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User’s Guide Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System November 2020 528061-001, Rev A...
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Trademark Acknowledgments Entrust, Sigma and the hexagon design are trademarks, registered trademarks and/or service marks of the Entrust Corporation in the United States and other countries. Datacard is a registered trademark and service mark of Entrust Corporation in the United States and other countries.
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Safety The following basic safety tips are given to ensure safe installation, operation and maintenance of equipment. • Connect equipment to a grounded power source. Do not defeat or bypass the ground lead. • Place the equipment on a stable surface (table) and ensure floors in the work area are dry and non-slip.
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Revision Log Revision Date Description of Changes November 2020 First release of this document...
Chapter 1: Introduction About this Manual This manual provides user information for the Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance Systems. The manual includes: An overview of printer components and options, and a description of the system label. How to use the printer, including how to power the printer on and off, how to use the front ...
In addition, optional upgrade kits allow you to install a Wi-Fi Dongle. The configuration label on the printer shows the options installed. Refer to “Printer Configuration Label” page 13 for more information about identifying the factory-installed options on your card printer. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Printer Components Use the following sections to become familiar with the printer. Printer Left Side Wi-Fi USB Port Cable Lock Receptacle Power Connection USB Connection Data Port Ethernet Connection Wi-Fi USB Port The Wi-Fi port allows you to insert the optional Wi-Fi Dongle in the printer.
The output hopper holds up to 25 completed cards. LED Light Bar The LED light bar blinks to indicate a printer error status. It is a solid color when the printer is in Ready status. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Input Hopper Lock The input hopper lock unlocks the input hopper. Reject Tray Unfinished cards or cards not processed properly are placed in the reject tray. An administrator can change the reject card location to the output hopper using the Printer Dashboard. Refer to the Printer Dashboard Help for more information.
Button (B1) hopper cartridges. Slide the button to the left to release the bars. You must have unlocked the multi-hopper using the key or a software command before the lock bars can be released. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Cartridge Release The cartridge release buttons allow you to remove the cartridge Buttons from the multi-hopper unit. Push in the buttons, squeeze the cartridge, and pull it out from the multi-hopper. You do not need to remove a hopper cartridge to load cards. Exception Slide The exception slide allows you to insert a single card into the printer without unlocking the multi-hopper or opening a hopper cartridge.
Lift up the handle on the ribbon cartridge or cassette to remove it Handle from the printer. Ribbon Cartridge or The ribbon cartridge or cassette holds the print ribbon and cleaning Cassette roller. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Print Ribbons Depending on the printer model, the print ribbon is available as a replaceable roll that is loaded on the ribbon cartridge, or as part of a prefilled print ribbon cassette. Ribbon Cartridge The ribbon cartridge holds a roll of ribbon that you can replace when it runs out. The cartridge also holds a cleaning roller that is replaced with each ribbon change.
The ribbon cassette is shipped in a closed position and must be extended to its fully open position before installing it in the printer. Refer to “Install the Prefilled Print Ribbon Cassette” page Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
ES1 Emboss Module The ES1 emboss module can be added to the DS4 printer to add embossing and indent features to the card design. Refer to the ES1 Emboss Module User’s Guide for more information. DS4-ES1 Instant ES1 Emboss Module Issuance System About the Printer...
Input Hopper H0=No Hopper (Multi-Hopper Ready) H1, H2, H3, H4=125-Card Input Hopper with additional features (locks and card sensors) Duplex D0=Simplex, Duplex Upgrade Ready D1=Duplex blank=Simplex Magnetic Stripe M1=ISO M2=JIS blank=No Magnetic Stripe option Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
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Option Configuration Code Sx=Smart Card option, where x indicates the type of smart card Smart Card reader installed in the printer (refer to the printer’s Installation and Administrator’s Guide for a list of smart card readers supported by the printer and their option codes) blank=No Smart Card option Locks L1=Locks...
A data connection between the printer and PC. The connection can be via USB, network, Wi-Fi (if installed), or a Cloud connection. A network or Cloud data connection between the printer and PC. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Tasks and Users Typical roles in a card personalization system include: The operator, who makes cards, loads supplies, and handles minor problems such as card jams. The system administrator, who sets up the card printer and other hardware, sets up card ...
If multiple connection types are present, (for example, USB, IPv4, Wi-Fi), only the first connection address displays. To see the IPv6 addresses available to the printer, you must use the LCD Status menu. Refer to “Retrieve an IPv6 Address” page Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
When you use the arrow keys to view the printer IP address, the LCD panel also displays a QR code. Scan the QR code from a mobile device to start the Printer Dashboard to see additional printer information and work with the printer. To successfully scan the QR code on the IP address panel requires a camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels or higher.
LCD Panel Menus The LCD panel shows the printer’s menu system and displays printer messages or conditions. For a list of error messages and recovery information, refer to “Printer Messages” page Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
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When the printer is in the Ready status, the LCD displays the name of the printer. Press the U button to suspend the printer. Then, press E to enter the menu system. Use NTER the arrow keys to move through the menus, and press E to make a selection.
NTER to enter the menu system. Access the Status menu in the LCD menu system: Press the down arrow to display Status on line 3. Press E to enter the Status menu. NTER Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
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Press the down arrow until Network IPv4 displays on line 3. Press E to display the Network IPv4 menu. NTER Press the down arrow to display IP Address on line 3. Press E to display the IP address. Record the IP address. NTER Press the down arrow to display the Subnet Mask on line 3.
NTER to enter the menu system. Access the Status menu in the LCD menu system: Press the down arrow to display Status on line 3. Press E to enter the Status menu. NTER Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
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Press the down arrow until Network IPv6 displays on line 3. Press E to display the Network IPv6 menu. NTER Press the down arrow until the address method used by your network displays on line 3. DHCP SLAAC Manual ...
With Test Card displayed on line 2, press E to display NTER Start on line 3. Press E to print the test card. NTER After the card prints, the printer returns to Ready. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Load and Replace Supplies To prepare the printer to print cards, load blank card stock into the input hopper, and load the print ribbon into the printer. Load Cards If you plan to insert cards through the exception slot, make sure that blank cards are available near the printer.
Close the cartridge door. This releases the card weight so that it is lowered on top of the cards. Follow step 3 through step 7 to load cards into each input hopper cartridge. Rotate all the lock bars back into position. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Slide the lock bar release button to the right to lock the lock bars into place. Lock the multi-hopper. Caution: The lock bars, lock bar release button, and the multi-hopper door lock all must be in the lock position for the printer to operate. If any of the locks are left in the unlock position, the printer issues an error.
Load a new cleaning roller with each new roll of print ribbon. Replace it between ribbon changes if you notice debris on the printed cards, or if the cleaning roller is no longer sticky. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Install the print ribbon cartridge in the printer. Hold the ribbon cartridge by the handle and lower it into the printer with the handle toward the front of the printer. Position the ribbon cartridge in the guides. Close the printer cover. Press down on the ridges on the front of the cover to make sure that it latches completely.
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Position the ribbon cassette in the guides. Close the printer cover. Press down on the ridges on the front of the cover to make sure that is latches completely. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Use the Printer Dashboard The Printer Dashboard is a web-based printer management tool. You can access the Printer Dashboard using one of the following methods: Enter the printer’s IP address in a browser window. For example, https://12.3.45.678. Scan the QR code on the printer front panel with a mobile device when the printer IP address ...
CardWizard software. You can print a test card directly from the printer (refer to “Print a Test Card” page 25) or from the Printer Dashboard (refer to the Printer Dashboard Help for complete information). Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Print Cards from CardWizard Issuance Software CardWizard issuance software is designed to work with your financial account management system to securely issue credit and debit cards that comply with industry standards. Follow the CardWizard instructions to select a card design, and enter and save the data for the card.
New print ribbon is installed. You can perform the following cleaning tasks: Clean the Printer page 36 Clean the Printhead page 40 Empty the Reject Tray page 41 Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Clean the Printer The cleaning roller removes dust and particles from cards before they enter the printer. However, you also need to clean the inside of the printer regularly to maintain print quality. The cleaning card removes debris from the inside of the printer and from the transport rollers. Run a cleaning card each time you change the print ribbon, after every 500 cards processed by the printer, if print quality diminishes, or more often depending on your environment.
Maintenance displays on line 3 of the LCD panel. Press to enter the Maintenance menu. NTER Cleaning Card displays on line 3 of the LCD panel. Press to enter the Cleaning Card menu. NTER Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
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Start displays on line 3 of the LCD panel. Press E NTER start the cleaning process. Insert cleaning card displays on the LCD panel. Press the button to start the cleaning cycle. The LCD panel may display additional prompts when cleaning a printer without locks. The printer moves the card through the printer several times to clean the card track and transport rollers.
If enabled, the message “Cleaning required” displays on the printer LCD panel when the configured cleaning count is reached. Clean the printer to continue printing. An administrator can change the configured cleaning count using the Printer Dashboard. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Clean the Printhead Clean the printhead in the following situations: There are unprinted lines on the finished card. This usually indicates dirt or contaminants on the printhead. The printhead is touched accidentally. Oils from hands can affect print quality and damage ...
Unlock the printer and pull out the reject tray. You must unlock the printer to pull out the reject tray. Remove the cards from the tray. Close the tray and lock the printer. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
The XPS Card Printer Driver If you need to reinstall the Card Printer Driver, you can download the latest version from the Entrust website. Card production software Card production software formats the types of data used to print cards. Make sure that the card production software features you use work with your printer.
If the test card does not print, the printer is not working correctly. Request service for the printer. Connect the printer data cable, if necessary. Make sure that you use the same type of cable (USB or network) used when the printer was installed. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Print a card using your card production software. If the card prints, your software is working successfully with the printer. Troubleshoot the card design, if necessary. If the card does not print, check the following: In the application, is the correct printer selected in the Print Setup or Print dialog? ...
YMC (color) panels of the print ribbon. Refer to “Elements of Card Design” in the printer’s Installation and Administrator’s Guide for more information about color printing. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
The color printing has flaws Problem Probable Cause Solution One or more lines appear The printhead is dirty or Clean the printhead. Refer to “Clean the on the card. damaged. Printhead” page The print quality changes The ribbon type was The type of ribbon installed in the printer from the previous card.
Print only new cards. Refer to “Cards” in the printer’s Installation and Administrator’s printed and has topcoat Guide. on it. The printhead is not Contact your service provider for instructions installed correctly. to install the printhead correctly. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
The printing is too dark Problem Probable Cause Solution The card shows wrinkles The card includes very Change the design to use smaller areas of in darkly colored areas. dark areas. dark color. The printhead is not Contact your service provider. aligned correctly.
Change the data to be allowed by the magnetic encoded, and resend the print job. Refer to “Magnetic Stripe Design” in the printer’s Installation and Administrator’s Guide stripe format selected for the track. for more information. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Problem Solution The magnetic stripe data Review the encoding format setting for the tracks in the was sent in an encoding Printer Dashboard. Refer to the Printer Dashboard Help for format not supported by more information. Make sure that the application is using the the track.
Check the ribbon to make sure that it is not torn. Refer to “Repair a Broken Ribbon” page 54 “109: Print ribbon problem” page 59 to repair or replace the ribbon, if needed. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
Repair a Broken Ribbon A ribbon can break if the power applied by the printhead is too high. Do the following to repair a broken ribbon. Open the printer and remove the print ribbon cartridge Tape or cassette. Do not remove the used ribbon from the take-up spool.
The printer displays a message number and a short description for each message. The message also displays in the Printer Dashboard. Scan the QR code to the right of the message to display additional information on the Entrust website.
Printer Messages The following messages display on the printer LCD panel, on the Printer Dashboard,. Use the recovery instructions to respond to the message. The messages that display are determined by the printer model and the options installed on the printer. The messages described in the following sections may not display on all printers.
& T INTS The card might have been turned the wrong way. A diagram inside the input hopper shows the correct orientation. The card might not have a magnetic stripe. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
106: Magstripe data not found The printer did not find magnetic stripe data on card. Make sure that you are using magnetic stripe cards that match the printer settings. Make sure that the cards are placed in the printer correctly. Press the U button on the printer to clear the message.
The printer did not pick a card. To complete the current card, open the input hopper, add or reposition the cards, and close the hopper. Press the U button on the printer to clear the message. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
112: Card hopper empty The printer did not detect cards in the input hopper. Add cards to the input hopper. Press the U button on the printer to clear the message. 113: Close cover to continue The printer cover is open. Close the cover to continue. Press the U button on the printer to clear the message.
& T INTS To remove the reader request, you or your system administrator may need to clear a check box in the card production application. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
118: Print ribbon type problem The printer cannot use the ribbon installed. The card will be canceled. Use ribbon designed for this printer. Press the U button on the printer to clear the message. & T INTS Purchase ribbon from your dealer or authorized reseller. ...
Take the card from the printer. Turn the card over end to end so side 2 is facing up. Insert the card in the printer. If the card is not immediately picked, press the printer’s U button. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
149: Option not installed The printer does not support the personalization being requested for the card. The card will be canceled. Change the card data to match the printer’s options and settings, or print to a printer that is configured to support the personalization being requested. Press the User button on the printer to clear the message.
OWER Press the P button again to power on the printer. OWER If the error occurs again, request service. Click OK in the Card Printer Driver message to clear the message. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
276: Multi-hopper card jam The multi-hopper did not move a card into the printer. Press the U button to clear the error. If a card was jammed, it is moved to the reject tray. Click Retry, or click Cancel to cancel the card, in the Card Printer Driver message. 277: Multi-hopper pick error The multi-hopper did not pick a card from the input hopper cartridge.
The message displays on the PC that sent the card print job. It does not display on the printer LCD. 518: Unable to Print The driver does not support the printer you have selected. Contact your authorized service representative for assistance. Sigma DS4 and DS4-ES1 Instant Issuance System...
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