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Fargo DTC550 - User Manual

Fargo DTC550
420 pages
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DTC550 Direct to Card
Printer/Encoder User Guide
(Rev. 2.8)
Part Number: L000685

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Fargo DTC550

Questions and Answers

  • M
    Miguel DayAug 28, 2025
    How to resolve a 'MAG CARD JAM' on my Fargo DTC550 Printer?
    • L
      Lisa WilliamsAug 28, 2025
      If your Fargo Printer displays 'MAG CARD JAM', it means a card jam has been detected in the MAG encoding section. Clear the jam according to the steps in the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide.
  • J
    Jonathan UnderwoodAug 29, 2025
    How to fix a 'CARD JAM: PROX' error on my Fargo DTC550?
    • M
      Madison MontgomeryAug 29, 2025
      If your Fargo Printer displays 'CARD JAM: PROX', it means a card is jammed in the PROX card encoding area. Clear the jam according to the steps in the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide.
  • R
    Rebecca MooreAug 29, 2025
    How to fix a 'CARD JAM: SMART' error on my Fargo DTC550?
    • M
      Matthew WrightAug 30, 2025
      If your Fargo Printer displays 'CARD JAM: SMART', it indicates a card is jammed in the smart card encoding area. Clear the jam according to the steps in the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide.
  • M
    Mark FryeAug 30, 2025
    What does 'CLEAN PRINTER' mean on my Fargo DTC550?
    • M
      Michael SmithAug 30, 2025
      For best Fargo Printer performance, replace the cleaning cartridge tape and clean the printer's feed rollers and printhead.
  • T
    Thomas AndersonAug 25, 2025
    How to fix a Fargo Printer 'CARD JAM ERROR'?
    • S
      Sherry BrewerAug 25, 2025
      If your Fargo Printer displays a 'CARD JAM ERROR', it means a card is jammed in the print station. To resolve this, clear the jam by following the steps in the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide, and then press RESUME to continue.
  • T
    Tony MclaughlinAug 31, 2025
    How to fix a card jam in my Fargo DTC550?
    • R
      Renee MartinezSep 1, 2025
      If a card is jammed in the print station or card flipping area of your Fargo Printer, clear the jam according to the steps in the Troubleshooting section of the User Guide.
  • W
    wdixonSep 1, 2025
    What to do if my Fargo DTC550 says 'PRINT RIBBON OUT'?
    • K
      kturnerSep 1, 2025
      If your Fargo Printer displays the message 'PRINT RIBBON OUT', it indicates that the print ribbon has run out. To continue printing, install a new ribbon and press RESUME. Alternatively, you can press CANCEL to abort the current print job.
  • M
    Mary GarciaSep 2, 2025
    What to do if my Fargo Printer displays 'CHECK CARDS'?
    • W
      Wendy SmithSep 2, 2025
      If your Fargo Printer displays the 'CHECK CARDS' message, it means no cards were found in the input hopper. To fix this, add cards to the card input hopper or check for any errors. After adding cards, press RESUME to continue printing.
  • A
    Amanda WoodsSep 2, 2025
    How to resolve a 'CARD ERROR' on my Fargo Printer?
    • R
      Rodney Perkins DDSSep 3, 2025
      A 'CARD ERROR' on your Fargo Printer indicates that a card has been removed, a card is jammed, or a ribbon align error has occurred in the print station. To resolve this, address the specific issue by following the troubleshooting steps in the User's Guide. After resolving the issue, press RESUME to continue.
  • D
    Duane VargasSep 3, 2025
    How to fix Fargo Printer when it says 'RIBBON JAM/BROKEN'?
    • N
      Nicole SmithSep 3, 2025
      If your Fargo Printer displays 'RIBBON JAM/BROKEN', it means the print ribbon is either jammed or broken. If the ribbon is jammed, clear it according to the troubleshooting steps. If the ribbon is broken, repair it by taping the ribbon back onto the take-up core.

Summary

Section 1: Introduction

Safety Messages

Provides essential safety information and warnings for printer installation and operation.

How to Use the Guide

Explains how to effectively navigate and utilize the DTC550 User Guide for quick lookup of procedures and components.

Section 2: Specifications

Technical Specifications

Outlines the technical specifications of the DTC550, including card sizes, thickness, types, and dimensions.

Functional Specifications

Describes the Dye-Sublimation and Resin Thermal Transfer printing technologies used by the DTC550 for image quality.

Printer Components: LCD and Softkey Control Pad

Identifies and describes the printer's LCD display and softkey buttons for user interaction and status monitoring.

Section 3: Setup and Installation Procedures

Printer Setup and Placement

Provides guidelines for choosing a suitable location and setting up the printer, considering environmental factors.

Software Setup and Installation Procedures

Details the step-by-step process for installing the DTC550 printer driver and associated software.

Loading Supplies

Guides users on loading essential supplies like print ribbons and card cleaning cartridges into the printer.

Section 4: General Troubleshooting

Reviewing the LCD display and LED light

Explains how to interpret the printer's LCD messages and LED indicators to understand its current status and potential issues.

Troubleshooting LCD Messages

Provides a comprehensive list of LCD error messages, their causes, and suggested solutions for troubleshooting printer issues.

Card Feeding Errors

Addresses issues where cards are not feeding correctly or multiple cards feed simultaneously, offering resolution steps.

Encoding Errors

Covers problems related to magnetic, prox, and smart card encoding, including error messages and their solutions.

Section 5: Card Lamination Module

Adjusting a Card Lamination Module

Guides users on adjusting the card flattener and card guide rail for proper lamination and card flatness.

Attaching the Card Lamination Module

Details the components and procedures for attaching the DTC550 Card Lamination Module to the printer.

Section 6: Printer Adjustments

Using the Card tab

Explains how to control card-specific printing functions like size, hopper selection, and orientation via the printer driver.

Using the Image Color tab

Guides users on adjusting color properties such as contrast, gamma, and color balance for optimal image output.

Using the Magnetic Encoding tab

Details options for controlling magnetic stripe encoding, including mode, coercivity, and track settings.

Section 7: Ethernet Option Section

Technical Specification - Ethernet Option

Outlines the system requirements and specifications necessary for the Ethernet option, including network and host computer details.

Configuring the Network Settings

Provides procedures for accessing and configuring network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and DHCP options.

Ethernet Printer Troubleshooting Procedures

Offers steps to troubleshoot common connection and printing problems when using the Ethernet interface.

Section 8: Cleaning

Cleaning Kit Instructions - DTC550 Printer

Lists the contents of the cleaning kit and provides general cleaning procedures for the DTC550 printer.

Cleaning the Printhead (D855055)

Details the procedure for cleaning the printer's printhead to maintain consistent print quality and resolve color transfer issues.

Section 9: Diagnostic Tool Utility

Selecting the Self Tests tab

Guides users on accessing the printer's internal self-tests via the Diagnostic Tool Utility for troubleshooting.

Section 11: LCD On-Line Menu Navigation

Entering the LCD Menu and selecting the Option

Explains how to navigate the printer's LCD menu to access test, setup, and reporting functions.

Adjusting the Print TOF and Print EOF

Details the procedures for adjusting Print TOF and Print EOF to precisely align the printed image with card edges.

Section 12: Fargo Technical Support

Contacting Fargo Technical Support

Provides contact information and procedures for reaching Fargo Technical Support for assistance with troubleshooting or repairs.

Section 14: Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

Defines technical terms and acronyms used throughout the DTC550 User Guide for better understanding.

Fargo DTC550 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Print Resolution300 dpi
Print TechnologyDye Sublimation / Resin Thermal Transfer
Card Capacity100 cards
Card Thickness30 mil to 40 mil
ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet
Card Sizes AcceptedCR80 (3.375 x 2.125 inches)
Operating System CompatibilityWindows 7, 8, 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)

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