CIM K 500 Optima User manual



FOREWORD
This manual contains installation and operation information for the CIM K500 Optima
Series card printe rs manufactured by CIM.
RETURN MATERIALS AUTHORIZATION
Before returning a ny e uipment to CIM S.p.A. for in-warranty or out-of-warranty repair,
contact Repair Administration for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number.
Repack the e uipment in the original pa cking material and mark the RMA number
clearly on the outside. Ship the e uipment, freight prepaid, to the address listed below:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This document contains information proprietary to CIM S.p.A.
This document and the information contained within are Copyrighted by CIM
S.p.A. and may not be duplicated in full or in pa rt by any person without
written approval from CIM. While every effort has been made to keep the information
contained within current and accurate as of the date of publication, no guarantee is
given that the document is error-free or that it is accurate with regard toany specification.
CIM reserves the right to make changes, for the purpose of product improvement,
at any time.
TRADEMARKS
K 500 Optima is a service mark and CIM is a registered trademark of CIM S.p.A.
Windows and MS.DOS are registered trademarks of Microso ft Corp. All other trademarks
or registered trademarks are marks of their respect ive holde rs.
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iii

WITH THE CIMAGE CARD AWORLD OF SERVICES ARE NOWAVAILABLE TO YOU
DearCustomer, Thank youfor buying a CIM product. The quality ofCIM productsis guaranteed over
time and backed by quality service. CIM provides through the CIMAGE CARD an after-sales service
wich you can make use of by providing us the code number printed on the back side of the card. This
will enable to you contact uor technical Service for a period of 12 months.
WHAT DOES THE CIMAGE CARD OFFER
1 YEAR OFTECHNICAL SUPPORT FREE OF CHARGE HELP DESK SUPPORT
Tel +39 051 6465 096 - fax +39 051 6465 012
e-mail: dolphinsupport@cimitaly.it - www.cimitaly.it
On demand assistance with all problems relating to hardware, software, installation or outright
malfunctioning of the printer product. The technical support is offered free of charge within the
appliacable 24 month warranty period of the product and thereafter extended on request and on
contractualbasis.
PRODUCTWARRANTY
Repair or upgrades of defective printers is carried out by CIM certified technicians. In-house service
and repair is offered free of charge (all shipping and handling charges to be paid by customer) within
theapplicable 12 months warrantyperiodon the product. In-houseservice and repairisalso available
for products beyond the standard warranty period. In such case the current rate for in-house service
and repair will be applied.
CIM TECHNICAL SUPPORT

v
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the CIM K 500 Optima Plastic Card Printer.
CIM’s P series card printers offer a low cost, high quality solution to those requiring
computer-controlled printing and encoding of credit card style plastic cards, Card
applications include personalized identification, access control, visitor, membership,
badges and tags.
This manual guides you to efficient start up and operation of your new Card Printer.
K 500 Optima PRINTER MODELS
The CIM Product Number tells a story:
Here is a quick review of the CIM Card Printer Series numbering and lettering
system to help you.
The K 500 Optima Plastic Card Printer employs Dye Sublimation and Resin Thermal
Transfer technologies.Modelnumbersincludeidentifiers that specify options areshown
using the following lettering conventions:
K500 Optima - X X X X X - X X X
Smart Card: Software:
O = No O =WindCard Cd only
E =Yes F =Windows driver only
Magnetic Encoder: B =WindCard & drivers
O = No Language:
M =Yes O = No manual
Magnetic Encoder Options: A = English & Spanish
O = No B = French & German
1 = Stripe down HICO I = Italian
2 = Stripe Down LOCO P = Brazilian Portugese
3 = Stripe Up HICO C = Chinese
4 = Stripe Up LOCO J = Japanese
Memory: Power Cord:
O = Standard O = None
Interface: A = 120VAC
P = Parallel (Centronics 36 pins) E = 220VAC
U = UK
}
Ship-away kit

vi
ICONS
Throughout this manual, different icons highlight important information, as follows:
Important general information.
Mechanical hazard, such as one associated with moving parts,
capable of resulting in equipment damage or personal injury.
Electrical hazard, such as an exposed voltage point, capable of
causing electrical shock and personal injury.
An area where electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause
component damage. Use a grounding wrist band.
Elevated temperature hazard, capable of producing a burn.
Keep Card Printer clean by minimizing cover open time.

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3
4
5
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED • • • • • • • • • 1
1•1 Unpacking your • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1
1•2 Indicators and control • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3
1•3 Printer installation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4
OPERATION • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5
2•1 Printer Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5
2•2 Loading Printing Ribbons • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6
2•3 Loading Lamination Patch • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 8
2•4 Loading cards • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9
A- Card Feeder • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9
B- Card Cleaning Cartridge • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10
C- CardThickness Control Lever • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11
D- Card Output Hopper • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11
2•5 Reject Card Box • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 12
2•6 Feeding one card at a time • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 14
2•7 Printing a test card • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 15
2•8 Printer menu information • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 16
PRINTING A SAMPLE CARD • • • • • • 21
3•1 Install Driver on windows 95/98 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 22
3•2 Install Driver on windows 2000 & NT4.0 • • • • • • • • • 23
3•3 Set Printer Driver Option • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 23
3•4 printing a sample card • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 24
CLEANING • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 25
4•1 Cleaning system • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 26
4•2 Cleaning the print head • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 27
4•3 Cleaning the Laminator rollers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 28
4•4 Card Cleaning cartridge • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 29
TROUBLESHOOTING • • • • • • • • • 31
5•1 Interpreting LCD Display messages • • • • • • • • • • • • 31
A- About the Printing Station • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 31
B- About the Laminator Station • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 34
5•2 Print Quality Issues • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 35
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS • • • • • 39

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APPENDIX A • • • • • • • • • • • • • 43
Introduction • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 43
A- Media Loading orientation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 44
B- Magnetic Encoder Cleaning • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 45
APPENDIX B • • • • • • • • • • • • • 46
Introduction • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 46
A- Media Loading orientation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 47
B- Smart Card Contact Station Interface • • • • • • • • • 47

1
GETTING STARTED
1
GETTING STARTED
1 • 1 Unpacking your card printer
Your K 500 Optima printer ships in a carton and protective anti-static bag. Keep all
packaging material in case you need to move or re-ship the printer.
While unpacking, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage occured during
shipping.
Please ensure that you have a clean and nearly dust free environment for proper
operation and storage of the printer.

2GETTING STARTED
In addition to user documentation, make sure the following items are included with
your K 500 Optima printer:
If any items are missing, please contact your dealer.
CLEANING KIT
POWER CABLE
PRINTER DRIVER DISK
(floppy or/and CD)
CARD HOPPER
CLEANING CARTRIDGE
CENTRONICS CABLE


1 • 3 Printer Installation
The following will guide you through the installation of your K 500 Optima printer.
CAUTION: Limit AC power supplied to the K 500
Optima Printer to 110 - 230 V AC, 60 - 50 Hz for an
associated 1,40A - 0,80A. Limit excess current draw
to 16 amps or less, using an associated circuit breaker
or other such device. Never operate the printer in
a location where operator, computer, or printer can
get wet. Personal injury could result. The
printer must be connected to an earthed electrical
power supply and properly protected against
electrical surges and grounding faults.
1 • Place the printer in a location that allows easy
access to all sides. The printer should never be
operated while resting on its side or upside down.
2 • Place the printer’s power switch in the OFF (O)
position.
3 • Insert the power cable to the printer power
socket and attach to grounded electrical socket of
the proper voltage and type.
4 • Attach interface cable to printer and computer
and then secure.
5 • Switch power on.
CAUTION: Intermittent or unpredictable operation
may occur from unsecured connectors. If
damaged, the power cable must be replaced by an
exact equivalent.
Use only Parallel Cable under 3 Meters in length.
3
4
GETTING STARTED
4

5
OPERATION
2
OPERATION
2 • 1 Printer Features
The following shows the features found on your K 500 Optima Printer:
Standard Features: Optional Features:
1 • Print Head Unlock Lever A • Smart Card Contact Station
2 • Print Head B • Magnetic Encoder Station
3 • Card Thickness Control Lever
4 • Card Feeder
5 • LCD Display and two panel Buttons
6 • Card Cleaning Cartridge
7 • Laminator
8 • Laminator Unlock Lever
9 • Card Output Hopper
10 • Rejected Card Box
11 • Cleaning Roller

OPERATION
6
2 • 2 Loading Printing Ribbons
The K 500 Optima Printer requires approved ribbons. The Resin Thermal Transfer
and Dye Sublimation ribbons and Lamination are specifically designedfor your K 500
Optima Printer. For optimum performance and printer life (Print Head), always use
approved ribbons.
DO NOT TOUCH the print head or the electronic
components on the print head carriage.
Discharges ofelectrostatic charge from the human
body or other surfaces can damage the print head
orother electroniccomponentsusedinthisdevice.
1 • Remove ribbon from packaging.
2 • With printer power ON and Printer Ready status,
open cover and press down on the Print Head
Unlock Lever to open the print head carriage. The
print head carriage will pop open.

OPERATION 7
3 • Load ribbon onto the supply spindle “1”
(under print head carriage) and empty core (with
tape attached) onto the take-up spindle “2”. Make
sure the ribbon comes off the top of the supply
spindle and feeds to the top of the take-up spindle.
4 • Push down on the Print Head Lock Lever until an
audible “click”signals the locked-down position.
5 • Close Cover
Please note that the ribbon automatically
synchronises whenever the print head lock down
occurs.
The card flipper will not operate and an error will
be indicated if you try to flip a card when the cover
is open.
2
1

OPERATION
8
2 • 3 Loading Lamination Patch
The K 500 Optima Printer requires approved patches.
Clear patches, hologram patches or Overlay varnishes are specifically designed for
your K 500 Optima Printer. For optimum performance and printer life (Laminator),
always use approved patches.
1 • Remove patch from packaging.
2 • With printer power ON and printer Ready status,
open cover.
3 • Press down on the Laminator Unlock Lever to
open the laminator bracket. The laminator bracket
will pop open.
4 • Load patch onto the supply spindle “1”
(under laminator bracket) and align the notch of the
empty core with the spindle screw (with tape
attached) onto the take-up spindle “2”.
Make sure the patch comes off the top of the supply
spindle and feeds to the top of the take-up spindle.
5 • Push down on the Laminator Lock Lever until an
audible “click”signals the locked-down position.
6 • Close Cover
.Please note that the ribbon automatically
synchronises whenever the laminator head
lock down occurs.
21

OPERATION 9
2 • 4 Loading Cards
To help you load, print, and collect cards, the K 500 Optima has the following items:
A - CARD FEEDER
This items is used for loading cards.
1 • Open Card Feeder Cover by putting your fingers
on both sides and rotating the cover in a clockwise
direction to the open position.
2 • Install cards into Feeder* as shown.
3 • Close Card Feeder Cover.
DO NOT bend cards or touch print surfaces as this
can reduce print quality. The surface of the cards
must remain clean and dust free. Always store
cards in an enclosed container. Ideally, use cards
as soon as possible. If cards stick together,
carefully shuffle them.
* See Chapter 6, Technical Specifications, for card requirements and capacities.

10 OPERATION
B - INSTALL CARD CLEANING CARTRIDGE
This items is used to clean the cards entering the printer.
It must installed before using the printer.
1 • Remove Card Cleaning Cartridge from
plastic bag and peel off protective wrapper from
adhesive cleaning roller.
2 • Open printer cover and remove the yellow
reminder tape from the location for the Cleaning
Cartridge.
3 • Make sure the arrow on top of the assembly is
facing towards the rear of the printer.
Hook assembly into slot on printer and rotate down.
Ensure the assembly locks in place.

11
OPERATION
C - CARD THICKNESS CONTROL LEVER
This items is operated by the user to prevent more than one card feeding into the
printer at the same time and causing a jam.
Open cover, and adjust lever to the correct
position for the card thickness you are using. Repeat
for different card thickness. (Factory setting is for 30
mil (0,762 mm) card thickness). See diagram below:
Card thickness:
A - 60mil (1.524mm) to 50mil (1.27mm)
B - 40mil (1.016mm)
C - 30mil (0.762mm)
D - 20mil (0.508mm)
E* - Less than 20mil (0.508mm)
*Start at lowest position and move lever up
to match card thickness.
For other card thickness, start lever at lowest
position and move up until cards feed.
Note: For Lamination cards should only be 30 mil cards, and composite PVC is prefered
D - CARD OUTPUT HOPPER
This items is used for printing cards.
Install card Output hopper onto printer by hooking
over bottom edge of card exit aperture.

12 OPERATION
2 • 5 Rejected Card Box
The K 500 Optima Printer is equipped with a Rejected card Box. When an encoding cannot
be completed, the card is ejected into the Rejected Card Box. The K 500 Optima Printer
counts the number of cards which go into the Reject Card Box. After 20 cards the printer
stops, the Amber LED Flashes and a LCD Message is displayed indicating the need to empty
the reject box.
WHEN TO MAINTAIN
When the LCD screen reports message
HOW TO MAINTAIN
1 • Press the top of the Rejected Card Box Door as
shown. Allow the door to swing down and open.
2 • Remove all cards from the Rejected Card Box.
REJECT BOX FULL
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