page 200 magnetic stripe (continued) output tray setup D-1 See card output tray 1-4 test card 8-8 overlay station test card data 8-6 about 1-6 track formats D-1 adjustable cartridge B-17 maintain the printer 7-1 apply material 6-5 making cards 5-5, 5-9 card debower 3-7 margins card thickness B-7...
  • Page 201 polyester patch 1-6, B-4 cleaning card use 7-2 port cleanliness 5-10 data 1-9 clear cards 5-3 ECP capable parallel port 1-9, 3-2, C-2 clearance 2-4 PC requirement 1-9 components B-13 printer 3-2 dimensions 2-3 service 3-3 firmware version 6-13 smart card serial 3-3, C-5, C-9 how it works 1-8 position of laminate 6-16, B-17 icon 6-2, 6-6...
  • Page 202 printer driver (continued) production rate 5-9 PC requirements 1-9 program printer type setting 6-2 card creation 1-10, 5-5 required settings 3-17 PC, to format cards 5-6 settings 3-17 printer driver 1-9 troubleshooting 8-3 Properties printer parts Windows 2000 and XP 6-5 adjustable overlay cartridge B-17 Windows Me and 98 6-4 card input tray 2-8, B-20...
  • Page 203 security SmartDriver incomplete cards 5-9 see printer driver 6-2 key 1-9 Software Developer’s Kit 5-6, B-12, D-1, E-1 print ribbon 5-9 spool caps B-18 rejected cards 5-13 Start menu 3-15 supplies 5-16 stations 1-5 sensor windows 7-8 status light separator blink amber without message 5-14 card 3-8 illustration 5-3...
  • Page 204 test card (continued) utilities magnetic stripe data 8-6 Cleanup B-12 options 8-6 SmartDriver Diagnostics B-12 printer 8-4, 8-6 purposes 8-4 test page vacuum cleaner 2-9, 7-5, 7-8 Windows 8-7, 8-8 voltage text printing 6-15 magnetic stripe 5-8 printing intensity 6-15 TrueType fonts 5-8 weight 2-3 tools...

Table of Contents