FARGO electronics Pro-L User manual

c15cov1.qxd 8/6/2000 3:51 PM Page 1

Notices
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
No liability is assumed for errors contained herein or for incidental damages in connection
with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights
are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into
another language without prior written consent.
Patent Pending
Trademark Acknowledgements
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Windows is
a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Printing History
Edition 1.0, 080100, P/N L000096
© Copyright 2000 All rights reserved.
iii
Pro-L Card Printer Users Manual
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page iii

iv
Pro-L Card Printer Users Manual
For Users in the United States:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
nRe-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
nIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.
nConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
nConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
nUse of a shielded cable is required to comply with the Class A limits of Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual
could void your authority to operate and/or obtain warranty service for this equipment.
For Users in Canada:
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise for digital
apparatus set out on the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le present appareil numerique nemet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.
For Users in Taiwan:
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page iv

Table of Contents
v
Section 1: Introduction
A. How Your Card Printer Works........................................................1
B. Special Features.................................................................................2
Section 2: Safety Precautions ............................................................3
Section 3: Getting Started
A. Choosing a Good Location............................................................13
B. About Moisture Condensation .....................................................13
C. Unpacking and Inspection.............................................................14
D. Applying Power ..............................................................................14
E. Identifying the Printer Features....................................................16
Section 4: Ribbons and Cards
A. About Ribbons.................................................................................19
B. Loading Ribbon into the Printer...................................................22
C. About Cards.....................................................................................24
D. Loading Cards into the Printer.....................................................24
E. Running the Self Test......................................................................26
Section 5: Card Laminating
A. About the Laminator......................................................................27
B. About Overlaminates .....................................................................28
C. Loading Overlaminate into the Printer .......................................28
Section 6: Using Your Card Printer
A. Connecting the Printer to Your Computer..................................31
B. Installing the Windows Printer Driver........................................32
C. Installing the 32-Bit Print Spooler for Windows 95/98.............34
D. Setting Up the Printer Driver........................................................36
E. Printing a Card................................................................................48
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page v

vi
Pro-L Card Printer Users Manual
Section 7: Maintenance
A. Supplies Required...........................................................................50
B. Standard Printhead Cleaning........................................................51
C. Expanded Printhead Cleaning......................................................51
D. Cleaning the Printers Case...........................................................51
E. Cleaning the Inside of the Printer ................................................52
F. Clearing a Card Jam .......................................................................52
G. Clearing a Ribbon or Overlaminate Jam.....................................53
H. Cleaning the Card Feed Rollers....................................................53
I. Cleaning the Drive Roller..............................................................54
J. Maintaining the Cleaning Rollers.................................................55
Section 8: Mechanical Adjustments
A. Adjusting the Card Input Guides.................................................57
B. Adjusting the Internal Card Guides.............................................58
C. Adjusting the Card Separator Flap ..............................................59
D. Adjusting the Laminator................................................................62
Section 9: Troubleshooting
A. Interpreting LCD Display Messages............................................65
B. General Troubleshooting Suggestions .........................................77
Section 10: Technical Specifications ..................................................81
Appendix A: Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module
A. Magnetic Track Options.................................................................83
B. ISO Track Locations........................................................................87
C. Sending Track Information............................................................87
Appendix B: Interfacing Information
A. Introduction .....................................................................................89
B. Centronics-Type Parallel Interface................................................89
Index ...............................................................................................................91
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page vi

Introduction 1
Section 1: Introduction 1
Thank You...
for choosing the Pro-L Card Printer. This printer has been designed to provide you
with stunning, photo-quality color output on a variety of different card sizes and
thicknesses. It offers many features which easily allow you to create full-color
photo ID cards complete with high resolution graphics, text, bar codes, and much
more.
A. HOW YOUR CARD PRINTER WORKS
Your card printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to
achieve its remarkable, direct-to-card output  dye-sublimation and resin thermal
transfer. The following describes how each of these technologies works:
Dye-Sublimation
Dye-sublimation is the process your printer uses to print smooth, continuous-tone
images that look truly photographic. This process uses a dye-based ribbon roll that
is partitioned by a number of consecutive color panels (see Section 4-A for more
ribbon information). The panels are grouped in a repeating series of the four
process colors  yellow, magenta, cyan, and black  along the entire length of the
ribbon. The printer always prints the yellow panel first, followed by the magenta
panel, the cyan panel, and finally the black panel.
As the ribbon and card pass simultaneously beneath the printhead, hundreds of
thermal elements within the printhead heat the dyes on the ribbon. When these
dyes are heated, they vaporize and diffuse into the surface of the card. By varying
the heat intensity of each thermal element within the printhead, it is possible for
each transferred dot of color to vary in hue, thus blending one color smoothly into
the next and producing photo-realistic images.
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page 1

Resin Thermal Transfer
Resin Thermal Transfer is the process your printer uses to print sharp black text and
crisp bar codes which can be read by both infra-red and visible-light bar code
scanners. It is also the process used to print ultra-fast, one-color ID cards. Like dye-
sublimation, this process uses the same thermal printhead to transfer color from the
ribbon roll to the card. The difference, however, is that solid dots of color are
transferred in the form of a resin-based ink which fuses to the surface of the card
when heated. This produces very durable, single-color images. For more information
on resin ribbons, please refer to Section 4-A.
B. SPECIAL FEATURES
Your card printer has many distinct advantages over other card printers. Its 100 card
capacity card hopper allows for automatic card feeding which reduces the time and
personnel required to create a photo ID card. In addition, the printer offers:
nAutomatic, dual-sided printing in full-color or monochrome
nSimultaneous dye-sublimation/resin thermal transfer printing capability for
printing continuous-tone photos and crisp, readable bar codes
nOptional SmartGuard Security Feature for controlling printing access
nThermal Transfer Film or PolyGuard polyester chip overlaminate
capabilities
nOptional magnetic stripe or smart card encoding capabilities
nA fast print speed of 30 seconds per full-color card
nFast, 32-bit print spooler for Windows 95/98
nDual-sided card cleaning system
nUpgradable memory
nOptional color matching software
nOptional Ethernet network support
And best of all, operation of the printer is simple and straight forward. The printer
will print from any IBM-PC®or compatible running Windows 3.1x, Windows
95/98, or Windows NT. This means you can use the printer with virtually any
software package running under Windows without any special set-up or
configuration beyond the initial installation of the specific software driver and
interface cable.
To begin using your new printer, please refer to the remaining sections of this
manual in the order in which they appear. This Users Manual is your complete step-
by-step guide to setting up and printing with your new card printer.
2Section 1: Introduction
Pro-L Card Printer Users Manual
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page 2

Safety Precautions
Section 2: Safety Precautions 3
2
Before operating the unit, please read the following safety precautions carefully.
WARNINGS
CAUTION!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE FRONT, TOP OR BACK PANELS. NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
nOperate the unit only on 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. If you have any doubt as to
whether you have a unit with the correct voltage rating for your countrys
power supply, DO NOT attempt to use the unit. Contact your dealer or the
factory.
nStop operation immediately if any liquid or solid object should fall into the
cabinet. Unplug the unit and have it checked by qualified service personnel.
nUnplug the units power transformer from the wall outlet if you do not use the
unit for a long time. Disconnect the cord by grasping the plug. Never pull the
cord itself.
nThe unit is not disconnected from the main power source as long as the power
transformer is plugged into the wall outlet, even if the unit itself has been
turned off.
nDo not disassemble the cabinet. Refer servicing only to qualified personnel.
nService personnel: parts of this device may be damaged if exposed to static
electrical discharges generated by various means, such as walking on a
carpeted floor. To avoid potential damage, always wear an appropriate
personal grounding device, such as a wrist strap (with integral resistor)
connected to an ESD ground. Or, at a minimum, make positive contact with the
bare metal chassis of the printer with your hand prior to touching any internal
electrical components.
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page 3

4Section 2: Safety Precautions
Pro-L Card Printer Users Manual
Sicherheitsmaßnahmen
Machen Sie sich vor Inbetriebnahme des Geräts mit den Sicherheitsmaßnahmen
gründlich vertraut.
SICHERHEITSHINWEISE
VORSICHT!
ZUR VERHÜTUNG VON FEUERGEFAHR ODER ELEKTRISCHEN
SCHLÄGEN DAS GERÄT VOR REGEN ODER FEUCHTIGKEIT
SCHÜTZEN. UM DIE GEFAHR VON STROMSCHLÄGEN ZU
VERHINDERN, OBERE, SEITLICHE UND HINTERE ABDECKUNG NICHT
ABNEHMEN. DAS GERÄT ENTHÄLT KEINE TEILE, DIE VOM BENUTZER
GEWARTET WERDEN KÖNNEN. WARTUNGSARBEITEN DÜRFEN NUR
VON QUALIFIZIERTEM FACHPERSONAL DURCHGEFÜHRT WERDEN.
nDas Gerät nur mit 100-240 V 50/60 Hz Wechselstrom betreiben. Wenn Sie nicht
sicher sind, ob Ihr Gerät mit der Spannung des örtlichen Stromnetzes arbeitet,
DAS GERÄT NICHT IN BETRIEB NEHMEN. Wenden Sie sich an Ihren
Händler oder den Hersteller des Geräts.
nDen Betrieb sofort unterbrechen, wenn ein Gegenstand in das Gehäuse gefallen
oder Flüssigkeit eingedrungen ist. Den Netzstecker ziehen und das Gerät von
qualifiziertem Wartungspersonal überprüfen lassen.
nWenn das Gerät längere Zeit nicht verwendet wird, den Netzstecker des
Transformators ziehen. Immer am Stecker, nicht am Kabel ziehen.
nSolange der Transformator ans Netz angeschlossen ist, steht das Gerät unter
Spannung, auch wenn es ausgeschaltet ist.
nKeine Gehäuseteile abnehmen. Wartungsarbeiten nur von qualifiziertem
Fachpersonal durchführen lassen.
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page 4

Section 2: Safety Precautions 5
Pro-L Card Printer Users Manual
Consignes de sécurité
Avant dutiliser lappareil, prière de lire attentivement les consignes de sécurité
suivantes.
AVERTISSEMENTS
ATTENTION !
POUR EVITER TOUT RISQUE DINCENDIE OU DELECTROCUTION, NE
PAS EXPOSER LAPPAREIL A LA PLUIE OU A LHUMIDITE. POUR EVITER
TOUTE DECHARGE ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS RETIRER LES PANNEAUX
AVANT, SUPERIEUR OU ARRIERE. NE PAS TENTER DE REPARER SOI-
MEME LES PIECES A LINTERIEUR DE LAPPAREIL. CONFIER
LENTRETIEN DE LAPPAREIL A UN PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
nFaire fonctionner lappareil uniquement sur courant alternatif de 100/240 V, 50
ou 60 Hz. En cas de doute sur la compatibilité entre la tension nominale de
lappareil et le courant du pays dutilisation, NE PAS TENTER DUTILISER
LAPPAREIL. Contacter le revendeur ou lusine.
nArrêter immédiatement le fonctionnement si un liquide ou un solide venait à
sinfiltrer à lintérieur de larmoire. Débrancher lappareil et le faire vérifier par
un personnel qualifié.
nDébrancher le transformateur de la prise murale si lon prévoit de ne pas
utiliser lappareil pendant un certain temps. Pour débrancher le cordon
dalimentation, tirer sur la prise. Ne jamais tirer sur le cordon.
nLappareil sera connecté à la source dalimentation principale aussi longtemps
que le transformateur de tension restera branché sur la prise murale, même si
lappareil lui-même a été mis hors tension.
nNe pas démonter lappareil. Confier lentretien de lappareil uniquement à un
personnel qualifié
proL.qxd 8/6/2000 3:30 PM Page 5