AlphaCard Systems Support Knowledge Base

Hi!, gentlemen:Currently, we are using Persona C11 for our members ID Card. We want to know if Persona C11 is compatible with MRM Plus 2 software from Gladstone, UK. Please check their website at http://www.gladstonemrm.com/gladstoneinternet/products/default.aspxMRM Plus 2 is a management software of leisure industry.We are looking forward to your prompt action.Sincerely,Jefferson D. Maquiling

Mike S. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:03:00 GMT

Abstract:

Hi Jefferson,

The C11, like the great majority of ID card printers, is Windows-based. Any software that can select a printer driver from the Printers and Faxes folder can use the printer. There are some softwares that are more proprietary and are written to work only with that manufacturer's software, but that's uncommon.

Probably the main question is does the Plus 2 software have a card design module? The way it's described on their website I don't get the sense that it does. Typically cards are printed from a software created specifically for that purpose, like Alpha Card software, which you can try at http://www.alphacard.com/support2/alphacard-demo.shtml

Is there a way to add a field that will display in Alpha Track as a scrolling text box that can display multiple rows of information?? might be a programers question, but the text box will be used to display firefighter certifications in the alpha track program. I am currently using the standard edition. if being able to do this possible, might result in the software being implimented state wide. Hope there is a way to do it! thanks!

Mike S. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:46:00 GMT

Abstract:

Hello,

Unfortunately "advanced field formatting" is a feature of the Enterprise version of the software, but even that does not include scrolling text boxes.

Would these certificates be printed on the card? It is possible to have separate fields for each certificate, then put multiple fields into a single text object. Then, in the text object properties, select "Don't print blank lines when the fields are empty." That way, only the certificates/lines that are filled for that firefighter will print. Of course, the practicality of this would depend on how many different certificates there are; there's always the issue of how much information can fit in the card area.

After printing a card there is a fine line down the center of the card.

Mike S. — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 02:20:00 GMT

Abstract:

A perfectly straight white line running the long length of the card means a pixel on the printhead has either burned out or been damaged. Printheads come with a one year factory warranty for internal materials and manufacturing. If the printhead was damaged externally, like if a hard partical got wedged between the card and the printhead while printing, the warranty would be void.

Call a support technician to setup an evaluation for the printhead, if it's under warranty. Otherwise, they cannot be repaired, only replaced.

My DTC515 series printer is constantly feeding multiple card. How can I stop this from happening?.

Mike S. — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Abstract:

The thickness lever at the input hopper should be said to 30 for standard credit card sized cards. If it is too high it will allow multiple cards to feed.

Cards fresh out of the wrapper are often stuck together with static electricity. Hold the stack by the edges, and rap it on the table top, or rock them back and forth. You want to avoid touching the printable area of the card, and at the same time break the static.

We have your print software installed on our pc. Is it compatible with any brand of digital camera and id card printer? Thanks.

Mike S. — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:53:00 GMT

Abstract:

AlphaCard is compatible with any operating system.

AlphaCard software is compatible with any windows based printer.

AlphaCard will recognize any camera that is WIA or TWAIN compliant. Windows Vista uses WPD and as of 7-20-07 still will not allow cameras to be seen by third party softwares (it does not use WIA or TWAIN).

I have a date field that I want to leave blank until the card is returned, but it auto-fills the field with the current date and time. Is there a way to change this?

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:23:00 GMT

Abstract:

In the software, go to HELP > ABOUT and check which "build" it is. Most likely it's build E6. Call technical support for assistance in upgrading to a current build which will allow that field to remain blank, at 1-800-717-8080 x2.

I have a voltage head error. What is this and how do I fix it?

Mike S. — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 05:50:00 GMT

Abstract:

Hi Heather,

The best thing would be to call for assistance over the phone, then we can get into some troubleshooting.

1-800-717-8080 x2 will get you in touch with the first available technician.

I have already printed a badge and punched the hole, BUT I forgot to print the other side of the badge. Would it hurt to send the badge back through after punching the hole?

Mike S. — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 02:49:00 GMT

Abstract:

It is not recommended to print on a card that has a hole punched in it. If you feel the edges of the hole on both sides, you'll notice that one side has raised edges. When these edges contact the printhead, they will damage it. Replacements are $500 and up, depending on the make and model of printer.

My DTC500 series printer is constantly breaking ribbons. How can I stop this from happening?

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:57:00 GMT

Abstract:

The rubber rollers of the printer need to be cleaned regularly. There is a cleaning kit for the printer with the necessary supplies. Periodically the rollers should be cleaned with the alcohol pads in the cleaning kit.

To clean the rollers

Open the top cover, raise the printhead assembly, and take the ribbon out.

The button on the LCD display should now say FORWARD and BACK

Remove the cleaning cartridge. There is a roller in the bottom of the slot the cartridge came out of. Apply the alcohol pad to the roller and use the LCD buttons to rotate the roller several times while you hold the pad in place. Then move the pad over to the next dry spot on the roller and repeat.

The second roller is just to the left, underneath the little plastic roller underneath where the supply ribbon would be. Reach through the opening to the left of that, and you can feel a rubber roller underneath and adjacent to the plastic one. Hold the alcohol pad on that and use the LCD buttons to rotate the roller. Check the pad to find a clean spot and reapply. Repeat until dirt stops coming off onto the pad.

The remaining three rollers are at the far left, a big black one with two smaller ones on either side. Clean in the same manner as the others, only bear in mind that these roller have a blank ink in them that will always come off onto the cleaning pad. As long as the rollers dry to a nice flat black with

Image Capture basics

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:30:00 GMT

Abstract:

In General, any capture device should be TWAIN or WIA compliant to interface with software, although some softwares are require a plug-in for a particular device. Not all capture products are TWAIN compliant.

A general rule of thumb is to use images that are the same size as they will print on the card, and no more than 300 dpi, since all but the cardjet printers only render 300 dpi (cardjets print at 600 dpi).

We have a Fargo DTC515 printer. When we print the badge we see colors in the black barcode, streaks of purple, yellow, etc. How can I make the printer print with resin black instead of composite black?

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:10:00 GMT

Abstract:

First of all, not all softwares automatically grab the driver settings as they exist in the Windows printer folder, so it's best to set them both the same, individually. The following instructions are for defining the barcode area of a landscaped card, with the barcode at the bottom edge.

Go to START-->SETTINGS-->PRINTER & FAXES, right click on the driver and select PRINTING PREFERENCES.
Go to the K PANEL RESIN tab and check the box for DEFINED AREA.
Near the bottom of the form, select PRINT K ONLY
Leave the X and Y axis settings at zero.
The height and width settings are just above that. Height has a little arrow pointing up and down, and width has a little arrow pointing left and right. Set the height to 0.500" and the width to 3.37" (if the card is in "Portrait" orientation set the width to 2.11")

You should now see a black rectangle at the bottom of the card, representing where the actual barcode on the card would be. Most barcodes need to be 1/2" tall from the edge of the card.

Next, go into your card design software and check the printer setup as it appears there. Make it match.

When we print a card with blue text and rectangles they print purple, no matter how dark a blue we use.

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:01:00 GMT

Abstract:

The most common fix for this is to change the color matching in the driver. This works for most models of Fargo and Persona printers.

Go to START-->SETTINGS-->PRINTERS & FAXES, right click on the driver and select PRINTING PREFERENCES. Then go to the DEVICE OPTIONS tab and change the color matching from SYSTEM COLOR MANAGEMENT to MONITOR.

In some cases you may need to try the other color matching options.

In a worst case scenario, you may need to play with the RGB values of the source color. Rather than making it as dark a blue as you can, you want to make it a light blue, usually something like RGB 0, 70, 170. Even though that would appear light on your monitor, it should print closer to a normal blue.

My OS is Windows XP. Is it compatible with the AlphaCard reader and the printer Persona C16? Sometimes it reads it and sometimes it doesnt read it (the card reader and license)

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 07:58:00 GMT

Abstract:

The software (AlphaCard Pro, Premier, Classic, or Express, 5.3 to 7.2) and printer are compatible with XP.

To improve the performance of the software license reader, upgrade the software to v7.2 and also download the latest SCOS control panel (4.6).
Save these to your desktop (don't run them from the web). These are both zip files, so you'll need a zip utility to open them. When they're on your desktop, double click to open up the archive and then double click the file inside. Run the update file first, and the SCOS file last. Make sure you have at least Power User rights.
XP will usually warn that these files "have not passed Windows logo testing," and you can just click "Continue Anyway." They are both compatible.
If you get a message saying the "control panel is not configured properly, do you want to fix it?" say yes.
You may still get an error saying the reader can't be found and "take me to key5 setup tools." If so, go there, and click the detect button. It should find a serial number. Highlight that number and click TEST. It should test successfully and the next time you go into the software it will work.
If the reader can't be detected, don't bother clicking ADD and adding the number manually, it won't work. Instead swap the reader to a different port. Windows should say it found new hardware. Follow the wizard to reinstall it, and go back to step 5.

The reader and smartcard license should work much better now.

Why am I now getting a mechanical error, card jam, on my Zebra P330i, everytime I attempt to print a card?

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 07:53:00 GMT

Abstract:

The most common reason with that model printer is the cleaning cartridge is either missing or not installed correctly. It is a blue cartridge that should be just to the right of the supply ribbon.

Also make sure the printer has been cleaned with both cleaning cards, the small card sized one, and the large T-shaped one.

Next, the printer may need to be calibrated:
Go to START-->SETTINGS-->PRINTERS & FAXES, right click the printer and select PROPERTIES.
Go to the DEVICE SETTINGS tab, select TOOLS and click PROPERTIES.
In the Command Line, type, without the quotation marks, "!SA" and click EXECUTE
Then remove the ribbon, type "!CSA 0" (with a single space between the A and the zero) and click EXECUTE.
Put the ribbon back in, type "!CSA 1" and click EXECUTE.
Try a print.

If none of this helps, call in for phone support.

I am using AlphaCard v7.2, and recently, when I make any form of adjustments to my images in the dbase file, I receive an error

Mike S. — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 07:46:00 GMT

Abstract: Once the software has been connected to a database, there can be no changes to the location or name of the file, the table, or any of the fields. To do so confuses the card design, it can't find what it's looking for, and gets errors.

I have a Zebra P330i that keeps "eating" the ribbon. What am I doing wrong when I change the ribbon?

Mike S. — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 03:41:00 GMT

Abstract:

The printer should be cleaned with a Zebra cleaning kit (105912-913).

Make sure the ribbon is installed properly. The i-series printers require that an i-series ribbon be used. The ribbon should be installed with the supply ribbon on the right and the empty take-up spool on the left, with the ribbon coming off the top of the right spool, underneath the printhead, and to the top of the left spool.

If there's still trouble, run the following calibration commands. Go to START-->SETTINGS-->PRINTERS, right click on the P330i and select PROPERTIES. Go to the DEVICE SETTINGS tab, highlight TOOLS and click PROPERTIES. In the command line, type the following commands (quote marks are not part of the commands, note the spaces):

With the ribbon and cards in the printer, type "!SA" and click EXECUTE. A card should get pulled through the printer and come out blank.

Now remove the ribbon, type "!CSA 0" and click EXECUTE

Now put the ribbon back in, type "!CSA 1" and click EXECUTE

Finally, type "!SAP" and click EXECUTE

Drivers, Manuals, Quickstart Guides and Software Updates

Eric Wayne Key — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 03:16:00 GMT

Abstract:

Alpha Card Systems Technical Support Page

Alpha Card is dedicated to giving our customers superior service and support. Provided here are some basic resources to help you configure hardware and get started with the software. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 to view the quickstart guides. Windows 2000 or earlier will need WinZip to uncompress downloaded files. To save a file for future use, right click the link and select "Save Target As..." or "Save Link to Disk..."

Have another question? Contact us for technical support!

Software Upgrades Available

Free AlphaCard Plus, X2 and Print Software Trial Available

Experience the power and flexibility of AlphaCard free for 30 days! The trial will run as X2, Plus, or Print Edition so that you may easily compare the three editions.

Limitations
This AlphaCard trial works exactly the same as the actual product, except a "trial version" tag is added to all of the printouts and the trial copy expires after 30 days.

Upgrading to the Full Version
Once you de

How many ID cards does the DTC550 print per ribbon?

Mike S. — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 01:17:00 GMT

Abstract:

It depends on the ribbon type and whether you are printing both sides or not.

The YMCKOK ribbon prints 350 cards with color on the front and black on the back.

The YMCKO ribbon prints 400 cards with color on the front, or 200 cards if it's color on both sides.

Resin ribbons can do 1000 single sided cards, or 500 if it's both sides.

I've downloaded the free trial version of the AlphaCard Plus software. Our users here do not have full administrator rights on their PCs. I can install and run the software logged in as administrator, but not logged in as a user. What can I do about this?

Mike S. — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 09:30:00 GMT

Abstract:

To use the software, an end user must have "Power User" rights to write to the database.

I have a Fargo DTC525, using the YMCKOK full color ribbon. The ribbon keeps breaking. This ribbon is pretty expensive, any suggestion on what I can do to fix this?

Mike S. — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 02:52:00 GMT

Abstract:

Remove the ribbon spools from the printer.

Stand them on end, so that they are upright.

Make sure the broken ends are not rough, jagged, or bunched up. Trim them if necessary.

Pull some unused ribbon from the supply spool and tape it to the take-up spool. Make sure it lines up correctly at the top and bottom edges of the ribbon. Roll the used ribbon one rotation so that the piece of tape won't get caught on anything.

Put the ribbon back into the printer.

Turn the printer power off and then back on.

It is absolutely necessary to make sure the printer is Clean before continuing.

If the Ribbon Breaks on Yellow, or Wraps Around the Platen Roller

Open the lid and check the sticker just to the right of the cleaning cartridge (on some models the sticker may be on the bottom of the printer).

Note the default settings.

Click the button underneath MENU.

Use the down arrow to move the brackets to “Setup Printer.” Press SELECT.

The brackets should now appear around TOF. Press SELECT.

The “current value” should match the default value.

To reduce ribbon breakage, adjust the current value by 10 in a positive direction.

Click SELECT and then EXIT.

I have the Topaz signature pad. The computer will not pick this up on one computer and on another it will pick it up but it will not let me write on it. Sometimes it freezes the system up and I have to unplug the pad. Any suggestions?

Mike S. — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 06:30:00 GMT

Abstract:

Go to START-->SETTINGS-->CONTROL PANEL-->ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS and remove the Topaz driver, then reboot the machine.

Reinstall the driver logged in as administrator, and make sure you are selecting the correct model and type.

It could be an issue with older pc's, as well.

We have a Persona C11 photo printer. When I try to print a card it pulls the card through but does not print our logo or the image.

Mike S. — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 10:02:00 GMT

Abstract:

It would be best to call in for this kind of troubleshooting.

The first thing to check is if the card image is burned onto the ribbon. If you look at the used ribbon and see that the panels are completely blank and unused, it's likely to be one of three things: the printhead ($699), the cabling leading to the printhead (not too expensive), or the main board (over $1000). This repair would have to be done at the factory, and there is a minimum charge of $200 + parts + return shipping. Considering the price of printers these days, you may want to consider just getting a new printer.

If the ribbon has the image burned on it, but the card still comes out blank, it must be the head lift motor, so the printhead is not lowering onto the card. The image is burning onto the ribbon, but the ink never gets into the card. This also requires repair, but would be worth doing, for the cost. To set up a repair RMA, call 1-800-717-8080 x3.

You might just as well also try to calibrate the printhead. Click START-->SETTINGS-->PRINTERS & FAXES, right click on the printer and select PRINTING PREFERENCES. Then go to the CALIBRATE tab and click SENSORS. Remove the ribbon from the printer, close the front cover, and the printer should beep twice. The normal reason for doing this is if the printer keeps advancing the ribbon, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Please call for assistance if this is not resolved.

I am using alpha card pro version 6.1. I have a project connected to an excel spreadsheet. One of my columns in the excel spreadsheet includes leading zeros so that all IDs are 10 digits. When Alphacard looks up the data the leading zeros are removed. Is there a way to preserve them?

Mike S. — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:20:00 GMT

Abstract:

To connect to an excel sheet and keep the leading zeroes, select the range of cells and name it. For example, if the last cell in your range is E5, "E5" will appear in the upper left corner of the spreadsheet. You can highlight that, type in a name and hit enter. While the range is selected, go to FORMAT-->CELLS and make them all "text." Make sure the sheet has been added to the ODBC manager. That should do it.

we hav problem in dtc525 lc , it prints ok but does not laminate, some guidance

Mike S. — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 03:32:00 GMT

Abstract: In this case, it's best to call for support when at the printer. You can reach us at 1-800-717-8080 x3.

I would like to attach an excel spreadsheet to a project. When I follow the instructions in the quick start guide I can only select one table. How can I attach the spreadsheet and multiple tables?

Mike S. — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 03:30:00 GMT

Abstract:

It sounds like you're connecting to a spreadsheet in an Excel document, rather than a table in an Access database.

In either case, a card can only be connected to one table/spreadsheet, but a table/spreadsheet can be connected to many cards. You can work around this by creating copies of the template, and then attaching the copy to a different table/spreadsheet.

I purchased a DTC515 from you on 4-23-04. I have it at my facility in Haverhill, MA. The hopper is frozen and a belt that drives the hopper is broken. What are your recommendations?

Mike S. — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 03:25:00 GMT

Abstract: The printer needs repair. Call in and tech support will set up a repair RMA for you.

Everytime I go into IBM PC Camera and do an aquire from twain, the system locks up and I get a windows error referring to an Album MFC file? I have taken some pictures with a digital camera that are Jpeg file? Would this be causing the problem?

Mike S. — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 09:18:00 GMT

Abstract:

The IBM PC Camera is an older one, and it uses the album as the twain source. The "album" is really just the folder it uses to save the files in. One of two things can be happening: If the folder is really loaded up with files, it is slower to load them all, and eventually gets an error. If the file sizes are large, then likewise everything slows down and eventually there's an error. If the digital camera is high-rez, then it's likely that there are a lot of large files eating up memory.

Try moving as many files as you can from the folder and see if it improves.

We are running Version 5.3. Are there any updates to run this on Win XP and what is the web site I go to for updates for 5.3?

Mike S. — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 05:04:00 GMT

Abstract:

Version 5.3 is compatible with XP, but you may get a message warning that it has not passed Windows Logo Testing. Just click "Continue Anyway." The latest version of AlphaCard is 7.2, and you can download the update for free at

www.alphacard.com/support2/AlphaCardUpd7200.zip I would also recommend downloading the latest SCOS control panel at

www.alphacard.com/support2/Scos46.zip

Run the update file first, and the SCOS file last. That will give you the most up to date installation.

Is it possible to obtain a driver for the Fargo DTC510 Professional Series card printer? This unit will be installed on a Windows XP machine.

Mike S. — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:28:00 GMT

Abstract:

You can download the latest Fargo drivers for Windows at www.FargoSupport.com

Just check the box for driver, select your printer model and click GO.

You can also download the latest firmware, diagnostic tools, and manuals.

I continue to get the following error message:Error Wrong Print RibbonHow do I correct this?

Mike S. — Wed, 17 May 2006 06:07:00 GMT

Abstract:

The specifics depend on which software and printer you have.

In general, the printer driver has to be set for the type of ribbon that is in the printer. Mainly, this is done through the software. Different softwares handle this differently, but you should be able to check the printer setup and select the correct ribbon type.

For example, in our AlphaCard X2 or Plus software:
Click FILE-->PRINT OPTIONS-->PRINT SETUP
Select your printer model and click PROPERTIES
If it's a Fargo printer, click the DEVICE OPTIONS tab and select the type of ribbon that is in the printer.
If it's another type of printer you should see something similar about ribbon type.

Is our current Alpha Card and Fargo DTC525 drivers compatible with Windows XP Pro 64?

Mike S. — Wed, 17 May 2006 05:53:00 GMT

Abstract:

Theoretically 32 bit applications are supposed to run on XP64, but we have encountered some bugs with that.

Currently it is not supported, though eventually it will be.

I get an error when mag encoding

Mike S. — Tue, 02 May 2006 08:20:00 GMT

Abstract:

Make sure that the coercivity setting in the driver matches the coercivity of the cards. High Co stripes are jet black; Low Co stripes are dark brown.

Make sure the cards are loaded correctly in the printer. Most models require the card to be loaded with the mag stripe down and toward the back of the printer. Some require the cards to be loaded with the mag stripe up and toward the front (Fargo DTC400/300, Persona C30).

Make sure the printer is clean. Dirty rollers and dust on the card position sensors can affect the way the card is tracking through the printer.

Make sure the data to encode complies with ISO standards:
Track 1 is alphanumeric (ASCII 32-95), with a maximum of 78 characters
Track 2 is numeric only (ASCII 48-63), with a maximum of 39 characters
Track 3 is numeric only (ASCII 48-63), with a maximum of 106 characters

Most softwares will apply the start and end sentinals for you. If this is the case you don't need to include those in the data.

Build a Badge crashes when switching to another card design. I restart the program and the data's still there, but every time I switch designs it crashes. What's wrong?

Mike S. — Mon, 01 May 2006 08:26:00 GMT

Abstract:

Most likely it's an image file imported to the new design.

Try removing any background or logos from the design and printing. If switching between text only designs works, then it must be related to the logos/backgrounds that are added. Ideally these images would be the actual size as they'll appear on the card, and no more than 300 dpi. It also helps if they're jpg files, to keep the size small.

Photos should be taken at no more than 640x480 resolution. Photos taken with a megapixel camera will fill up the database very quickly, hog resources, and generally create problems. It may start out working fine, but get worse over time.

I installed a brand new ribbon and I keep getting an error: no ribbon installed. What's wrong?

Mike S. — Mon, 01 May 2006 08:14:00 GMT

Abstract:

The rolls should be installed so that the ribbon drapes from the bottom of the right spool to the bottom of the left, and the red color panel should be to the right of the yellow panel.

If the ribbon is coming off the top of the right spool to the bottom of the left, it was installed upside down. The left spool would need to be unwound back onto the right spool until you find the point at which it reversed.

If red is to the left of the yellow panel and the right spool is full, it is a used ribbon that is in backwards.

How do I change the text color in AlphaCard X2?

Mike S. — Mon, 01 May 2006 08:11:00 GMT

Abstract:

Double click on the text object to open the properties.

On the text tab there's a little "color" button just to the left of the font selection. Highlight the text in the box below and click the button to change the text color. Different selections can have different colors, fonts and sizes, all within one text object.

Wrong Print Ribbon error

Mike S. — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:04:00 GMT

Abstract:

First make sure that the ribbon is installed correctly, with the supply spool on the right and the take-up spool on the left. The ribbon does not "thread" through anything, and should lay from the bottom of one spool to the bottom of the other.
Go to START-->PRINTERS & FAXES, right click the printer, and select "Printing Preferences"
Go to the "Device Options" tab
Select the correct ribbon type
Click OK
Make sure that the software you print from sees the driver changes. Changes do not update automatically. Some softwares will grab the current default driver settings if the software is restarted. If you are using AlphaCard (v5.3-v7.2), you must also go to FILE-->CARD PRINT and verify that the "Destination" is the same driver as in your Windows Printers folder. It will be at the bottom of the list, all the way past the first listings of Fargo, past the Z's, and will have a little windows logo to the left of it. Then click "Properties" and repeat the above steps

I get a card jam error every once in awhile, although the printer can make a card most of the time.

Mike S. — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 09:29:00 GMT

Abstract:

The most common cause of card jamming is a dirty printer. Clean the printer and try another print
If you notice that one of the rollers doesn't turn when using the forward/backward buttons, the printer needs repair. The very first roller that pulls the card from the input hopper does NOT rotate when using these buttons (The cardjet series is different, this would not apply).
If it's a DTC500 or DTC550, make sure the cleaning roller that is exposed at the bottom of the cleaning cartridge spins easily, along with the sticky tape.
Sometimes dust can land on the card position sensors causing the error even though a card is not jammed. Use compressed air to blast the interior of the printer. It's best to use short blasts to minimize the freezing moisture that usually comes out.

The card prints, but it has little stripes along one edge that are the wrong colors. How do I fix this?

Mike S. — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 09:20:00 GMT

Abstract:

Confirm that the Printer is using the most current driver from: www.fargo.com
Adjust the Dye-Sub Intensity setting within the Image Color tab of the Printer driver. Click START-->PRINTERS AND FAXES, right click on the printer and select PRINTING PREFERENCES (on Windows98 click PROPERTIES). Go to the IMAGE COLOR tab and lower the dye sub by increments of 5% until the stripes go away.

I require Win2k3 drivers for your RIO printer, are they available?

Mike S. — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 10:08:00 GMT

Abstract:

Current drivers are available at http://www.ultramagicard.com/support-technical-rio.html

We have EpiCard v1.3 build 025 and I think the index for the database is broken. When ever we click on "add person" it saves the current picture with the data from the previous card. Do you have a proceedure for re-indexing the database?

Mike S. — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 10:06:00 GMT

Abstract:

It could be some type of DB corruption. If you have MS Access you can run a Compact and Repair on the file C:\Program Files\ImageWare Systems\EPI Card Plus\data\db\Epicard.mdb (The software itself does not have features to compact or repair the DB). If you don't have Access, there's a utility in the Windows ODBC manager, if you first add the file to it.

If none of that works, backup the folder C:\Program Files\ImageWare Systems and reinstall the software. If that doesn't work, save the backup, but otherwise completely uninstall the program, reboot, and reinstall.

In your backup, the "user folder" is all your designs. If you overwrite a fresh installation with that folder you'd have a blank database with all your designs.

Been using the AlphaCard X2 and over the weekend did some system reconfigurations and moved and renamed the SQL server serving as a back-end to the system and now cannot get any of my projects to open. Is there any way to change the projects database connection without recreating the project?

Mike S. — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 10:02:00 GMT

Abstract:

Normally, if the database path or name is changed, the software will open to a connection error screen that allows you to re-browse to the data source. With SQL Server it may take a little while before that screen shows up.

I am having problems with my AlphaCard (v5.3-v7.2) smartcard reader. When I plug the reader into the USB port, nothing happens. The light will not come on anymore and the program does not detect it.

Mike S. — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 09:57:00 GMT

Abstract:

Go to our support site and download "AlphaCard v7.2 update" and "SCOS 4.6" Save each of these to your desktop, then click "Close" (not run). Then close your internet browser, and go to your desktop, double click the zip file and run the .exe inside.

Run the update file first, and SCOS 4.6 last.

You'll need at least "power user" rights to do this. If you get a message saying it "has not passed Windows logo testing" you can just click "continue anyway."

After the installation, you may be prompted to go to either "Key 5 Setup Tools" or the demo mode. Go to setup tools. You may get a message saying the SCOS control panel is not configured properly, would you like to fix this? Click YES. Otherwise, you'll probably just get into the control panel. Click DETECT and a serial number should be there. Then highlight that number and click TEST. It should say a reader is found and an SCOS card is inserted into the reader.

That should do it.

DTC520 Card printer problem:After installing softwaare, printer breaks the ribbon on every print. Backed off TOF and EOF settings twice from printed defaults (inside printer). Even backed off ribbon tension and image darkness. Still breaks ribbon. Self test is fine - prints without breaking ribbon and the colors are good. Is this a software issue (using Alphacard 7.2)?

Mike S. — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 09:50:00 GMT

Abstract:

The following works for DTC510_515 and DTC520_525 printers.

Return the internal settings to the defaults on the sticker and try a self-test. If it prints fine the settings are good.

Next go to START-->SETTINGS-->PRINTERS, right click on the DTC520_525 Card Printer, select PRINTING PREFERENCES and click the TEST PRINT button. If it breaks the ribbon on yellow, click the IMAGE POSITION button and lower the horizontal setting from 0 to -5 and try a test print. If it breaks on red or blue, go to the IMAGE COLOR tab and lower the DYE-SUB setting from 0% to -10% and try a test print.

Finally, when the driver-test works, go into AlphaCard 7.2, open your card, click FILE-->CARD PRINT and check the destination. It should say "DTC520_525 Card Printer," and have a little Windows logo on it. If not, scroll all the way to the bottom of the list, past the Z's, and it should be there. It should then print as well as the driver test.

I have a persona C11 printer that is acting up. When using the Alpha Card application to print an ID badge it feeds the card through the print path and partially ejects the card from the printer and then it starts to try and print. It advances the ink tape through several passes and then goes into alert. I have reloaded the driver from CD and from Fargos web site but the problem has not changed. Can someone make any suggestions.

Mike S. — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 09:19:00 GMT

Abstract:

Most likely it's the ribbon sensor that needs to be calibrated. Go to START-->SETTINGS-->PRINTERS, right click on the C11_C16 and select "Printing Preferences." Go to the calibrate tab and click "Sensors." Remove the ribbon from the printer and close the top cover. The printer should be on with no flasing lights. Make sure the print queue is clear, then click "Send." The printer should beep twice. Reinstall the ribbon and try a print.

I have recently upgraded from windows 2000 to windows xp pro svcpk 2, and reinstalled alphacard 5.3 release 03 build 00.I have everything working except the camera, a Kodak dvc325. I got the drivers installed on XP, but it's not working. If I aquire from video instead of scan twain it works ok, but our software guy says it should be TWAIN. How do we fix this?

Mike S. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 09:43:00 GMT

Abstract:

Go to the OPTIONS menu and select VIDEO SOURCES.
Click the SETUP button for TWAIN.
Select the Kodak camera from the list.

That should do it!

Clicksmart camera flash doesn''t work

Mike S. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 09:43:00 GMT

Abstract:

The flash only works when the Clicksmart is NOT connected with the usb cable. When the camera is connected to the pc, it works as a video cam, and uses the ambient light in the room because it needs a constant light source.

Fluorescent lights aren't a full spectrum of light, just a very fast flicker. For this reason, some photos may appear grainy, yellowish or reddish, if taken under nothing but fluorescence. If this is the case, try adding a regular incandescent bulb lamp to the room. In worst case scenarios, there are professional lighting kits available.

Zebra P330i printed a 129 cards with no problem. It hasn't been used in awhile. Now it prints a yellow streak at the end of the card which moves futher in if I print another card. I have change ribbons and did a cleaning. Stiil the same thing.

Mike S. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 09:28:00 GMT

Abstract:

It may be that the printer needs calibration.

Make sure there is a ribbon and cards in the printer.

Go to START-->PRINTERS & FAXES, right click on the Zebra printer and select PROPERTIES. Go to the DEVICE SETTINGS tab, highlight TOOLS and select PROPERTIES.

In the command line, type !SA and click EXECUTE. The printer should pull a card in, calibrate itself, and spit the card out.

Then try another print. If the problem persists, call for tech support over the phone.

Downloaded and installed upgrades for Fargo DTC520/AlphaCard software: Alphacard 7.2 , SCOS 4.6, and Firmware 5DTC209.s19. Printer self tests fine, but when I attempt to print a card from the software, I get a incorrect ribbon message. Ive checked the ribbon and the settings, those are correct. Any help?

Mike S. — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 09:05:00 GMT

Abstract:

If you have AlphaCard v7.2, changes made in the Windows "Printers and Faxes" folder don't automatically update the software settings.

In AlphaCard, go to FILE-->CARD PRINT and check the destination. It should be the DTC520_525 Card Printer. In this version of AlphaCard, you will notice that there are many printers listed that are not in the Windows printer folder, including Fargo printers. These can be used, but they are set up a little differently than the driver provided by Fargo. All the Windows drivers are at the very bottom of the list. Select a driver and click PROPERTIES. If it's the Windows driver, go to the DEVICE SETTINGS tab and select the correct ribbon type. If it's not the Windows driver, select RIBBON OPTIONS and set the ribbon type. Note that, YMCKO have to be used together on one side of a card.

We are currently using Alpahcard softwarethat was bundled with Deskfive and an Acercomputer. The Deskfive software prints cardsok, but the template only allows 11 characters or less in the barcode. If we try to use the full name (over 11 chars) of the visitor in the name field of deskfive and print a card, the barcode is unreadable by the scanner. How do I change the barcode from Deskfive to 128?

Mike S. — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 08:21:00 GMT

Abstract:

Deskfive itself isn't a barcode style; that's something you'd select in the properties of the barcode (double click). Code 128 is one of the barcode styles in the list.

There are two issues with barcodes. One is the specifications of the system it is swiping into. That involves the barcode style and the number that it's encoded for. If the specs aren't met, then the reader can read the barcode and beeps, but the software doesn't get what it's expecting and gives an error.

The other issue is the height and width of the barcode, and whether it is printed with composite black or resin black. If these aren't correct, then the reader can't read the barcode at all. Generally, the barcode should be 1/2" tall from the edge of the card, and as wide as possible. The more characters there are, the wider the barcode should be, because the bars and the space between them are more distinct. There also should be white space before and after the barcode. If the barcode scanner is infrared then the barcode should be printed with the "K panel resin." If it's an optical scanner the barcode should be composite black (made from the three colors).

I'm moving the software to another pc, but I can't complete the installation. What do I do?

Mike S. — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 04:23:00 GMT

Abstract:

The software registers through the internet. If it's already been installed, and you're doing a new installation with the same serial number, you'll need to contact ImageWare for a new installation code, at 1-819-772-7600 x422.

Note: you must have the serial number that came with the cd, on the paper cd sleeve.