Zebra Technologies P430I Plastic Card Printer User Manual P430i UM

Zebra Technologies Corporation Plastic Card Printer P430i UM

Contents

Users Manual part 2

14 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Installation and SetupInstalling the Card Cleaning CartridgeInstalling the Card Cleaning CartridgeThe Card Cleaning Cartridge cleans the cards entering the printer. The Card Cleaning Cartridge consists of a Cartridge Frame and an Adhesive Roller, which are packed together.1. Remove the Cartridge Frame and the Adhesive Roller from their packaging. Insert the Adhesive Roller into the Cartridge Frame, as shown below. To avoid contamination, always hold the frame and the roller by the ends..2. Peel the protective wrapper from the Adhesive Roller.3. If the printer’s main cover is closed, open it. Locate the area where the Card Cleaning Cartridge will be installed (initially, this area was covered by a warning tape).Dual-Sided ColorCard Cleaning Cartridge Mounting Location
Installation and SetupInstalling the Card Cleaning Cartridge980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 154. Locate the slot at the rear of the Card Cleaning Cartridge mounting location; see below.5. Hold the Card Cleaning Cartridge by the extended “handle” (so the large arrow on the top is pointing away from you). With the cartridge at about a 30° angle (pointing downward), insert the lip of the cartridge into the slot, until the cartridge seats against the back wall. Then press the front of the cartridge down until it seats all the way down and latches with an audible “click”. See below.6. Close the printer’s Main Cover.Dual-Sided ColorCard Cleaning SlotCard Cleaning Cartridge in final position
16 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Installation and SetupSetting the Card Thickness ControlSetting the Card Thickness ControlThe Card Thickness Control is set by the user to adjust the gap as cards enter the printer, to prevent double-feeds (which could cause a jam) or mis-feeds.1. Open the Card Feeder cover. The cover is hinged; lift it by the lip at the right front corner.2. The Card Thickness Control Lever is at the front of the left-side opening of the Card Feeder area.Note • Set the Card Thickness Control before loading cards.Note • To reduce contamination and ensure better print quality, minimize the time the Card Feeder cover is open.Dual-Sided ColorCard Thickness ControlDual-Sided Color
Installation and SetupSetting the Card Thickness Control980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 173. There are four detents to set the position of the Card Thickness Control. Slide the Card Thickness Control to the position corresponding to the following:Detent Position Card ThicknessHighest 50 mil (1.27 mm) to 60 mil (1.52 mm)3rd position 30 mil (0.76 mm) to 50 mil (1.27 mm)2nd position 20 mil (0.51 mm) to 40 mil (1.02 mm)Lowest 10 mil (0.25 mm) to 20 mil (0.51 mm)Note • The overlap in settings above accomodates variations in environmental conditions (especially humidity) and cards from different manufacturers. In general, start at the lowest position and move the lever up until cards feed reliably.Note • “60 mil” (“1.524 mm”) cards may have a significant variation (over 10%) in the actual thickness of the cards; do not use these cards unless each card has been measured to have a thickness less than 66 mil (1.676 mm).
18 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Installation and SetupLoading CardsLoading CardsThis section shows how to load plastic cards into the P430i Printer. The P430i can use cards with a range of thickness from 10 mil (0.25 mm) to 60 mil (1.5 mm). The P430i Printer can also load and print cards fed individually. Information on this is given in the next chapter.The plastic cards generally come in decks of 100 cards; the Card Feeder can hold a full deck of 100 30-mil cards. Cards sometimes will stick together; this can cause mis-feeding or double-feeding. To avoid this, separate the cards before loading, as described in steps 2 through 4 below.1. If the Card Feeder cover is closed, open it. The cover is hinged; lift it by the lip at the right front corner.Note • Do not mix cards of different thicknesses!Note • DO NOT bend cards or touch print surfaces as this can reduce print quality. The surface of the cards must remain clean and dust free. Always store cards in an enclosed container. Ideally, use cards as soon as possible.Note • For cards with magnetic stripe, refer to Appendix A for loading instructions.Note • To reduce contamination and ensure better print quality, minimize the time the Card Feeder cover is open.Dual-Sided ColorDual-Sided Color
Installation and SetupLoading Cards980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 192. Remove all wrapping from the card deck.3. Holding the card deck by the sides, hold it vertically against a flat surface such as a desktop. If the deck is too thick for your hand to hold it comfortably, use about half a deck at a time.4. Push the stack back and forth to an angle of about 45° from vertical, so as to separate all of the cards.5. Restore the card stack to its original squared-off condition, and place the cards in the input hopper.6. Note that there will be a “gap” in the card stack, with several cards lying flat and the cards above angled upward, as shown in the exaggerated drawing below. This is normal and ensures proper feeding.Caution • Do not touch print surfaces of the cards; this can reduce print qualityNote • Static charges and edge burrs from the card die-cutting process can render individual cards stuck together with significant adhesion force. These cards must be physically separated from each other before inserting into the feeder; if not separated, feeding or printing problems may occur.
20 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Installation and SetupCard Output HopperCard Output HopperThe card output hopper is normally extended to receive the printed cards. The printer may be operated with the card output hopper in its closed position; in this case the cards will not be collected in the output hopper.1. Pull the card output hopper out to place it in its functional position.2. When not using the printer, slide the card output hopper back into its closed position to protect the printer from dust and protect the output hopper from damage.3. The output hopper can be completely removed from the printer if necessary by inserting a thin, blunt object (such as a pencil) up through the hole in the bottom of the printer enclosure and pressing (up) to release the hopper while simultaneously pulling the hopper out. To re-install the output hopper, simply slide the output hopper in until it locks in place.Note • Do not try to eliminate the gap by pressing down on the card stack in the input hopper; this can cause misfeeds.Note • The output hopper is a very snug fit to prevent it from moving during shipping or operation; firm force is required to change its position.Dual-Sided ColorDual-Sided Color
Installation and SetupConnecting the Printer to your Computer980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 21Connecting the Printer to your ComputerThe P430i Printer includes a standard USB interface.As an option, the printer can be ordered with a 10/100base-T Ethernet Adapter (in addition to the USB interface). The Ethernet Adapter can also be ordered as an add-on option and installed in the field by a Zebra factory certified technician.1. If using the USB interface, use the supplied USB cable to connect between the USB connector on the printer and a USB port on the computer, as shown below. (Note that the figure below shows the optional Ethernet Adapter directly above the USB Connector; this may not be present on your printer.)2. If your printer includes the optional Ethernet Adapter as well as the standard USB connection, use either the supplied USB cable or a standard Ethernet cable to connect the printer to a corresponding port on the computer or network.USB ConnectorPower ConnectorPower Switch(Optional) Ethernet ConnectorImportant • Do not use both USB and Ethernet connections at the same time!Important • Intermittent or unpredictable operation may occur from unsecured connectors. If damaged, the power cable must be replaced by an exact equivalent.
22 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Installation and SetupConnecting PowerConnecting PowerThe P430i Printer includes an internal AC power supply that accepts nominal input voltage in the range from 110 to 230 volts at 50 to 60 Hertz. The power source must be grounded.Depending on specific model number, your P430i Printer will include one or two power cords; use the one that is appropriate for the AC power source connection at your location. If neither has an appropriate connector, AC power cords may be purchased locally; make sure it is a three-wire (grounded) cord.1. Place the Printer’s power switch in the OFF ( O ) position.2. Depending on your local AC voltage, plug the appropriate power cord into the printer’s power connector and a grounded AC power source connection.3. To turn the Printer on, set the Printer’s power switch to the ON ( | ) position.Power ConnectorPower SwitchCaution • If the power cord appears damaged in any way, or if the power cord will not securely plug into the Printer’s power connector or the AC power source connection, STOP! Use of a damaged or incorrect power cord could cause equipment damage, result in an electrical fire, or possibly cause injury.
Installation and SetupPrinting a Test Card980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 23Printing a Test CardWith ribbon and cards loaded, your P430i Printer is ready to print. To check the operation of the printer, you should print a test card. (Printing a test card does not require that the printer be connected to your computer or network, but power must be applied.)1. Set the printer’s power switch (on the back of the printer) to the OFF ( O ) position.2. While pressing the Printer’s front panel button (next to the LCD display panel), switch the printer ON ( | ).3. Hold the panel button until the LCD display panel reads “SELF TEST”.4. Release the panel button, and the test card will print.This is an example of the test card:Packing the P430i Printer for ShipmentIf the P430i Printer is to be shipped, it is important to use the original packing and shipping material to prevent damage to the Printer. If the original material is lost, a replacement Shipping Kit can be ordered from Zebra; please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.1. Remove cards in the card feeder:a. While the printer still has power applied and is turned on, and is still connected to the host computer, remove cards from the card feeder. The last card may be difficult to remove. If so, use the Eject Card command available through the driver on the host computer to eject the last card that is staged in the feeder.b. Close the Card Feeder Cover.PRINTER: P430iSerial N°: XXXXXFirmware: XXXXXXXHead resistance: XXXXOffset: XXXX-XXXXEC:XXPrinting counter: XXXXX300 dpiPLASTIC CARD PRINTERTEST CARDNote • The specifics of the shipment and the printer’s condition may influence which of the following steps are followed; common sense should prevail.Caution • Do not physically pull the last card out of the feeder staging area. This could damage the printer and void the warranty, as well as damage the card.
24 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Installation and SetupPacking the P430i Printer for Shipment2. If the printer still has power applied and is turned on, and is still connected to the host computer, set the printer’s power switch (on the back of the printer) to the OFF ( O ) position, and disconnect the interface and power cables to the printer.3. Open the Main Cover. Open the Print Head Carriage and remove the Ribbon. (If you wish to save the ribbon for future use, you may want to put it in a plastic bag for storage.)4. Insert the print head protection pad, and close the Print Head Carriage. Remove the Card Cleaning Cartridge and place it in the upper foam insert. Close the Main Cover.5. Slide the Output Hopper in all the way against the Printer.6. Place the Printer in its protective plastic bag.7. Place the lower foam insert in the lower part of the shipping carton.8. Use both hands to carefully place the Printer into the recess in the lower foam insert.9. Place the upper foam insert onto the Printer and gently press it down so it makes a snug fit on the Printer; the top of the upper foam insert should be even with the upper edge of the lower part of the shipping carton.10. Slide the upper part of the shipping carton down over the lower part.11. Insert and close the handles/latches.
980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 253Printing a CardPrinting with the P430i Card Printer is similar to printing with any other printer in a Windows environment.• The Printer Driver Software is installed on your computer (see Chapter 2).• The P430i Printer is connected to the power source and the computer (see Chapter 2).• The P430i Printer is selected by either the Operating System or the appropriate application software program.• Printer Properties are set (the factory default values will be appropriate for many applications).• Card printing is directed by the appropriate application software program.Setting Printer PropertiesPrinter Properties can be set either at the Operating System level or within the application software program used for printing cards.Preferences settings can configure the P430i Card Printer for Landscape (wide) or Portrait (tall) printing orientation, and allow the user to verify that the desired ribbon is installed in the printer. (Monochrome ribbons are selected via the drop-down menu.)If the P430i Printer includes the optional magnetic card stripe encoder, encoding parameters and coercivity can be set.Printer cleaning can be initiated from the Tools window (printer cleaning can also be initiated at the printer; see Chapter 4).Note • In the following description of setting Printer Properties, only those properties and options that are suitable for being set by the User are described. The User should not make selections or set parameters unless they are specifically described in this section
26 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Printing a CardPrinting a Sample CardAlso from the Tools window, the Test Card can be selected from several pre-loaded styles.“Single Feed Options” allows Disabling or Enabling Single Feed Support.• If “Disable Single Feed Support” is selected, when the P430i Card Printer runs out of cards in the feeder, the LCD display will read OUT OF CARDS. To continue, press the panel button.• If “Enable Single Feed Support” is selected, when the P430i Card Printer runs out of cards in the feeder it will wait until a card is inserted in the single-card slot or cards are loaded in the feeder, and then will automatically continue.Printing a Sample CardSample card designs are installed with the printer driver. Sample cards require Microsoft Word or Microsoft Paint application software. The cards are accessed via the Start menu. Select Start, select Programs, select Zebra Card Printers, and select a sample card, or follow the directions below to design a card.Follow these steps to design and print your first card:1. Launch Microsoft Word Software. Depending on your computer configuration this may be done by double-clicking an icon on your desktop, or by clicking the Windows Start icon, selecting Programs, and navigating to Microsoft Word2. Go to the File menu and choose Page Setup.3. Select the Paper Size tab, choose Card. Under orientation, select Landscape.4. Select the Margins tab, and set the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right margins to 0 (zero).5. Click OK to close the Page Setup window.6. The card appears on the screen.7. Design a card with both black and colored text and with colored pictures (see example below).us!http://www.zebracard.comNote • For cards thinner than 20 mils (0.51 mm) or thicker than 40 mils (1.02 mm), the card design must be limited to (1) no more than two 30 mm x 30 mm areas of full color, (2) black information (text and barcode, for example) must cover no more than 50% of the card area, and (3) there must be at least a 5mm unprinted border along all edges.For cards with thickness between 20 mils (0.51 mm) and 40 mils (1.02 mm), these restrictions do not apply; full color printing is permitted edge to edge in both directions.
Printing a CardRemoving Rejected Cards980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 278. Once you are ready to print, go to the File menu and select Print.9. If the printer was not selected as the default printer, go to the File menu, select Print Setup and choose Zebra P430i Card Printer from the printer names list. Then Close the Print Setup dialog box.10. The printer will feed in a card and start printing (the data download time will vary depending on the complexity of the card design and the processing speed of your computer).11. Once the printing job is complete, the card is ejected from the printer into the Output Hopper.Removing Rejected CardsWhile encoding either magnetic stripe cards or smart cards, if a card fails encoding it is directed to the reject hopper. The reject hopper has a capacity of about 20 cards. Rejected cards can be removed while the printer remains in normal operation. To remove cards from the reject hopper, press the reject hopper door to open it, and remove the rejected cards. Then close the reject hopper door; it will remain latched in the closed position.Dual-Sided ColorDual-Sided Color
28 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01Printing a CardFeeding One Card at a TimeFeeding One Card at a TimeA Manual Feed Slot is available below the Card Input Hopper for feeding single cards. The Card Input Hopper must be empty for single-card feeding to work properly.1. Open the Card Feeder cover. Verify that there are no cards in the feeder, then close the Card Feeder cover.2. Insert a single card into the slot below the Card Feeder. Do not feed more than one card at a time.Dual-Sided ColorNote • If single-card feeding will be the normal mode of operation, you may select that mode through the driver software. In single-card feed mode, the card will not be printed until the print job has been sent to the printer and the card to be printed has been inserted into the single-card feed slot
980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 294CleaningCleaning the PrinterClean your P430i Printer using Pre-Saturated Cleaning Cards provided. The regular use of these cards will clean and maintain important parts of your printer that cannot be reached, including the Print Head, Transport Rollers, and optional Magnetic Encoder Station.When to CleanWhen the LCD Panel displays the message CLEAN PRINTER.Approximately every 1000 cards when using 5-panel color ribbon, or every 5000 cards when using a monochrome ribbon.Caution • PROTECT YOUR FACTORY WARRANTY!The recommended cleaning procedures must be performed to maintain your factory warranty. Other than the recommended cleaning procedures described in this manual, allow only Zebra authorized technicians to service the P430i Printer.NEVER loosen, tighten, adjust, bend, etc., any part or cable inside the printer.NEVER use a high pressure air compressor to remove particles in the printer.
30 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01CleaningCleaning the PrinterHow to Clean1. Leave the Printer power on, or turn it on if it was off.2. Initiate the cleaning process by either of the following methods:• At the printer, press and hold the panel button for several seconds, until the LCD Panel displays the message REMOVE RIBBON THEN CLOSE HEAD.• From the computer, enter the P430i Printer Tools software, and click on the CLEAN button. The LCD Panel will display the message REMOVE RIBBON THEN CLOSE HEAD.3. Open the Main Cover, release the Print Head Carriage, and remove the ribbon. Then close the Print Head Carriage. (For details, see Chapter 2.) The LCD Panel will display the message EMPTY FEEDER & PRESS BUTTON.4. Open the Card Feeder Cover and remove cards from the Card Feeder. The last card is difficult to remove; leave it in place. Press the Panel Button on the front of the printer. The card remaining in the feeder will be ejected. The LCD Panel will then display the message LOAD CLEANING CARD IN FEEDER.5. Place a pre-saturated Cleaning Card into the Card Feeder. The Cleaning Card will automatically feed into the printer and the cleaning process will start (there is a several second delay after the Cleaning Card feeds before the cleaning movement starts). While the cleaning process is underway, the LCD Panel will display the message CLEANING PRINTER.6. At the conclusion of this part of the cleaning process, the Cleaning Card will be ejected, and the LCD Panel will display the message PRESS BUTTON TO CONTINUE.7. After the user presses the panel button, the LCD Panel will display the message FEED LONG CLEANING CARD IN EXIT. Insert the long end of the long cleaning card into the card exit (directly above the Output Hopper). If the user inserts a “regular” cleaning card into the card exit, the LCD Panel will display the message INVALID CARD, PRESS BUTTON until the user presses the panel button and inserts the long cleaning card into the card exit.Note • This cleaning procedure uses two cleaning cards. One cleaning card is the size of a regular plastic card, and is referred to as the “cleaning card.” The other is elongated, with a wider section at one end; it is referred to as the “long cleaning card.”Note • If the user does nothing at this point (i.e., does not insert the long cleaning card), after a timeout the LCD Panel display will change to CLEAN PRINTER. The printer will be able to print, but the LCD Panel will continue to display CLEAN PRINTER.This limited cleaning does not do a thorough cleaning, but may be performed if no “long cleaning cards” are available.To restore the display to READY, you will need to perform a complete cleaning process, using both short and long cleaning cards, from step 2 above through step 9 below.
CleaningCleaning the Print Head980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 318. The long cleaning card will automatically feed into the printer and the printing process will continue. The LCD Panel will again display the message CLEANING PRINTER.9. When the cleaning process is completed, the long cleaning card will be ejected and the LCD Panel will display the message READY, indicating that the printer is ready to resume normal printing operations.10. Discard both cleaning cards after a single use.Cleaning the Print HeadA cleaning using the Cleaning Cards usually suffices. However, a separate Print Head cleaning can remove more stubborn deposits when print anomalies persist. To avoid deposits, only use foam-tipped swabs.1. Place the printer power switch in the OFF ( O ) position.2. Open the Main Cover, release the Print Head Carriage, and remove the ribbon. Leave the Print Head Carriage in its raised position. (For details, see Chapter 2.)3. Clean Print Head by moving an alcohol-moistened swab tip side-to-side across the Print Head elements. Only use moderate force. To re-order swabs, please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.4. The swabs can also be used in a similar manner to clean the optional magnetic encoding head.Note • Do not use previously used cleaning cards.Caution • Never use a sharp object or any abrasive to scrape deposits from the print head. Permanent damage to the print head will result.Caution • Do not touch the print head if the printer has been in service in the last 10 minutes. It could be very hot and cause a burn.
32 P430i User’s Manual 980471-001 Rev. 01CleaningCard Cleaning CartridgeCard Cleaning CartridgeYour P430i Printer includes a Card Cleaning Cartridge. This item cleans the cards entering the printer through the card feeder. To ensure print quality, the cleaning roller requires periodic replacement. New cleaning rollers are included with each ribbon or may be purchased separately. (To reorder, please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.)Installation of the Card Cleaning Cartridge is described in Chapter 2 and is not repeated in detail here.When to Replace the Cleaning RollerReplace the Cleaning Roller each time you install a new ribbon.How To Replace the Cleaning Roller1. Open the main cover and locate the Card Cleaning Cartridge.2. Gently remove the Card Cleaning Cartridge. Lift the “handle” end, and then pull it away from the printer.Note • Before replacing the Card Cleaning Cartridge or its cleaning roller, clean the Printer using the Cleaning Cards as described earlier in this chapter.Dual-Sided ColorCard Cleaning Cartridge
CleaningCard Cleaning Cartridge980471-001 Rev. 01 P430i User’s Manual 333. Remove the cleaning roller from the Card Cleaning Cartridge and discard.4. Install new cleaning roller into the Card Cleaning Cartridge. To avoid contamination, always hold the cleaning roller by the ends. (For replacement cleaning rollers, please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.)5. Peel protective wrapper from the cleaning roller by gently pulling on the tape.Dual-Sided Color

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