Tag Archives: firmware

New Entrust Datacard Firmware

Entrust Datacard released new firmware for their SD, CD, and CE system printers today. In order to download this update, visit their support page.

The new firmware will provide your printers with a wide variety of enhancements. This summer, Entrust Datacard began sending out new RFID tags with enhanced encryption to ensure that you are receiving authentic Datacard® Certified Supplies that were designed specifically for optimum performance in their Datacard® system. This new firmware will enable the enhanced encryption to take place.

In addition to enabling the enhanced encryption, the new firmware will provide Datacard SD, CD, and CE systems with a wide variety of updates:

  • UV printing on all SD, CD and CE systems
  • Rewrite capability on SD260 and SD260s systems
  • Security enhancements to support PCI requirements
  • Mag stripe fix to help reduce errors when cards are not in position
  • Improved cleaning card on the multi-hopper
  • Other security and performance improvements

For more information about firmware and why it’s important to keep it updated, check out the post about it in our archives.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of our experts at +1 888.485.4696.

What Does Card Printer Firmware Do?

Every ID card printer contains an embedded computer program called firmware. This program is the “brain” of the printer, and is responsible for receiving output (“print jobs”) from your computer, and then translating that information into the necessary commands and functions required for your printer to produce high-quality ID cards.

Printer firmware programs are routinely updated by manufacturers to improve print-speed and quality, to expand capabilities, and to correct for software bugs or printer faults. To obtain optimal performance from any ID card printer, we recommend that our clients always use the latest firmware version available. We find that printer errors or faults often can be resolved by ensuring the firmware is up-to-date, and that printers run more consistently and with fewer issues when this practice is maintained.

Updating the printer’s firmware is easy. First, go to the technical support section of your printer manufacturer’s website. Links are provided below:

motherboardCIM Printers
Datacard Printers
Evolis Printers
Fargo Printers
IDP/Smart Printers
Magicard Printers
Zebra Printers

On these linked pages, you will be able to locate and download the correct and latest firmware for your specific printer model. Each manufacturer also helpfully includes basic procedures for the installation of the firmware on their specific printers. Of course, if you should have any questions or doubts, our expert technicians are always glad to assist you!

As a reminder, we always recommend that you update to the newest available printer driver when you update your firmware. To learn more about printer drivers, click here.

For specific card system information, contact our ID card experts toll free at +1 888.485.4696.

Upgrading the Printer Firmware on your C30 or DTC400 Printer

Here are the steps to upgrading your printer firmware:

1. Go to www.fargosupport.com and download the current firmware into a new folder on your computer. The file will be in a zip format so you will want to unzip it in the folder you have created.

2. Open the Fargo Workbench Printer Utility. You will see the following:

Printer Printing Preferences

3. Open the print spooler. Select File to Print and browse your computer to locate the firmware file you downloaded and saved into the new folder. The firmware is a .frm file.

Fargo Workbench Printer Utility

4. Prepare the printer for the firmware upgrade by pressing and holding down the Pause and Power buttons at the same time. At the same time, plug in the power. You should see the Power and Pause buttons blinking.

5. Go back to the Workbench screen and select Send File To Printer. At this time, the lights will flash fast as the Firmware is updating.

6. When the Firmware is updated, the printer will restart and the lights will remain solid while on.

7. You have completed the update.

For additional information about Fargo printers, contact our ID card specialists. They will be able to assist you with Persona C30e or Fargo DTC400e printer questions.

CIM Printer – Sunlight K3 Printer Drivers and Firmware

CIM Sunlight K3 Printer Drivers and Firmware

*Please note: The Sunlight K3 is no longer in production and is out of support. This printer’s drivers and firmware are no longer kept current. Links in this post point to Sunlight K3 printer drivers and firmware as well as those for newer CIM printers.* If you have a Sunlight K3 printer, you should periodically check to ensure you have the latest hardware drivers and device firmware. These downloads are available directly from the Technical Support section of the CIM-USA website, here. Note that 32-bit drivers are available for Windows XP & Vista, while there is also a 64-bit driver that will support Windows XP, Vista & Windows 7. Windows 7 is the latest available operating system compatible with the drivers and firmware for the Sunlight K3.

The CIM Sunlight K3 User Manual

CIM Sunlight K3 Printer, drivers and firmware are still available.

This page also has a PDF of the device user-manual. This manual contains useful information on the operation and regular maintenance of your K3 printer. Regular maintenance includes updating drivers and firmware and regular printer cleanings, which are also crucial to smooth operation.

Call our experts at +1 888.485.4696 for additional information about the CIM Sunlight K3 printers. Visit our website or call for more information about newer model CIM printer. We would be happy to provide additional information.

Fargo Printer – Upgrading Firmware

Fargo ID card printers have software loaded into the printer that run the motor, printhead and so forth. At times, you may be required to update the firmware into the printer as new versions of the firmware are released.

To update the printer firmware, the best method of getting the corrected and/or updated version is to visit www.fargosupport.com. When on this site, you can either use the Fargo Diagnostics Utility or the new Fargo Workbench to load the needed file into the printer.

If you need additional assistance for a Safe-Card ID printer manufactured by Fargo, contact a technical support representative at 888-485-4696.

Our website contains additional information about Fargo printers.  A free consultation regarding an id card printer that would meet your job specifications can be yours by calling toll free 888-485-4696.