HID Fargo DTC4500 User manual

15370 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618-2215
USA
DTC4500 User Guide
P/N: L001444

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide (Rev 1.0), © 2010 property of HID Global Corporation. All
rights reserved.
Exclusive permission is granted to authorized resellers of HID Global products to reproduce and
distribute this copyrighted document to authorized HID Global customers, who have signed a no
disclosure agreement regarding the restricted, proprietary use of said document.
The revision number for this document will be updated to reflect changes, corrections, updates and
enhancements to this document.
Revision Control
Number Date Document Title
Revision 1.0 March 2010 DTC4500
Card Printer/Encoder User Guide
Trademarks and Disclaimers
HID, HID Global, and Fargo are the trademarks or registered trademarks of HID Global Corporation in
the U.S. and other countries.
The information contained in this document is provided AS IS without any warranty.
HID Global hereby disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to the information contained
herein, including all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-
infringement.
In no event shall HID Global be liable, whether in contract, tort or otherwise for any indirect, special or
consequential damages arising from the use of the information contained in this document.
Any questions regarding changes, corrections, updates or enhancements to this document should be
forwarded to:
Hid Global
Support Services
6533 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (USA)
[phone] Ext #6
FAX: [phone]
www.hidglobal.com
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 2

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Table of Contents
DTC4500 User Guide______________________________________________________________________ 1
Section 1: Specifications ___________________________________________________________________ 5
Regulatory Compliances ___________________________________________________________________________5
Agency Listings__________________________________________________________________________________6
United States__________________________________________________________________________________6
Canada ______________________________________________________________________________________6
Safety Messages (review carefully)___________________________________________________________________7
Environmental Protection (China-RoHS) ______________________________________________________________8
Traditional Chinese RF Emissions and Safety Statements _______________________________________________8
Simplified Chinese _____________________________________________________________________________9
Technical Specifications __________________________________________________________________________ 10
Functional Specifications__________________________________________________________________________13
Printer Components: Print Ribbons _______________________________________________________________13
Ribbon Types/Count Table______________________________________________________________________14
Printer Components: Blank Cards ________________________________________________________________ 15
Section 2: Setup and Installation Procedures_________________________________________________ 16
Choosing a Good Location ________________________________________________________________________16
About Moisture Condensation ___________________________________________________________________16
Unpacking and Inspection_______________________________________________________________________16
Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge (DTC4500) _______________________________________________________ 17
Installing the Ribbon___________________________________________________________________________17
Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (DTC4500)_________________________________________________19
Using the Single and Dual Hopper ________________________________________________________________19
Setting the Card Size for CR79 and CR80_____________________________________________________________23
Connecting the Printer power ______________________________________________________________________27
Section 3: Print Driver Installation_________________________________________________________ 28
Driver Installation Instructions _____________________________________________________________________28
Section 4: Printer Preferences Tab Functions ________________________________________________ 29
|contextid=30 Using the Card tab __________________________________________________________________29
Using the Toolbox Options ________________________________________________________________________ 30
|contextid=150 Using the Configuration Tab __________________________________________________________31
|contextid=151 Selecting the Calibrate Laminator tab____________________________________________________32
Using the Event Monitoring Group Box ______________________________________________________________34
Reviewing the Ribbon Low message ______________________________________________________________34
|contextid=152 Selecting the Calibrate Ribbon tab ______________________________________________________35
|contextid=154 Selecting the Clean Printer tab _________________________________________________________37
|contextid=155 Selecting the Advanced Settings tab_____________________________________________________38
|contextid=40Using the Device Options tab ___________________________________________________________46
|contextid=50Using the Image Color tab______________________________________________________________49
|contextid=51Using the Image Calibrate tab ___________________________________________________________52
|contextid=70Using the Magnetic Encoding Tab________________________________________________________ 53
Using the Magnetic Encoding Tab – ISO Standards___________________________________________________ 54
Using the Magnetic Encoding Tab – Custom Encoding or Raw Binary Encoding Mode ______________________56
Reviewing the ISO Track Locations_______________________________________________________________57
Reviewing the Sample String ____________________________________________________________________58
Sending the Track Information ___________________________________________________________________59
Reviewing the ASCII Code and Character Table _____________________________________________________60
|contextid=80Using the Lamination tab ______________________________________________________________ 62
|contextid=90 Using the Overlay / Print Area tab _______________________________________________________62
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 3

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
|contextid=100Using the K Panel Resin tab ___________________________________________________________66
|contextid=120Using the Printer Info tab______________________________________________________________69
Section 5: Selecting the Fluorescent Panel Ribbon Type________________________________________ 70
Creating a Custom Fluorescent Image (using the YMCFKO Ribbon)_____________________________________ 70
Configuring Fluorescent Data (F-Panel for YMCFKO Ribbon) using the Application ________________________72
Section 6: System Overview- Troubleshooting________________________________________________ 76
Reviewing the DTC4500 Sequence of Operations ______________________________________________________76
Reviewing the DTC4500 Sequence of Operations ____________________________________________________77
Section 7: Troubleshooting________________________________________________________________ 78
Printer Error Button and Display Message Table _______________________________________________________78
Using the Error Message Table _____________________________________________________________________80
Troubleshooting with the Error Message Table_________________________________________________________ 82
Printer Specific Tools (DTC4500)___________________________________________________________________ 92
Additional Printer Specific Tools (DTC4500) _______________________________________________________93
Section 8: Cleaning ______________________________________________________________________ 94
Safety Messages (review carefully) _______________________________________________________________94
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder Cleaning Kit _______________________________________________________ 95
Printhead Cleaning ____________________________________________________________________________96
Cleaning the Platen and the Card Feed Rollers_______________________________________________________ 97
Cleaning the Printer’s Interior____________________________________________________________________99
Cleaning the Printer’s Exterior ___________________________________________________________________99
Section 9: Firmware Upgrades____________________________________________________________ 100
Upgrade the Printer Firmware_____________________________________________________________________ 100
Section 10: HID Global Technical Support__________________________________________________ 103
Reading the Serial Numbers on a Fargo Printer _______________________________________________________104
Appendix A ____________________________________________________________________________ 105
Using the Defined Area Option____________________________________________________________________105
Configuring Fluorescent Data (F-Panel for YMCFKO Ribbon) using the Workbench _________________________ 106
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 4

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Section 1: Specifications
The purpose of this section is to provide you with specific information on the Regulatory Compliances,
Agency Listings, Technical Specifications and Functional Specifications for the DTC4500 Card Printer
User Guide.
Regulatory Compliances
Term Description
CSA
(cUL)
The Printer manufacturer has been authorized by UL to
represent the Card Printer as CSA Certified under CSA
Standard C22.2 No. 60950-1-03.
File Number: E145118
FCC The Card Printer complies with the requirements in Part 15 of
the FCC rules for a Class A digital device.
EMC The Card Printer has been tested and complies with EN55022 /
CISPR 22 Class A: and EN55024 standards.
(Note: Based on the above testing, the Printer manufacturer
certifies that the Card Printer complies with current EMC
directive 2004/108/EC of the European Community and has
placed the CE mark on the Card Printer.)
License Number: J99032510
UL The Card Printer is listed under UL IEC 60950-1 (2001)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT
(Note: This product is intended to be supplied by a Listed
Power Unit marked Class 2 and rated for 24 V dc, 3.7 to 5A.)
File Number: E145118
Environmental Power supply Efficiency level IV, RoHS, China RoHS
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 5

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Agency Listings
Term Description
Emissions
Standards CE, FCCPart 15 Class A, CRC c1374, CISPR22 Class A,
EN55022, EN55024,
EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3,
Safety Standards UL IEC 60950-1 (2001), CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03.
United States
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference; in which case, you will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
Reference the Safety Messages in this document.
Canada
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
C’et appareil numerique de la classe A est comforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 6

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Safety Messages (review carefully)
Symbol Critical Instructions for Safety purposes
Danger:
Failure to follow these installation guidelines can result in death
or serious injury.
Information that raises potential safety issues is indicated by a
warning symbol (as shown to the left).
•To prevent personal injury, refer to the following safety
messages before performing an operation preceded by this
symbol.
•To prevent personal injury, always remove the power cord prior
to performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified.
•To prevent personal injury, make sure only qualified personnel
perform these procedures.
Caution:
This device is electrostatically sensitive. It may be damaged if
exposed to static electricity discharges.
Information that raises potential electrostatic safety issues is indicated
by a warning symbol (as shown to the left).
•To prevent equipment or media damage, refer to the following
safety messages before performing an operation preceded by this
symbol.
•To prevent equipment or media damage, observe all
established Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedures while
handling cables in or near the Circuit Board and Printhead
Assemblies.
•To prevent equipment or media damage, always wear an
appropriate personal grounding device (e.g., a high quality wrist
strap grounded to avoid potential damage).
•To prevent equipment or media damage, always remove the
Ribbon and Cards from the Printer before making any repairs,
unless otherwise specified.
•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.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 7

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Environmental Protection (China-RoHS)
Environmental Protection Use Period is based on the product being used in an office environment.
Traditional Chinese RF Emissions and Safety Statements
經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機,非經許可,公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特
性及功能。低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信;經發現有干擾現象時,應立即停用,並改善至無
干擾時方得繼續使用。前項合法通信,指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、
科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 8

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Simplified Chinese
如何使用本手册
实际上,DTC4500 证卡打印机用户指南
是一本整个证卡打印机的故障排除和服务手册。本手册旨在帮助安装人员和技术人员快速有效地查找相关
过程、组件和术语。安装人员或技术人员可根据自己的喜好,高效地使用本手册的电子文档或纸面文档。
安全消息(请仔细阅读)
符号 安全事项的重要说明
危险:
如果不遵循这些安装指南进行操作,可能会导致重伤,甚至死亡。
可能引发安全问题的信息由警告符号(如左图所示)来表示。
为了确保人身安全,在执行前面带有此符号的操作之前,请先阅读下面
的安全消息。
为了确保人身安全,除非另有规定,否则在执行维修过程前,始终应断
开电源。
为了确保人身安全,只能由有资格的人员执行这些过程。
安全消息(请仔细阅读)
符号 安全事项的重要说明
小心:
此设备为静电敏感设备。如果暴露在静电电流下,可能会损坏设备。
可能引发静电安全问题的信息由警告符号(如左图所示)来表示。
为了防止设备或介质受损,在执行前面带有此符号的操作之前,请先阅
读下面的安全消息。
为了防止设备或介质受损,请在处理电路板和打印头部件中或附近的
电缆时,遵守所有规定的静电放电 (ESD) 过程。
为了防止设备或介质受损,请始终佩带适当的个人接地设备(例如,已
接地避免出现潜在损坏的高质量腕带)。
为了防止设备或介质受损,除非另有规定,否则在执行任何维修过程前
,始终应将色带和证卡与打印机分离。
为了防止设备或介质受损,在操作打印机前,请取下手指和手上的珠宝
饰物,并将手上的油渍和污渍彻底清洗干净。
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 9

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Technical Specifications
Term Function
Print resolution •300 x 300 dpi(11.8 dots/mm)
•Up to 16.7 million colors, Monochrome
Printer Memory 16MB RAM
Print Area CR-80 (3.375"L x 2.125"W / 85.6mmL x 54mmW)
Print Method Dye Sublimation/Resin Thermal Transfer
Printer Driver &
System
Requirements
•Windows XP, Server 2003 and 2008, Vista 32-bit and 64-bit
compliance, Linux distributions-Red Hat, open
•SUSE, SUSE Enterprise, Ubuntu, Fedora Core
•Mac OS X version 10.0 to 10.5
•x86 based PC or compatible, Windows 2000, Windows XP,
Windows 2003, 500MHz computer with 256MB of RAM or
higher, 500MB free hard disk space or higher
Fargo E-card
Software
Development Kit
Support with developed Fargo E-card Software Development Kit
(SDK).
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 10

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Technical Specifications
Term Function
Connectivity •Standard USB 2.0 (USB Standard with this option), including
single USB cable support for Omnikey 5121 and 5125
encoders
•Ethernet 10/100 option, including single Ethernet cable
support for Omnikey 5121 encoder (separate USB cable
required for encoding with the Omnikey 5125 encoder)
•Full bi-directional status messaging to the PC during the
encoding process
Print Speed Indicates the Ribbon type and the number of Ribbon panels
printed where Y=Yellow, M=Magenta, C=Cyan, K=Resin Black,
O=Overlay, F=Fluorescing Resin
•YMCKO= 24 seconds per card
•YMCKOK= 30 seconds per card
•Resin= 6 seconds per card
•Print speed indicates an approximate batch print speed and
is measured from the time a card feeds into the Printer to the
time it ejects from the Printer.
•Print speeds do not include encoding time or the time
needed for the PC to process the image.
•Process time is dependent on the size of the file, the CPU,
amount of RAM and the amount of available resources at the
time of the print.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 11

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Technical Specifications
Term Function
Card Size and
Types Supported •CR-80 (3.362"L x 2.114"W / 85.4mmL x 53.7mmW)
•CR-79 (3.303”L x 2.051”W / 83.7mmL x 51.9mmW
•10 mil to 40 mil card thickness
•Re-writable card technologies (requires special rewritable
cards)
•PVC, Polyester cards with a polished PVC finish
Printer Dimensions
DTC4500 :
•14.4"(366 mm)L x 9.2"(234 mm)W x 9.8"(249 mm)H w/o
output bin
•18.1"(460 mm)L x 9.2"(234 mm)W x 9.8"(249 mm)H w/
output bin
DTC4500 with Flipper (includes input Hopper):
•18.7"(475 mm)L x 9.2"(234 mm)W x 9.8"(249 mm)H
DTC4500 without Flipper (includes input and output
Hoppers):
•18.7"(475 mm)L x 9.2"(234 mm)W x 18.9"(480 mm)H
Environmental
Operation •20-80% Humidity
•65° to 80° F / 18° to 27° C Temperature
Electrical •External power adapter: 100-240 VAC, 1.5 A max, output
24Vdc 3.75A
•50 Hz/60 Hz Supply Frequency
•Efficiency level IV
Encoding Options
Supported •Omnikey 5121 (iClass, Mifare, Desfire)
•Omnikey 5125 (HID Prox,Indala)
•Contact Smart Card (requires Omnikey 5121 or 5125 )
•ISO Mag Encoding standard 7811, Parts 1-7. High or Low
Coercivity. (Raw Magnetic Encoding option)
•JIS II Mag Encoding
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 12

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
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.
Printer Components: Print Ribbons
The Card Printer utilizes both dye-sublimation and/or resin thermal transfer methods to print images
directly onto blank cards. Since the dye-sublimation and the resin thermal transfer print methods each
provide their own unique benefits, Print Ribbons are available in resin-only, dye-sublimation-only and
combination dye-sublimation/resin versions.
To make it easier to remember which Print Ribbons are which, a letter code has been developed to
indicate the type of 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 (Premium unless otherwise stated )
= Clear Protective Overlay Panel
= Ultra Violet Fluorescing Panel
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 13

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Ribbon Types/Count Table
Ribbon type and count used in each Printer.
Ribbon DTC4500
YMCKO – Full Color/Resin Black/Overlay 500
YMCKO Half Panel – Full Color (1/2)/Resin
Black/Overlay 850
YMCFKO - Full Color/UV Fluorescing/Resin
Black/Overlay 500
YMCKK - Full Color/2 Resin Black 500
YMCKOK - Full Color/2 Resin Black/Overlay 500
YMCFKOK - Full Color/UV Fluorescing/2 Resin
Black/Overlay 400
K – Standard Resin 3000
K – Premium Resin 3000
Colored Resin 2000
Metallic Resin 2000
KO - Premium Black Resin/Overlay 1250
BO - Dye-Sub Black/Overlay 1250
None – Rewritable Supported
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 14

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Printer Components: Blank Cards
Type Description
Card Size The Card Printer accepts standard CR-80 and CR-79 sized cards.
Card
Surface Suitable cards must have a polished PVC surface free of fingerprints, dust or any other types of embedded contaminants. In addition, cards must
have a completely smooth, level surface in order for the Printer to achieve
consistent color coverage.
•Certain types of Proximity cards have an uneven surface that will
inhibit consistent color transfer.
•Certain types of smart card chips are raised slightly above the cards
surface which also results in poor color transfer.
UltraCard™
Brand
Cards
The UltraCard product line, available exclusively as part of HID's Global's
Fargo brand secure card issuance solutions, has a long standing
reputation among dealers and end-Users for consistent quality in
construction.
•In addition to blank stock, the UltraCard line is available in a variety of
configurations for magnetic stripe, custom holograms and other
additional anti-counterfeiting feature
•UltraCard™ Premium is the preferred card for Direct-to-Card (DTC®)
applications that require a higher quality card. The UltraCard
Premium’s composite material construction provides for maximum
durability, flexibility and card life, with optimal resolution print quality
for lamination and fluorescent panel Ribbon printing applications.
•UltraCard™ PVC cards are medium-durability cards for a glossy,
photo quality finish. These cards are manufactured to ensure clean,
scratch-free cards for high-quality prints and extended Printhead life.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 15

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Section 2: Setup and Installation Procedures
This section describes the setup and installation for the DTC4500 Card Printer.
Choosing a Good Location
Follow these guidelines:
•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.)
•Do not install unit near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts or in a place subject to direct
sunlight, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
About Moisture Condensation
If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm location or is placed in a very damp room, moisture
may condense inside the unit. Should this occur, print quality may not be optimum.
Leave the unit turned Off in a warm, dry room for several hours before using. This will allow the moisture
to evaporate.
Caution: For safety purposes, Ethernet is not intended for a direct connection outside of the
building.
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:
•Power Supply
•US / EU Power Cable
•USB cable (2.0)
•Software Installation CD/User Guide
•User Guide
•Warranty Statement, Registration Card and Compliancy Document
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 16

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge (DTC4500)
Fargo Card Printers require highly specialized supplies to function properly.
•The Fargo DTC4500 Card Printer uses a one-piece, refill system.
•To maximize Printer life, reliability, printed card quality and durability, you must use only Fargo-
certified supplies.
•For this reason, your Fargo warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use non-Fargo-
certified supplies.
•Printer cleaning is recommended with each Ribbon change to ensure quality printed cards.
•Resin-only Print Ribbons consist of a continuous roll of a single resin color. No protective overlay
panel (O) is provided since resin images do not require the protection of such an overlay.
Installing the Ribbon
Step Procedure
1 Lift up the Cleaning Roller Cover.
2 Load the Print Ribbon into the Print Ribbon Cartridge.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 17

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Installing the Ribbon
Step Procedure
3 a. Close the Cleaning Roller Cover.
b. Insert the new Cleaning roller.
4Load the Ribbon Cartridge into the Printer.
5Close the Front Cover.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 18

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Installing Blank Cards into the Card Hopper (DTC4500)
Using the Single and Dual Hopper
Caution: Do not run the cards with a contaminated, dull or uneven surface through the
Printer.
Step Procedure
1 Pre-instruction.
•Printing onto such cards will ultimately lead to poor print quality and will
greatly reduce the life of the Printhead. Card Types include PVC or PVC
finish.
•Cards eject into the Output Hopper or Reject Hopper.
•Each Hopper holds 100 cards.
•The DTC4500 is available with two (2) Hopper configurations: Single and
Dual Hopper
•Certain types of smart card chips are raised slightly above the cards
surface which may result in poor color transfer. Design the card with white
space surrounding the chip. (Note: The Fargo DTC4500 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).
•Again, the cards should be loaded with the print side down and (if
applicable) the magnetic strip up and towards the front of the Printer.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 19

© 2010 HID Global Corporation All rights reserved
Using the Single and Dual Hopper
Step Procedure
2 Open the Card Hopper Cover.
Single Hopper Dual Hopper
3 Press the Card Hopper Load Lever down until the Card Tray locks into place.
DTC4500 Card Printer/Encoder User Guide 20