Page 1 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Part Number: XXXXXX...
Page 2 RESTRICTED USE ONLY DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1), property of Fargo Electronics, Incorporated Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 by Fargo Electronics, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Exclusive permission is granted to authorized resellers of Fargo products to reproduce and distribute this copyrighted document to authorized Fargo customers, who have signed a “no disclosure agreement”...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer Overview _________________________ 1-3 Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Block Diagram _________________ 1-3 Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Sequence of Operations___________ 1-4 Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Boot up Sequence _______________ 1-7 Section 2: Specifications ____________________________________________________ 2-1 Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 2-1 Regulatory Compliances ________________________________________________ 2-2...
Page 4 Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 5-1 Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 5-4 DTC400/DTC300 Print Driver Options_____________________________________ 5-5 Reviewing DTC400, DTC300 and DTC300M Printer Drivers _________________ 5-5 Reviewing DTC400 Printer Drivers______________________________________ 5-5 Reviewing DTC300 Printer Driver ______________________________________ 5-6 Reviewing DTC300M Printer Drivers ____________________________________ 5-7 Using the Card tab _____________________________________________________ 5-8 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev.
Page 5 Using the Clean Printer Option ________________________________________ 5-12 Using the Test Print button ___________________________________________ 5-14 Using the About button ______________________________________________ 5-15 Using the Device Options tab (DTC400/DTC300) ___________________________ 5-16 Adjusting the Ribbon Type option______________________________________ 5-16 Selecting the Auto Ribbon Select option _________________________________ 5-17...
Page 6 Section 7: Parts Replacement ________________________________________________ 7-1 Section 8: Packing the Card Printer___________________________________________ 8-1 Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 8-1 Section 9: Board Level Diagnostics ___________________________________________ 9-1 Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 9-1 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 7 Reviewing Example No. 1: Serial Number 80453289 ______________________ 12-2 Reviewing Example No. 2: Serial Number A1280224______________________ 12-2 Section 13: Reviewing the Spare Parts List ____________________________________ 13-1 Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Spare Parts List ________________ 13-1 Section 14: Glossary of Terms ______________________________________________ 14-1 Section 15: Index___________________________________________________________ 2 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev.
Page 8: Section 1: Introduction
Section 1: Introduction How to use the manual The DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) is, in fact, the troubleshooting and User Guide for the entire card Printer. The manual is designed to provide Installers and Technicians with quick, efficient lookup of related procedures, components and terms.
Page 9: Safety Messages (Review Carefully)
• To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 10: Dtc400/Dtc300/Dtc300M Card Printer Overview
Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Block Diagram Motors Sensors Card Feed Print Stepper Ribbon Drive Print Headlift Ribbon Rewind Motor DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Card Feed Ribbon Sensor Ribbon Encoder Headlift Sensor Printhead Thermistor Ribbon LED SNR RFID Antenna Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 11: Reviewing The Dtc400/Dtc300/Dtc300M Sequence Of Operations
If Ribbon type does not match, the media light will begin flashing. The Card Input Motor and Print Stepper Motor engage. The Card Feed Sensor detects leading edge of card and disengages the card input Motor. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 12 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Sequence of Operations (continued) Step Process Step Process The Print Ribbon Drive engages. The Print Ribbon Sensor looks for the color transition from Yellow to Magenta. Print Ribbon Encoder detects number of revolutions required to use an entire color panel.
Page 13 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Sequence of Operations (continued) Step Process The Card Feed Stepper Motor engages to queue card for magnetic encoding. The Encoding data is written to the card. The Card Feed Stepper will re-queue card for each verification pass required.
Page 14: Reviewing The Dtc400/Dtc300/Dtc300M Boot Up Sequence
Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Boot up Sequence Step Process On Power up, the Printer checks the current state of the Card Feed Sensor and the Headlift Sensor. If the Headlift Sensor is found to be open, the Headlift Motor will turn until a closed state is seen.
Page 15: Section 2: Specifications
The purpose of this section is to provide the User with specific information on the Regulatory Compliances, Agency Listings, Technical Specifications and Functional Specifications for the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1). Table of Contents Section 2: Specifications __________________________________________________ 2-1...
Page 16: Regulatory Compliances
The Card Printer has been tested and complies with EN 60950- 1:2001 and bears the UL-GS mark. License Number: 1176 The Card Printer is listed under UL IEC 60950-1 (2001) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT. File Number: E145118, Volume 1, Section 22 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 17: Agency Listings
Card Input 100 cards (30 mil) Hopper Capacity Colors DTC400/DTC300: Up to 16.7 million (DTC300M): Monochrome Dimensions 6.7"H x 13.1"W x 10.5"D / 170mmH x 333mmW x 267mmD DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 18: Technical Specifications (Continued)
• DTC300M: Resin Thermal Transfer • Print Speed DTC400/DTC300: 30 seconds per card / 120 cards per hour (YMCKO) • DTC300M: 5 seconds per card / 720 cards per hour (K) (Note: Indicates the print Ribbon type and the number of Ribbon panels printed where Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan, K=Resin Black, B=Dye- Sublimation Black and O=Overlay.)
Page 19 IBM-PC or compatible; Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and XP; Pentium™ Requirements class 233 MHz computer with 64 MB of RAM or higher, 200 MB free hard disk space or higher, USB 1.1 Weight 15 lbs. / 7 kg DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 20: Visual Security Solutions (Specifications)
Visual Security Card Stock - Tolerances • Tolerance of base foil placement will equal +/- .010" from the nearest edges of the card • Tolerance of layered foil will equal +/- .010" DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 21: Verimarktm - Application Specifications
Outside edge placement of Foil impression options on card will be 0.4 cm from edge of card. • HoloMarkTM foil placement options will be at all four corners of card located 0.4 cm from edge of card. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 22: Functional Specifications
This Card Printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve its remarkable direct-to-card print quality for dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer. The Card Printer will print from any IBM-PC® or compatible running Windows® 98SE, Me, Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
Page 23: Printer Components: Front Cover
Printer for the next print job.) If a card is left within the Printer after a print job is canceled, it will automatically be ejected when the Printer is turned back ON.
Page 24: Printer Components: Print Ribbons
Ribbon panels found on each Ribbon. This letter code is as follows: = Dye-Sublimation Yellow Panel = Dye-Sublimation Magenta Panel = Dye-Sublimation Cyan Panel = Resin Black Panel = Clear Protective Overlay Panel DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 2-10...
Page 25: Printer Components: Resin-Only Print Ribbons
ID cards. (provides 1,000 prints) Metallic Resin Metallic resin Ribbons are available for printing resin images with a unique metallic sheen. (provides 1,000 prints) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 2-11...
Page 26: Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation Print Ribbons Note that the Printer requires both specialized and authorized print Ribbons in order to print and function properly. Step Procedure Do not run the cards with a contaminated, dull, or uneven surface through the Printer.
Page 27: Printer Components: Dye-Sublimation/Resin Print Ribbons
Both infrared and visible-light bar code (provides 250 scanners can read bar codes printed with resin black. prints) • An overlay panel (O) is included to protect the full-color dye- sublimation printing. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 2-13...
Page 28: Printer Components: Blank Cards
The Card Printer accepts standard CR-80 sized and 20 mil. cards (3.370"L x 2.125"W / 85.6mmL x 54mmW) with a thickness of 30 mil (.030"/.762mm). Card The Printer will print onto any card with a clean, level and polished PVC Design surface.
Page 29: Section 3: Setup And Installation Procedures
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Section 3: Setup and Installation Procedures The following guide will walk you through the installation of the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer Driver. • Time Requirement (software): This software installation process will require approximately 2 to 5 minutes (depending on the speed of your PC).
Page 30 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Printing a Test Print Image ___________________________________________ 3-27 Printing a Test Print Image (continued) ________________________________ 3-28 Printer Transport _____________________________________________________ 3-29 Moving the Printer to another location __________________________________ 3-29 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 31: Printer Setup And Installation
Place the unit in a location with adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build up. • Use the Printer's dimensions as a guideline for the minimum clearances to the unit. (Note: Allow for adequate clearance in front of the unit to accommodate the unit with its Covers open.)
Page 32: Unpacking And Inspection
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Unpacking and Inspection While unpacking your Printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage has occurred during shipping. Make sure that all supplied accessories are included with your unit. Check that the following items are included: •...
Page 33: Reviewing The Printer (Front View)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Reviewing the Printer (front view) Reviewing the Printer (front view; Cartridge being installed) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)
Page 34: Reviewing The Lcd (Top-Front Part Of Printer)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Reviewing the LCD (top-front part of Printer) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)
Page 35: Connecting The Printer Power
Printer Driver installation.) Step Procedure Plug the AC adapter power cable into the back of the Printer. See Display A. Plug the wall power cable into the AC power adapter. Plug the wall power cable into a standard 110VAC power outlet.
Page 36: Installing The Print Ribbon Cartridge
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge The Fargo DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer uses a one-piece, disposable Ribbon Cartridge load system. Every full color Ribbon Cartridge contains a 250 “full color card count” Ribbon and a Card Cleaning Roller. Step...
Page 37 Raise the front Cover and press the front Cover’s black rubber pad or touch pad to secure it. Display A – Shows the Print Ribbon Cartridge before it is installed or inserted into the Printer. The Card Cleaning Roller (see arrow) is already inserted into the Print Ribbon Cartridge.
Page 38 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge (continued) Display B – Shows direction that Cartridge is inserted in the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 3-10...
Page 39: Installing Blank Cards Into The Card Hopper
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper The Fargo DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Printer is capable of printing single load cards and multiple feed cards (batch mode). • To print using single feed, simply remove all cards from the Card Hopper, leave the Card Hopper door closed and place a card in the single Feed Card Slot (which can be used repeatedly).
Page 40 Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (continued) Display B - Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down. Insert the cards. Here the Lever is still up. Here the Lever is pressed down. Continued on the next page DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 3-12...
Page 41 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (continued) Here are the cards ready to insert. Here the Input Hopper Door is closed. Continued on the next page DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 3-13...
Page 42: Lowering The Card Output Hopper
Lowering the Card Output Hopper Step Procedure The Fargo DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M comes with a Card Output Hopper (to hold cards after they have been printed). Pull on the Output Hopper and lower its Cover down until it snaps into place. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 43: Printer Driver Installation
(Note: If the CD does not automatically open, use “My Computer” or “Windows Explorer” to view the contents of the CD. Then, double-click on the Setup.exe file listed on the CD.) Click on the following buttons to install the appropriate Printer Driver and Online User’s Guide, as shown below: •...
Page 44 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure Wait during the installation. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 3-16...
Page 45 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Next button to continue with the Setup program. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 3-17...
Page 46 Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure Read the License Agreement. Select the I accept the terms of the license agreement option and click Next to continue. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 3-18...
Page 47 Printer Driver User’s Guide • Fargo Diagnostics Utility (Note: Selecting Custom will provide the option to select which components to install.) b. Click Next to continue. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 3-19...
Page 48 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure Click Install to begin the installation. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 3-20...
Page 49 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure Select the port that your Printer is connected to at this time. Click on the OK button and continue with the installation. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 50 Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure a. Connect the USB cable to the Printer. b. Turn ON the Printer at this time if it is not already ON. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 51 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure Wait while the Driver components are being copied to your PC. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 3-23...
Page 52 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Finish button to complete the Setup, as shown below. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 3-24...
Page 53 Click on the Yes button to exit the installer, as shown below. b. Click on the No button to return to the installer’s main menu to install additional software components. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 54 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Installing the Printer Driver (continued) Step Procedure You have completed the installation. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 3-26...
Page 55: Printing A Test Print Image
From your computer’s startup menu, select Settings > Printers and Faxes (Windows XP) or > Printers (Windows 98SE, Me and 2000). b. Double click on the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer under the Printers window. c. Select Printing Preferences under the Printer drop-down menu. This will bring up the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Printing Preferences window.
Page 56: Printing A Test Print Image (Continued)
This completes the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer/Encoder Installation Guide. For additional help regarding the Test Print and other related items please see the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide located under Start > Programs > Fargo. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 57: Printer Transport
Moving the Printer to another location Step Procedure The Printer can be transported by gripping it under the back lid, as shown in the photo below. You have completed the setup and installation procedures in this section. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 58: Section 4: General Troubleshooting
Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error ______________________________ 4-32 Resolving a Headlift Motor or Sensor Error (continued)___________________ 4-33 Resolving the Cover Open Error Message________________________________ 4-34 Resolving the Blank Output issues _____________________________________ 4-35 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 59 Resolving the Image Placement problems (continued) ____________________ 4-49 Resolving the Poor Image Quality problems ______________________________ 4-50 Running the Self Test__________________________________________________ 4-51 Running the Standard Self Test Print____________________________________ 4-52 Running the Magnetic Self Test (HiCo Only) _____________________________ 4-53 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 60: Safety Messages (Review Carefully)
• To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 61: Communications Errors
Confirm that the Driver is current by checking at: www.fargo.com Determine the problem with printing from the application. a. Print a self-test from the Printer by holding down the Pause button on power up to ensure that the Printer (itself) is functioning properly.
Page 62: Resolving The Communication Errors (Continued)
Defragmenter found in the Accessories folder of the Start Menu. • Use a disk cleanup utility (such as Disk Cleanup found in the System Tools folder of the Start menu) or use a third party application. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 63: Print Process Errors
Review the following information. • Symptom: Cards will not feed at all. • Printer Error State: Card is not being detected by the Card TOF Sensor 11 seconds after the initiation of a print job causing the Printer to produce an error •...
Page 64 Remove all cards from the Hopper. b. Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down until the Card Tray locks into place. c. Using the Fargo Diagnostic utility send a test print to the Printer. See the Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs.
Page 65 Ensure that the Card Hopper Feed Motor power cable is securely connected to the Card Hopper Feed Motor. d. Use the Fargo Diagnostic utility to send a test print to the Printer. See the Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs.
Page 66: Resolving A Card Not Fed Error (Two (2) Or More Card Feed At The Same Time)
Card Hopper Roller. Printer is out of cards. • Printer Error State: Card is not being detected by card TOF Sensor 11 sec after the initiation of a print job causing the Printer to produce an error • LCD Error Display: Card Not Fed •...
Page 67 The blocked Sensor should read +4.99 vdc. • The open Sensor should read +1.5 vdc. c. If the Card Feed TOF Sensor does not read properly, replace the Sensor. Clean the Card Feed Roller. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-10...
Page 68: Resolving A Ribbon Rfid Error (Ribbon Rfid Antenna Is Corrupted)
Printer Error State: The Ribbon tag information is corrupted or incorrect. • LCD Error Display: Ribbon RFID Error • Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon RFID Error DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 4-11...
Page 69 Replace the Print Ribbon Cartridge. b. Press on the Resume button. c. If the error continues, see Resolving the Ribbon RFID Error (Ribbon RFID Sensor is Corrupted) in this section. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-12...
Page 70: Resolving A Ribbon Rfid Error (Ribbon Rfid Sensor Is Corrupted)
Replace the Print Ribbon RFID Sensor. a. Replace the Print Ribbon RFID Sensor. b. Press on the Resume button. c. If the error continues, replace the Printer Main Board. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-13...
Page 71: Resolving The Mag Verify Error
Printer Error State: The Printer is unable to verify encoded data. • LCD Error Display: Mag Verify • Driver Monitor Error Display: Mag Verify DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 4-14...
Page 72: Resolving A Mag Verify Error (Continued)
Module docking station. e. If the Magnetic module is properly seated, replace the magnetic head (as needed). (Note: See the current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for related instructions in the Parts Replacement Section.) If data is being written to the Magnetic Stripe, the Magnetic Offset may need to be adjusted.
Page 73 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Resolving a Mag Verify Error (continued) Step Procedure Verify that the coercivity of the cards matches the Driver Settings. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-16...
Page 74: Resolving The No Mag Installed Error
Review the following information. • Symptom: There is not Magnetic Encoder installed. • Printer Error State: A print job with Magnetic encoding was sent with no Magnetic encoder installed in the Printer. • LCD Error Display: No Mag Installed •...
Page 75 Remove the Magnetic Module cover screw. c. Remove the Magnetic Module cover. d. Verify that the Printer has a Magnetic Module installed. (Note: If the Printer is equipped with a Magnetic Encoder Module, ensure that it is seated securely into the Magnetic Module docking station. If the issue persists, replace the Magnetic Module.
Page 76: Resolving A Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue)
Review the following information. • Symptom: The Printer rolls through Ribbon and errors out • Printer Error State: The Printer cannot find the next panel on the Ribbon. • LCD Error Display: Ribbon Miscue • Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon Sensor DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev.
Page 77: Resolving A Ribbon Sensor Error (Ribbon Miscue) (Continued)
Press the Cancel Print button on the Driver Monitor Error Display Message. Reboot the Printer by cycling the power. Using the driver calibration tab calibrate the Ribbon Sensor. If the issue persists, continue to Step 8. Replace the Ribbon Sensor. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-20...
Page 78: Resolving A Ribbon Break Jam Error
Printer Error State: The Ribbon Supply Encoder Sensor has unexpectedly stop receiving information from the Ribbon Encoder • LCD Error Display: Ribbon BreakJam • Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon BreakJam DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-21...
Page 79: Resolving A Ribbon Break Jam Error (Continued)
Remove the rear cover in order to check that the Ribbon Encoder Sensor is securely connected to the J-4 Main Board connection and to the Encoder Sensor. a. Press on the Resume button. If the issue persists, replace the Encoder Sensor. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-22...
Page 80: Resolving A Ribbon Out Error
Printer Error State: The Ribbon Sensor has detected the End Of Ribbon mark • LCD Error Display: Ribbon Out • Driver Monitor Error Display: Ribbon Out Replace the Ribbon Cartridge a. Press on the Resume button. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-23...
Page 81: Resolving A No Ribbon Installed Error
Review the following information. • Symptom: Printer errors out as soon as it receives data from PC • Printer Error State: The Printer RFID Sensor is not receiving a signal from the Ribbon • LCD Error Display: No Ribbon •...
Page 82: Resolving A No Ribbon Installed Error (Continued)
If the connections are loose, reattach • . Press on the Resume button. • If the connections are good or if the issue persists, continue to Step 4. Replace the Ribbon RFID Sensor. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-25...
Page 83: Resolving A Invalid Ribbon Error
Printer. Step Procedure Review the following information. • Symptom: Printer errors out as soon as it receives data from the PC • Printer Error State: The Ribbon installed does not match the Printer model. • LCD Error Display: Invalid Ribbon •...
Page 84: Resolving A Invalid Ribbon Error (Continued)
If the connections are loose, reattach • Press on the Resume button.. • If the connections are good or if the issue persists, continue to Step 5. Replace the Ribbon RFID Sensor. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-27...
Page 85: Resolving A Wrong Ribbon Error
Printer. Step Procedure Review the following information. • Symptom: Printer errors out as soon as it receives data from the PC • Printer Error State: The Ribbon installed does not match the Printer Driver information • LCD Error Display: Wrong Ribbon •...
Page 86: Resolving A Wrong Ribbon Error (Continued)
Verify the Driver settings are correct. a. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer. • If using Windows 98SE, Me, right click on the DTC400/DTC300 Card Printer Icon and select Properties. • If using Windows 2000/XP, right click on the DTC400/DTC300 Card Printer and select Printing Preferences.
Page 87: Resolving A Card Jam Error
Printer Error State: Card TOF Sensor is detecting no card motion • LCD Error Display: Card Jam • Driver Monitor Error Display: Card Jam DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 4-30...
Page 88: Resolving A Card Jam Error (Continued)
Open the Printer’s front cover. b. Remove the Ribbon Cartridge from the Printer. c. Check to see if a card is jammed in the print station of the Printer. d. If a card is found in the print station, continue to Step 3.
Page 89: Resolving A Headlift Motor Or Sensor Error
Printer Error State: Headlift Sensor is not detecting movement from the Headlift Cam • LCD Error Display: Head Lift Error • Driver Monitor Error Display: General Error DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 4-32...
Page 90: Resolving A Headlift Motor Or Sensor Error (Continued)
Parts Replacement Section.) d. If the Motor does turn, continue to Step 7. Replace the Headlift Motor. (Note: See the current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for related instructions in the Parts Replacement Section.) a. If the Motor does turn, continue to Step 8.
Page 91: Resolving The Cover Open Error Message
Open the front cover and examine the Lid Sensor tab for damage, if the Sensor tab is damaged, replace the front cover. (Note: See the current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for related instructions in the Parts Replacement Section.) b. If the Sensor still does not work, continue to Step 4.
Page 92: Resolving The Blank Output Issues
After a self-test has been run, open the top cover. b. Remove the Print Ribbon from the Printer. c. Visually inspect the set of panels that were last used by the Printer. d. If an image is noticeable on the used Ribbon, continue to Step 4.
Page 93: Resolving The Blank Output Issues (Continued)
Resolving the Blank Output issues (continued) Step Procedure Adjust the placement. a. Reset the Printer to clear any Error Messages by removing the power and reapplying it. b. Open the Printer Control Panel from the Computer. • If using Windows 98SE, Me, right click on the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer Icon and select Properties.
Page 94 If less than 22 volts is read on any of the pins, replace the Printhead. • If still having issue with blank cards, replace the Main Board. (See the current DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M User Guide for instructions on replacing the Main Board in the Parts Replacement Section.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 95: Diagnosing Image Problems
Check the card stock for scratches. Replace the cards (as needed). Examine the Printhead for visible damage. Clean the Printhead. See the Cleaning the Printhead procedure. Replace the Printhead if the problem persists. See Replacing the Printhead Assembly (D900023). DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-38...
Page 96: Resolving The Card Surface Debris Problems
Clean the inside of the Printer. See Cleaning the Printer's Interior. Clean the Cleaning Roller. See Cleaning the Card Feed and Cleaning Rollers. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-39...
Page 97: Resolving The Incorrect Image Darkness Problems
Driver Monitor Error Display: None Run a self-test to ensure that the issue is not with the Driver settings. Adjust the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver. See Using the Image Color tab procedure.
Page 98: Resolving The Incorrect Image Darkness Problems (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Resolving the Incorrect Image Darkness problems (continued) Step Procedure Correct the Image Darkness. See the Using the Image Darkness option procedure. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-41...
Page 99: Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle Problems
Confirm that the Printer is using the most current Driver via: http://www.fargo.com Reduce the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver. See the Using the Image Color tab. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 100: Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle Problems (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Resolving Ribbon Wrinkle problems (continued) Step Procedure Reduce the Image Darkness. See the Using the Image Darkness option procedure. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-43...
Page 101: Resolving The Excessive Resin Printing Problems
LCD Error Display: None • Driver Monitor Error Display: None Reduce the Resin Heat setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver. See the Using the Image Color tab. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 102: Resolving The Excessive Resin Printing Problems (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Resolving the Excessive Resin Printing problems (continued) Step Procedure Reduce the Image Darkness. See the Using the Image Darkness option procedure. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-45...
Page 103: Resolving The Incomplete Resin Printing Problems
LCD Error Display: None • Driver Monitor Error Display: None Increase the Resin Heat setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer Driver. See the Using the Image Color tab. Increase the Image Darkness. See the Using the Image Darkness option procedure.
Page 104: Resolving The Image Placement Problems
All Troubleshooting procedures assume that only factory-authorized supplies are in use in the Printer. This procedure is used to adjust the position of the card in the Print driver and does not change the internal settings of the printer. See Using the Printer Calibration Utility for instructions on changing the printers internal settings.
Page 105: Resolving The Image Placement Problems (Continued)
Click on OK. b. Run a self-test. c. If the white border is diminished, continue the adjustment until it is gone. Graphic A DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 4-48...
Page 106 If the white border is on the botom edge of the card, adjust the Vertical value by -2. a. Click on OK. b. Run a self-test. c. If the white border is diminished, continue the adjustment until it is gone. Graphic B DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-49...
Page 107: Resolving The Poor Image Quality Problems
If a small or low-resolution image is stretched or blown up, a pixilated or grainy effect will occur when printing, as shown below (rightside). DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 4-50...
Page 108: Running The Self Test
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Running the Self Test Perform a self-test after (a) an initial setup of the Printer, (b) a calibration procedure has been conducted, or (c) a part has been replaced to check for proper Printer operation. Step Procedure Verify that a full-color or Premium Resin Ribbon Cartridge is installed and that cards are properly loaded.
Page 109: Running The Standard Self Test Print
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Running the Standard Self Test Print Display A Full Color Test Print Display B Resin Test Print (insert image of resin test print) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 4-52...
Page 110: Running The Magnetic Self Test (Hico Only)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Running the Magnetic Self Test (HiCo Only) Perform a self-test after (a) an initial setup of the Printer, (b) a calibration procedure has been conducted, or (c) a part has been replaced to check for proper Printer operation.
Page 111: Section 5: Printer Adjustments
Table of Contents ______________________________________________________ 5-1 Safety Messages (review carefully) ________________________________________ 5-4 DTC400/DTC300 Print Driver Options_____________________________________ 5-5 Reviewing DTC400, DTC300 and DTC300M Printer Drivers _________________ 5-5 Reviewing DTC400 Printer Drivers______________________________________ 5-5 Reviewing DTC300 Printer Driver ______________________________________ 5-6 Reviewing DTC300M Printer Drivers ____________________________________ 5-7...
Page 112 Selecting from the Print All Black With K Panel options ____________________ 5-72 Selecting the Full Card option _________________________________________ 5-73 Selecting the Defined Area(s) option____________________________________ 5-74 Selecting the Undefined Area(s) option__________________________________ 5-75 Selecting the Defined Area(s) function __________________________________ 5-76 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 113 Using the Mag Top of Form Option ____________________________________ 5-95 Using the Mag Top of Form Option (continued) _________________________ 5-96 Using the Ribbon Tension Option ______________________________________ 5-97 Using the LCD Contrast Option________________________________________ 5-97 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 114: Safety Messages (Review Carefully)
• To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 115: Dtc400/Dtc300 Print Driver Options
DTC400/DTC300 Print Driver Options Reviewing DTC400, DTC300 and DTC300M Printer Drivers The functionality of the DTC400, DTC300 and DTC300M Printer Drivers is identical. The window title reflects the specific Printer Driver in use as shown in this introductory section. Reviewing DTC400 Printer Drivers This section applies to the DTC400 Printer.
Page 116: Reviewing Dtc300 Printer Driver
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Reviewing DTC300 Printer Driver This section applies to the DTC300 Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)
Page 117: Reviewing Dtc300M Printer Drivers
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Reviewing DTC300M Printer Drivers This section applies to the DTC300M Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)
Page 118: Using The Card Tab
(Note No.2: The Card Size indicates that the Printer accepts standard, "credit card" size CR-80 (ISO ID-1) cards. The dimensions of the total print area for this card size appear in the Print Width and Print Length boxes.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 119: Adjusting The Orientation Option
Select Portrait under Orientation to cause the card to print in a vertical orientation. Select Landscape under Orientation to cause the card to print in a horizontal orientation. (Note: An icon illustrating a printed card helps represent the difference between the two.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 120: Selecting The Number Of Copies
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the number of copies Step Description Select the number of copies by clicking on the UP or DOWN arrows, as shown below. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-10...
Page 121: Using The Diagnostics Button Under The Card Tab
Using the Diagnostics button under the Card tab Step Description Click on the Diagnostic button to bring up the Fargo Diagnostics Utility window. See the Section 9: Diagnostic Tool Utility. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-11...
Page 122: Using The Clean Printer Option
Using the Clean Printer Option Step Description Click on the Clean Printer button to display the Clean Printer Utility window. Remove all cards from the Card Hopper and close the Hopper door. Open the Front Cover and remove the Ribbon Cartridge.
Page 123: Using The Clean Printer Option (Continued)
Using the Clean Printer Option (Continued) Step Description Click on the Clean button at the bottom of the window. (Note: The Printer will begin to feed the cleaning card through the card path.) Reinsert the print Ribbon and cards after the cleaning procedure has completed.
Page 124: Using The Test Print Button
Description Click on the Test Print button to send a simple self-test print to the Printer. • Ensure that a YMCKO Ribbon is installed for DTC400/DTC300 or a Premium Resin Ribbon installed for DTC300M. • Ensure that the computer is effectively communicating with the Printer and that the Printer is functioning properly.
Page 125: Using The About Button
Using the About button Step Description Click on the About button to open a dialog box containing the copyright and version, date code information about this Printer Driver software. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-15...
Page 126: Using The Device Options Tab (Dtc400/Dtc300)
Ribbon in use. • YMCKO – Full Color/Resin Black/Overlay • K – Standard Resin • K – Premium Resin • Colored Resin • Metallic Resin • KO – Premium Resin/Overlay DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-16...
Page 127: Selecting The Auto Ribbon Select Option
Ribbon type to the correct setting or validate. It will also display a dialog that it has changed the current setting or that the current Ribbon type is correct.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-17...
Page 128: Adjusting The Color Matching Option
Select None for print speed versus print color or for use of third party color matching software. Select Algebraic (a) for the Printer Driver to make very simple, yet fast, color balance adjustments; (b) for more natural looking images without actually utilizing any specific color matching;...
Page 129: Adjusting For The Resin Dither
Ribbon. Step Procedure Select Optimized for Photo when printing photo quality images with resin. Select Optimized for Graphics when printing drawings and graphics (e.g., clipart, logos, etc.) with resin. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-19...
Page 130: Using The Rotate Image 180 Degrees Option
Use this option to rotate the image on the front of the card 180 degrees when printed. Step Description Select this option to change the position of the printed image in relation to the set location of a card's Magnetic Stripe or smart chip. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-20...
Page 131: Using The Disable Printing Option
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Disable Printing option Use this option to disable the printing capabilities of the Printer, yet still allows the Printer to encode cards. Step Description Select this option to encode or re-encode cards without wasting additional time, effort, or printing supplies.
Page 132: Using The Device Options Tab (Dtc300M)
Select the appropriate print Ribbon Type option from the dropdown menu for the type of print Ribbon in use. • K – Standard Resin • K – Premium Resin • Colored Resin • Metallic Resin • KO – Premium Resin/Overlay DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-22...
Page 133: Selecting The Auto Ribbon Select Option
Ribbon type to the correct setting or validate. It will also display a dialog that it has changed the current setting or that the current Ribbon type is correct.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-23...
Page 134: Adjusting For The Resin Dither
Ribbon. Step Procedure Select Optimized for Photo when printing photo quality images with resin. Select Optimized for Graphics when printing drawings and graphics (e.g., clipart, logos, etc.) with resin. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-24...
Page 135: Using The Rotate Image 180 Degrees Option
Use this option to rotate the image on the front of the card 180 degrees when printed. Step Description Select this option to change the position of the printed image in relation to the set location of a card's Magnetic Stripe or smart chip. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-25...
Page 136: Using The Disable Printing Option
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Disable Printing option Use this option to disable the printing capabilities of the Printer, yet still allows the Printer to encode cards. Step Description Select this option to encode or re-encode cards without wasting additional time, effort, or printing supplies.
Page 137: Using The Resin Heat (K) Option
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Resin Heat (K) option Use this option to control the amount of heat the Printer uses when printing with the resin black panel(s) of a full-color Ribbon or when printing with a resin-only Ribbon by adjusting the Resin Heat slide.
Page 138: Using The Overlay Heat (O) Option
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Overlay Heat (O) option Use this option to control the amount of heat the Printer uses when printing with the overlay panel of a Ribbon. Step Procedure Move the slide to the left to cause less heat to be used in the printing process.
Page 139: Using The Image Color Tab (Dtc400/Dtc300)
Move the slide to the right to cause more heat to be used, thus generating a darker print. (Note: This slide only affects those images printed with dye- sublimation Ribbon panels (YMC).) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-29...
Page 140: Using The Resin Heat (K) Option
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Resin Heat (K) option Use this option to control the amount of heat the Printer uses when printing with the resin black panel(s) of a full-color Ribbon or when printing with a resin-only Ribbon by adjusting the Resin Heat slide.
Page 141: Using The Overlay Heat (O) Option
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Overlay Heat (O) option Use this option to control the amount of heat the Printer uses when printing with the overlay panel of a Ribbon. Step Procedure Move the slide to the left to cause less heat to be used in the printing process.
Page 142: Using The Color Matching Option And Default Button
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Color Matching option and Default button Step Procedure To return all options to their factory settings, click on the Default button. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-32...
Page 143: Using The Calibrate Tab
Use the Calibrate tab to (a) control the position of the printable area in relation to the card, (b) calibrate Sensors and (c) adjust the internal Printer settings that are customized for every Printer and saved directly within the Printer's memory.
Page 144: Using The Image Position Controls
Portrait, Landscape, or Rotate 180 Degrees selection. • The outline around the illustration will always remain in the same Landscape orientation. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 5-34...
Page 145: Using Image Position Controls (Continued)
Use the Horizontal adjustment to move the image: • Move toward the card output side of the Printer if a positive number is entered. • Move toward the card input side of the Printer if a negative number is entered.
Page 146: Using The Sensors Button
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Using the Sensors button Use the Sensors button to bring up a separate dialog box for calibrating the Printer's Ribbon Sensor (see instructions in the Calibration window below). DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)
Page 147: Using The Settings Button
Use the Settings button (see above) to bring up a separate dialog box for adjusting the internal Printer settings, which are customized for every Printer at the factory and saved directly within the Printer's memory. (Note: You can select the Restore Defaults to restore the internal default settings.) See the Using the Settings dialog box procedure.
Page 148: Using The Magnetic Encoding Tab
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Magnetic Encoding tab Use this option only if the Printer has an optional Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module installed. The following describes these options and the Printer's magnetic encoding process. • The Card Printer comes with either a high-coercivity factory-installed Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module or a low-coercivity module.
Page 149: Using The Magnetic Track Selection Radio Buttons
ISO Standard settings (once they have been changed). (Important: Please refer to the following for a description of all Magnetic Track Options.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 150: Using The Magnetic Track Selection Radio Buttons (Continued)
Use the Magnetic Track Selections to configure the way in which each of the three magnetic tracks will encode. (Note No.1: They do not designate which tracks the Printer will encode (e.g., to encode only Track 2). This must be done through the specific software program.) (Note No.2: Although the Printer Driver will remember the settings specified for...
Page 151: Using The Magnetic Track Options Radio Buttons
(Note No.1: After making the required selection, the Magnetic Track Options box displays the current set of customization options for the selected track.) (Note No.2: For most applications, the default settings for these options do not need to be changed.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-41...
Page 152: Using The Bit Density Radio Buttons
Select 75 BPI to change the bits per inch to 75 BPI. Select 128 BPI to change the bits per inch to 128 BPI. Select 210 BPI to change the bits per inch to 210 BPI. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-42...
Page 153: Using The Character Size Radio Buttons
Select 5 Bits to change the bits per character to 5 BPC. Select 7 Bits to change the bits per character to 7 BPC. Select 8 Bits to change the bits per character to 8 BPC. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-43...
Page 154: Reviewing The Enable Mle Support Checkbox
This fragmentation of the text string prevents magnetic encoding. (Note: This option may help correct encoding problems in all operating systems.) Step Procedure Check this box to allow the Driver to process the fragmented text. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-44...
Page 155: Using The Ascii Offset Radio Buttons
Step Procedure Select NULL to change the ASCII Offset to NULL. Select SPACE to change the ASCII Offset to SPACE. Select ZERO to change the ASCII Offset to ZERO. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-45...
Page 156: Using The Lrc Generation Radio Buttons
Select No Parity to change the Character Parity to none. Select Even Parity to change the Character Parity to Even Parity. Select Odd Parity to change the Character Parity to Odd Parity DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-46...
Page 157: Using The Shift Data Left Checkbox
Use this option for situations that require cards to be readable with insert type readers that may be unable to read the right-hand side of the card. Step Procedure Select the Shift Data Left checkbox option to apply to all tracks. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-47...
Page 158: Reviewing The Iso Track Locations
Review the magnetic encoding module, which encodes onto tracks in accordance with an ISO 7811-2 Magnetic Stripe. (Note: Refer to the diagram (below) for track locations.) 0.223" 0.353" 0.493" TRACK1 0.110" TRACK2 0.110" TRACK3 0.110" DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 0.130" 0.140" 5-48...
Page 159: Sending The Track Information
Specific Characters added: In other words, specific characters must be added to the magnetic track data in order for the Printer Driver to know which data is to be encoded, which tracks to encode, when the track data stops and starts and so forth.
Page 160: Reviewing Tracks 1, 2 And 3 (In Table Format)
Data Entry ~1%JULIE ANDERSON^623-85-1253? Sending data to Track 1 Sending data to Track 2 ~2;0123456789? Sending data to Track 3 ~3;0123456789? DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Field Valid Characters Separator ASCII 32-95 (See the table below.) ASCII 48-63 (See the table below.)
Page 161: Reviewing The Ascii Code And Character Table
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table ASCII Code Character space " & DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) ASCII Code Character ASCII Code < > Fargo Electronics, Inc. Character 5-51...
Page 162: Using The Overlay / Print Area Tab
By default, this option is set to print and overlay the entire card. To customize the overlay and/or print area, select one of the options listed under "Overlay / Print Area." DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 163: Using The Overlay / Print Area Dropdown Menu
Using the Overlay / Print Area dropdown menu Step Procedure Select the Full Card option for the Printer to overlay and/or print the entire card. Select the Defined Area(s) option for the Printer to overlay and/or print only in the selected and defined area or areas.
Page 164: Using The Overlay / Print Area Dropdown Menu (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Using the Overlay / Print Area dropdown menu (continued) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 5-54...
Page 165: Using The Overlay / Print Area
(Important: In this mode, the overlay is completely disabled so it will not be applied.) Caution: An overlay or an overlaminate must protect dye-sublimation printing or it will quickly begin to wear or fade. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 5-55...
Page 166: Using The Overlay / Print Area (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Using the Overlay / Print Area (continued) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 5-56...
Page 167: Using The Defined Area Option
Select the Defined Area(s) option to activate the card grid in the upper half of the window. It is through this card grid that up to five (5) Defined Areas can be assigned. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-57...
Page 168: Using The Defined Area Option (Continued)
Measure the total size of the desired area and enter those dimensions into the dimension boxes. (Note: The minimum size an area is .2" x .2" / 5mm x 5mm.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Karen Atkins Access Level-2 ID# 1234478 1.9“...
Page 169 X and Y boxes. (Note: The card grid lines are spaced at .2 inch / 5mm intervals.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 170: Using The Defined Area Option (Continued)
Procedure a. Print the card design and observe how the image is oriented on the card as it ejects from the Printer. (Note: The location of a defined area is based on the card orientation as it exits the Printer.) b.
Page 171: Using The Defined Area Option (Continued)
Delete an area by using the Defined Area arrows to select the area and click on the Delete button. (Note: If all areas are deleted, the K Panel Resin options will automatically be deselected.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-61...
Page 172: Using Security Options (Visual Security Solutions)
The following actions will occur when one of the Visual Security locations is selected. • The Overlay / Print Area will be disabled. • The Security Options become selectable. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-62...
Page 173: Selecting Orientation - Landscape Under Card Tab
Step Procedure Select the Landscape radio button (below) under Orientation under the Card Size tab to use the Visual Security Solutions (A to D), as shown in this window. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-63...
Page 174: Selecting The Visual Security Solutions Dropdown Menu (A To D)
Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (A to D) Step Procedure Click on the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (below) under the Landscape - Orientation (see above) to use the options shown in this display. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-64...
Page 175: Selecting Orientation - Portrait Under Card Tab
Step Procedure Select the Portrait radio button (below) under Orientation under the Card Size tab to use the Visual Security Solutions (E to H), as shown in this window. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-65...
Page 176: Selecting The Visual Security Solutions Dropdown Menu (E To H)
Selecting the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu (E to H) Step Procedure Click on the Visual Security Solutions dropdown menu under the Portrait - Orientation (see above) to use the options shown below. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-66...
Page 177: Selecting The Verimark Radio Button
(Note: When VeriMark is selected a rectangle-sized area is excluded, HoloMark uses a square sized area.) Click on the VeriMark radio button (below) for the rectangle-sized area. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-67...
Page 178: Selecting The Holomark Radio Button
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the HoloMark radio button Step Procedure Click on the HoloMark radio button (below) for the squared-area size. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-68...
Page 179: Reviewing The Custom Verimark Card (Custom Graphic In A 2D Foil)
(A to H), as shown in the Portrait and Landscape samples below. Sample 1: VeriMark Card (Landscape - Orientation) - 4 positions (below) Sample 2: VeriMark Card (Portrait - Orientation) - 4 positions (below) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-69...
Page 180: Reviewing The Custom Holomark Card (Custom Graphic In A 2D Foil)
(A to H), as shown in the Portrait and Landscape samples below. Sample 1: HoloMark Card (Landscape - Orientation) - 4 positions (below) Sample 2: HoloMark Card (Portrait - Orientation) - 4 positions (below) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-70...
Page 181: Using The K Panel Resin Tab
Resin black text is desirable due to its sharp, saturated black coloring and resin black bar codes are often required by Ultra Violet barcode readers to ensure readability when scanned.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-71...
Page 182: Selecting From The Print All Black With K Panel Options
TrueType fonts and/or are not printing with the resin black panel. (Note: The Printer Driver will print areas of the image where it finds black coloring with the print Ribbon's resin black (K) panel as specified by each of the following options.
Page 183: Selecting The Full Card Option
Selecting the Full Card option Step Procedure Select the Full Card option for the Printer Driver to print the resin black (K) panel for all black found within all areas of the image. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 184: Selecting The Defined Area(S) Option
Selecting the Defined Area(s) option Step Procedure Select the Defined Area(s) option for the Printer Driver to print the resin black (K) panel for all black found only in a desired and defined area or areas. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 185: Selecting The Undefined Area(S) Option
Step Procedure Select the Undefined Area(s) option for the Printer Driver to print the resin black (K) panel for all black found only in the space outside the defined areas. (Note: In the card grid, black indicates the area in which the resin black (K) panel will be printed.)
Page 186: Selecting The Defined Area(S) Function
(0,0). This square represents the first defined area. (Note: Changing the orientation of the card in the Card Tab will change the appearance of this Tab.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 187: Selecting The Defined Area(S) Function (Continued)
Measure the total size for the area and enter those dimensions into the dimension boxes. (Note: The minimum size an area can be is .2" x .2" / 5mm x 5mm.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Karen Atkins Access Level-2...
Page 188 (Note: The card grid lines are spaced at .2 inch / 5mm intervals.) a. Print the card design and note how the image is oriented on the card as it ejects from the Printer. (Note: The location of a defined area is based on the card orientation as it exits the Printer.) b.
Page 189: Selecting The Defined Area(S) Function (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Selecting the Defined Area(s) function (continued) Refer to the previous procedure. Continued on the next page DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 5-79...
Page 190: Selecting The Defined Area(S) Function (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Defined Area(s) function (continued) Refer to the previous procedure. X=1.4“ DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Karen Atkins Access Level-2 ID# 1234478 * 172355* Y=0.2“ Continued on the next page Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-80...
Page 191: Selecting The Defined Area(S) Function (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Selecting the Defined Area(s) function (continued) Refer to the previous procedure. Continued on the next page DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 5-81...
Page 192: Selecting The Defined Area(S) Function (Continued)
Delete an area by using the Defined Area arrows to select the area and clicking on the Delete button. (Note: If all areas are deleted, the K Panel Resin options will automatically be deselected.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 193: Selecting The Print Ymc Under K And Print K Only Options
(Note: When this option is selected, all black in the designated areas will print only with the resin black (K) panel.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-83...
Page 194: Using The Printer Supplies Tab
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Using the Printer Supplies tab Use the options on this tab to view information about the Ribbon installed in the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 5-84...
Page 195: Reviewing The Ribbon Information
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Reviewing the Ribbon Information Step Procedure Use the Ribbon information to determine which Ribbon is being used to print with and its part number. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-85...
Page 196: Reviewing The Ribbon Level Indicator
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Reviewing the Ribbon Level Indicator Step Procedure Use the Ribbon Level indicator to view approximately how much Ribbon is left. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-86...
Page 197: Using The Printer Calibration Utility
Printer's internal settings. (Note: The Card Printer is equipped with an internal adjustment mode programmable through the Settings dialog box. This dialog box is accessible only if the Printer is powered ON, it is in Ready Mode and it is properly connected to the PC.) Caution! These settings are optimized at the factory.
Page 198: Using The Image Darkness Option
Printhead heat. Caution: If the value is set too high, the Ribbon may jam or even break. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. to enter a negative to enter a positive value and...
Page 199: Using The Print Top Of Form Option
10 equals about .030"/. 8mm, which is about the same as the thickness of a standard CR-80 size card. Caution: If the negative value is set too high, the print Ribbon may break. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-89...
Page 200: Card Output
(Note: When adjusting this value, keep in mind that cards always remain in the same position while moving through the Printer.) The diagram (below) represents how the end of form will move in relation to the fixed card position as a positive or negative Print End of Form value is entered.
Page 201: Using The Print Left Of Form Option
Maximum Adjustment Range: The maximum adjustment range is ±127. As a rule, 10 equals about .030"/. 8mm. This is about the same as the thickness of a standard CR-80 size card. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-91...
Page 202: Using The Magnetic Encoder Voltage Offset Option
(Note: The required encoder voltage for the cards will need to be known in order to properly set the Encoder Voltage Offset value. This information should be available through the card manufacturer or reseller). DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-92...
Page 203: Adjusting The Hi-Co Voltage Offset
• ((((36500/(((9+4.6)/1.23)-1))-2670)/39.0625) – 40)X-1 = 15 Change the Mag Hi-Co Voltage Offset value. I.E 15 Use the Diagnostic Utility to run a Magnetic Self test and verify encoded quality. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-93...
Page 204: Adjusting The Lo-Co Voltage Offset
• ((((36500/(((1.5+4.6)/1.23)-1))-2670)/39.0625) – 126)X-1 = -42 Change the Mag Lo-Co Voltage Offset value. I.E -42 Use the Diagnostic Utility to run a Magnetic Self test and verify encoded quality. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-94...
Page 205: Using The Mag Top Of Form Option
Using the Mag Top of Form Option Use this option only if the Printer has a built-in Magnetic Stripe encoder. (Note: If so, use this option to shift the starting point of where the Printer will begin encoding the magnetic track data on a card's Magnetic Stripe.
Page 206: Using The Mag Top Of Form Option (Continued)
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Using the Mag Top of Form Option (continued) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 5-96...
Page 207: Using The Ribbon Tension Option
Enter a positive value to increase the contrast of the LCD display on the front of the Printer. Enter a negative value to decrease the contrast of the LCD display on the front of the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 5-97...
Page 208: Table Of Contents ______________________________________________________
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Section 6: Cleaning The Card Printer is built to require a minimum amount of maintenance. Nevertheless, there are a few procedures you can perform on a regular basis or as needed to ensure the best possible performance...
Page 209: Safety Messages (Review Carefully)
• To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 210: Using The Required Supplies
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Required Supplies For the maintenance procedures outlined for the Printer, you will need a Printer Cleaning Kit, available from the reseller. This kit includes the following: • Printhead Cleaning Swabs pre-moistened with 99.99% isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the Printer's Printhead.
Page 211: Cleaning Procedures
Open the Printer's Front Cover. Remove print ribbon Use a Printhead Cleaning Swab from the Printer Cleaning Kit (P/N 085976) to gently rub back and forth over the entire length of the printhead 3 to 4 times Once the Printhead is completely dry, replace the ribbon cartridge and close the Printer.
Page 212: Cleaning The Card Feed And Cleaning Rollers
The Card Feed Rollers move the card throughout the print process. The Cleaning Roller removes dust particles from a blank card as it feeds into the Printer. Cleaning these Rollers will help prevent card jams and card contamination and will ultimately lead to better print quality and extended Printhead life.
Page 213: Cleaning The Printer's Exterior
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Cleaning the Printer's Exterior The Printer has a durable casing that should retain its luster and appearance for many years. Clean it only with a Cleaning Pad from the Printer Cleaning Kit. Caution: Do not use cleaning solvents of any kind or spray the printer’s exterior...
Page 214: Section 7: Parts Replacement
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Section 7: Parts Replacement Refer to the appropriate User Guide for this printer for this section. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)
Page 215: Section 8: Packing The Card Printer
Wipe it down with a lint-free cloth. Clean the Printhead with a alcohol swab. Pack the Printer in the original carton and packing materials. Ensure to enclose any necessary paperwork, test cards, etc. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 216: Section 9: Board Level Diagnostics
Table of Contents Section 9: Board Level Diagnostics Table of Contents Safety Messages (review carefully) Sensor and Motor Reviewing the Sensor Location and Voltages Reviewing the Motor Voltages (when active) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 217: Safety Messages (Review Carefully)
• To prevent equipment or media damage, take jewelry off of fingers and hands, as well as thoroughly clean hands to remove oil and debris before working on the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 218: Reviewing The Sensor Location And Voltages
Use this table as a reference tool for Board Level Diagnostics Motor Location Print Drive Stepper Print Headlift Ribbon Drive DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Low Range VDC Present .02 1, 3 Not Depressed (+, -) 0 - .17...
Page 219: Section 10: Diagnostic Tool Utility
Selecting the Help button in the Diagnostics Utility _______________________ 10-27 Selecting the About button in the Diagnostics Utility ______________________ 10-28 Selecting the Exit button in the Diagnostics Utility________________________ 10-29 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-1...
Page 220: Using The Diagnostic Tool Utility
Selecting from the Printer Selection menu Step Procedure Click on the dropdown Printer selection menu to view a list of currently installed Fargo Printer Drivers installed on the computer. Select the Printer that is going to be tested, as shown below.
Page 221: Reviewing Customized Diagnostic Utility Tabs For Your Printer
Select a Printer from the Printer Selection menu that will customize the tabs that are available. (Note: Only the Diagnostic Utility tabs for the selected Printer will be shown. For example, the Lamination tab will not be shown if the Printer does not have Lamination capabilities.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev.
Page 222: Using The Diagnostic Utility Tabs
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Using the Diagnostic Utility tabs Selecting the Print Spooler tab in the Diagnostics Utility Step Procedure Select the Print Spooler tab, as shown below. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-4...
Page 223 Selecting the Print Spooler tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Select File button to bring up the Browse for Print File window, as shown below and on the next page. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-5...
Page 224 Click on the Browse button to browse through an open file dialog box, as shown below. b. Select the Print File (.PRN) that is to be sent to the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 225 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Print Spooler tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Select the number of copies to be printed, as shown below. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-7...
Page 226 Selecting the Print Spooler tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Send File button in order to send the selected Print Files (.PRN) to the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-8...
Page 227: Selecting The Firmware Updates Tab In The Diagnostics Utility
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Firmware Updates tab in the Diagnostics Utility Step Procedure Select the Firmware Updates tab, as shown below. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-9...
Page 228: Downloading Firmware Updates
Fargo Electronics Technical Support Web site: http://www.FargoSupport.com/ Select your specific Printer model and click on the Submit button. Click on the Firmware file link labeled for the specific Printer model. Click on OK when prompted to Save this Program to Disk and then select a folder in which to save the Update file.
Page 229: Placing The Printer In The Upgrade Mode
Press and hold down the power and pause buttons on the Printer. Reapply power to the Printer. (Note: The LCD display should now show Upgrade Firmware.) Press the Yes button on the LCD to continue. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-11...
Page 230: Sending The Firmware File
Ensure that the firmware File is selected. Ensure that the Printer LCD says Upgrade Firmware Send File Now. Click on the Send Firmware button. Upon successful completion of the firmware update, the Printer will restart. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-12...
Page 231: Selecting The Mechanics Tab In The Diagnostics Utility
Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility Step Procedure a. Select the Mechanics tab to test Motors and Sensors in the Printer. (Note: This section has a procedure for each function by a Run button, as shown below.) b. See the entire Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility section for related sub-procedures (Steps 2A to 2G).
Page 232: Selecting The Mechanics Tab In The Diagnostics Utility (Continued)
Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Calibrate the Ribbon Sensor button to calibrate the Print Ribbon. (Note: This will ensure proper operation of the Ribbon Sensing systems.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-14...
Page 233 Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Clean Printer (Remove Cards) button to activate the function. See Running the Magnetic Self Test (HiCo Only) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 234 Procedure Click on the Cycle the Printhead button to verify operation of the Printhead Headlift Motor and Headlift Sensor. (Note: When selected, the Printhead should cycle up and down.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-16...
Page 235 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Advance the Stepper Motor button to move the Card Rollers forward in the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-17...
Page 236 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Reverse the Stepper Motor button to move the Card Rollers backwards in the Printer. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-18...
Page 237 Click on the Cycle the Card Input Roller (Remove Cards) button to activate the Card Input Motor. (Note: Ensure that all cards have been removed from the Printer before selecting this option.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-19...
Page 238 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Advance the Ribbon Motor (Remove Ribbon) button to DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-20...
Page 239 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Reverse the Ribbon Drive Motor (Remove Ribbon) button to DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-21...
Page 240 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Magnetic TOF Calibrate (HiCo) button to DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-22...
Page 241 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Mechanics tab in the Diagnostics Utility (continued) Step Procedure Click on the Magnetic TOF Calibrate (LoCo) button to DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-23...
Page 242: Selecting The Self Tests Tab In The Diagnostics Utility
Select the appropriate Run button to execute either the Barcode Test Card, the Standard Self Test or the Magnetic Self Test, as shown below. (Note: These options apply to the DTC400, DTC300 and DTC300M Printers). • Click on the Barcode Test Card button to test the resin printing capabilities of the Printer (Note: A full color ribbon (YMC) with a resin panel (K) or a resin ribbon is required for this test.)
Page 243: Selecting The Card Samples Tab In The Diagnostics Utility
Selecting the Card Samples tab in the Diagnostics Utility Step Procedure a. Select the Card Samples tab to print sample images from the Printer. b. Select the desired Image, as shown below. (Note: You will see the enlarged Image after you select it from several options.) c.
Page 244: Selecting The Magnetic Encoding Tab In The Diagnostics Utility
Track 2 and Track 3. c. Click on the Encode button to encode the data. Click on the Clear button to clear existing data from Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-26...
Page 245: Selecting The Help Button In The Diagnostics Utility
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Help button in the Diagnostics Utility Step Procedure Select the Help button to access the Fargo Diagnostics Utility Help document, as shown below. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-27...
Page 246: Selecting The About Button In The Diagnostics Utility
Selecting the About button in the Diagnostics Utility Step Procedure Select the About button to access version information for the Diagnostics tool. (Note: A list of the Printers that the Diagnostic Utility supports is also available.) DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-28...
Page 247: Selecting The Exit Button In The Diagnostics Utility
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Selecting the Exit button in the Diagnostics Utility Step Procedure Select the Exit button to close out and exit from the Fargo Diagnostics Utility. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 10-29...
Page 248: Section 11: Firmware Upgrades
RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. Section 11: Firmware Upgrades See Firmware Updates in Section 8: Diagnostic Tool Utility. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 11-1...
Page 249: Table Of Contents _____________________________________________________
(952) 941-1852 for additional technical assistance. Contact Fargo Technical Support via the Web: http://www.fargosupport.com Position a phone near the Printer and Computer so Fargo technicians can help to help troubleshoot the Printer(s). Please have a self-test and a sample card ready when calling Fargo Technical Support.
Page 250: Reading The Serial Numbers On A Fargo Printer
You can determine when your card Printer was manufactured by reading directly from the serial number (affixed to your card Printer). 1. Year Built: The first two digits in the serial number indicate the year that the Printer was manufactured.
Page 251: Section 13: Reviewing The Spare Parts List
Fargo Electronics, Inc. Section 13: Reviewing the Spare Parts List Reviewing the DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Spare Parts List DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M ID Card Printer Recommended Spare Parts List Effective Date: June 2004 For current pricing see http://www.fargopartner.com/support_services/ DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) 13-1...
Page 252: Section 14: Glossary Of Terms
Institute) AS400 An IBM operating system running on a main frame. DTC500 Fargo Printers are built with fonts saved in the Printer memory so users of AS400 can write escape codes and print from the Printer. ASCII (American A standard for processing information in computer processors. An...
Page 253 Buffer A block of memory, in the Printer or PC, that holds print files until the processor is ready to print them. Cable...
Page 254 Compressed air Air stored in a tank or produced by an aerosol can, delivered by through nozzle at a high speed. Used in the Printer to blow out debris. Contrast The degree of difference in luminance of two areas.
Page 255 A small array of mechanical switches installed on the board that can In-line Package be configured to change Printer operations including providing a Switches) variety of self-tests. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 14-4...
Page 256 Typically, it works as a pass-through device and is connected in serial to the parallel cable. The smallest unit of an image that the Printer is able to produce. The smaller the dot, see dot pitch, the sharper the image.
Page 257 The device in the Printer that accepts smart cards with an ISO Station smart card contact station. This allows the user to write to the smart card chip with a standard RS-232 interface in the back of the Printer or with the optional built-in encoder. Edge-to-Edge Refers to the maximum printable area on a card resulting in printed cards with virtually no border.
Page 258 The instruction set, stored in chip memory, inside the Printer that controls functional and operational data. Some models require a chip change for updates; some firmware can be changed by reprogramming from the PC. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 14-7...
Page 259 Increasing the number of dots in a given area increases the darkness even though the individual dots stay the same size. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page...
Page 260 IC (Integrated Circuit) An electronic device that contains many individual circuits interconnected and placed within a discrete package. ID (Identification) An abbreviation for identification. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 14-9...
Page 261 Input Any data or material being transferred to the Printer. Input Hopper The area of the Printer that stores the blank cards, ready to print. Intermediate Transfer A thin flexible material coated with a resin material into which the Media (InTM) dye is transferred from the Ribbon by the Printhead.
Page 262 The JIS standard specifies one track on the front. Magnetic Verify A process to confirm proper magnetic encoding. After encoding, the information is read off back and compared to the intended string. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 14-11...
Page 263 System) computer's operations and applications. The Driver used for any given OS will differ from other platforms. The correct version Driver must be loaded for the Printer to interface with the OS and the application to print. Output Any product of the Printer including card image, encoded data and lamination.
Page 264 Peripheral Any device that is attached externally to a PC. These often share the same data cable or port as a Printer and may be the source of communication problems. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc.
Page 265 Print Job A file of one or more cards for the Printer to print, including image data and Printer functions, transmitted through the parallel interface and at times stored temporarily in the print buffer and spooler.
Page 266 A set of characters loaded into the Printer memory that can be programmed to print those characters on the card without rasterizing the image. Resin A semisolid material. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 14-15...
Page 267 An interface standard, established in 1969 by the Electronic Industries Association, regarding the connecting of computer peripherals. Saturation A measure of the degree of color, from gray, with the same brightness. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 14-16...
Page 268 Driver or stored in the Printer's memory. Sensor An electro-mechanical/electro-optical device used to indicate a change in state in the Printer such as when a card reaches a certain location. Serial The transfer of data, one bit at a time and in sequential order, communications using a single wire.
Page 269 Term Definition Spooling Rather than moving a print job directly to the Printer, the job is written to the disk so that the user can access the application faster while Windows takes care of printing in the background. SS (Start Sentinel) The character denoting the end of a magnetic data string.
Page 270 An AC power supply, typically powered by batteries, which Power Supply) provides temporary power to the PC or Printer during an interruption of the supply voltage. DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Continued on the next page 14-19...
Page 271 The designation of colored Ribbon by the panels of color in the order in which they are printed: Yellow (Y), Magenta (M), Cyan (C), Black (K), Overlay (O), Black (K) (used for backside, black only printing). DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. 14-20...
Page 272 Calibrating, 14-3 Cancel button, 2-9 Card Cleaning Roller, 2-9 Card Design, 2-14 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Card Feeding Errors, 4-7, 4-8, 4-10, 4- 12, 4-15, 4-16, 4-18, 4-20, 4-22, 4-25, 4- 27, 4-29, 4-31, 4-33...
Page 273 DMA (Direct Memory Access), 14-3 Dongle, 14-5 Dot, 14-5 Dot pitch, 14-5 Download, 14-5 DPI (Dot Per Inch), 14-5 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), 14-5 Driver, 14-5 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M, 2-4 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer,...
Page 274 Horizontal adjustment, 5-35 HTML (HyperText Markup Language), 14-9 HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), 14-9 Humidity, 2-4 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. IC (Integrated Circuit), 14-9 ID (Identification), 14-9 Identification Card sample, 5-77 IEEE 1284 (Institute of Electrical and...
Page 275 Monochrome Dye-Sub (B), 4-52 Monochrome Resin (K), 4-52 Motor Voltages (when active), 9-3 Multi-Language Extension (MLE), 5-44 Network, 14-12 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. None, 5-18 Oersted (Oe), 14-12 Offset, 14-12 Omit Signature Area setting, 5-58...
Page 276 Queue, 14-15 RAM (Random Access Memory), 14-15 Rasterize, 14-15 Reboot, 14-15 Registration, 14-15 Regulatory Compliances, 2-2 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. Reject Hopper, 4-15 Reset Printer, 4-36 Resident Font, 14-15 Resin, 14-15 resin black (K) panel, 5-72, 5-73, 5-83...
Page 277 (1, 2, or 3), 5-49 tracks, 5-40 tracks 1, 2 and 3, 5-50 troubleshoot the Printer, 12-1 Troubleshooting, 14-19 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1) Fargo Electronics, Inc. TrueType (TT), 14-19 TrueType black text, 5-72 UL, 2-2...
Page 278 RESTRICTED USE ONLY Fargo Electronics, Inc. YMCKO, 14-20 YMCKOK, 14-20 DTC400/DTC300/DTC300M Card Printer User Guide (Rev. 1.1)

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FARGO electronics DTC400 User Manual

Table of Contents

Section 2: Specifications

Section 3: Setup and Installation Procedures

Diagnosing Image Problems/Running the Self Test

Section 5: Printer Adjustments

Section 6: Cleaning

Section 7: Parts Replacement

Section 8: Packing the Card Printer

Section 9: Board Level Diagnostics

Section 10: Diagnostic Tool Utility

Section 11: Firmware Upgrades

Section 12: Fargo Technical Support

Section 13: Reviewing the Spare Parts List

Section 14: Glossary of Terms

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