Monthly Archives: August 2009

Bar Codes Not Working when Scanned

Question to our Technical Support Staff:

My bar code will not read when placing the card on/in the scanner.

Techncial Response:

One of the reasons that the bar code will not read may be that the printer driver settings are incorrect in the id card printer that is printing on the PVC card. The id card printer may be set to print a process called a “composite card.” This process is incorrect as the bar code needs to be printed by a true resin black process.

If you think your id card printer is not printing in true resin black. Follow the procedures below to check and/or correct your printer settings.

    1. Pull out the print ribbon from your printer after you have printed a card containing a bar code.
    2. Look at each panel of the ribbon that has printed the card containing the bar code.
    3. If you see places in each of the various ribbon panels that look like the bar code, the printer has built the bar code by using color panels. This is the composite printing and the bar code will not work correctly in most instances.
    4. To change the printer settings to require the bar code print in resin black, go to the K-resin tab in your print driver.
    5. Set the tab to print K-resin black for the bar code.
    6. Apply the settings.
    7. Rerun the print job. This should solve the bar code problem.

For specific information about Fargo printers and the capabilities of current ID card printer systems, contact our ID card experts toll free at 888-485-4696.

Evolis Printer – Install an Ethernet Printer on Mac 10.4 and 10.5

Following are the steps to install the driver on a Mac 10.4 or 10.5:

1. Prior to starting the installation, plug in the printer to the Mac and make sure that you have Administrator rights.

2. Go to the Evolis website at www.evolis.com. Download the necessary driver and follow the instructions during your installation.

3. Open the System Preferences.
Mac Installation

Then open the printers and faxes.
Mac Installation

4. Click on the + to add and then click on the IP PRINTER button printer which should be already detected.
Mac Installation

5. Choose the HP Jet Direct Socket option in the Printer Broswer section, choose Select a driver.
Mac Installation

6. Enter the printer’s IP address and select EVOLIS in the Print Using section.
Mac Installation

7. Choose in the menu list the Evolis driver and the language you need. Click on Add to validate your choice.
Mac Installation

8. The driver in now ready to be used.
Mac Installation

9. To print your design, open your card printing software. Click on file and print to access the printing properties.
Mac Installation

10. Make sure the correct driver has been selected for the printer and check the paper size in Card. Go to the printer features to access the Evolis driver properties if you need to communicate with the printer.
Mac Installation

11. Open the driver spooler from the Print and Fax section and click on Utility
Mac Installation

For more information about Evolis printers, search our blog about Evolis printer support or call our ID experts at 888-485.4696.

Fargo Printer – Cleaning the ID Card Printer

Fargo HDP5000

It is important to keep the Fargo card printer clean to provide professional quality ID card printing for years to come. When cleaning the printer, follow the steps below to ensure the printer is cleaned correctly.

CLEANING THE PRINTHEAD

1. Open the printer front cover.
2. Remove the print ribbon.
3. Squeeze the printhead cleaning swab to saturate the tip of the swab with alcohol.
4. Rub the swab gently back and forth over the length of the printhead.
5. When the printhead is completely dry, replace the ribbon and close the front cover.

CLEANING THE PLATEN AND CARD FEED ROLLERS

1. Open the printer front cover and remove the print ribbon.
2. Remove the cards from the printer’s input hopper.
3. Use the cleaning card from the cleaning kit and remove the adhesive backing from both sides of the card.
4. Insert the cleaning card into the single feed card slot until the card stops.
5. From your computer, open the printer driver and select “printing preferences.”
6. Click on the “clean printer” button.
7. Click on the “clean” button.

At this point, the printer will pull in the cleaning card. The printer will perform an automated cleaning.

Cleaning the Printer’s Interior

Occasionally, use a cleaning pad from your cleaning kit to remove dust and dirt from inside the printer.

Cleaning the Printer’s Exterior

Use a cleaning pad from the cleaning kit to remove dirt from the outside of the printer.

For information about the Fargo HDP5000 printers or other Fargo printers, contact us for a free consultation at 888-485-4696.

Evolis Pebble – Setting the Correct Ribbon Settings

Evolis Pebble 4

The majority of people who print ID badges set the system up for the single badge design and are good to go. Other groups have various cards designs for various applications. Some of these cards may be full color and other cards may be single color. To save on costs, the single color cards can be printed using a single color ribbon and a ribbon change is made when switching from the single color to a multi color card.

If your cards are not printing correctly after switching out the ribbon, follow the following steps on your PC to adjust the printer and software to the new ribbon selection.

    • 1. Go to your computer start button.
      2. Select printers and faxes
      3. Select the Evolis Pebble and right click.
      4. Select printing preferences.
      5. On the graphic tab, the first selecton is “ribbon”. Select the correct ribbon for your new printing job. Click “Set Ribbon.” Click “Ok.”

When you open your ID card software, check the printer settings. Make sure that your ribbon selection is the same as the one you set in the printer driver.

For information about ID card printers or specific Evolis printers, contact us for a free consultation at 888-485-4696.