FARGO electronic HDP700 manual Poor Image Quality, Image Washout on Film

FARGO Electronics Inc.

∙Use the Image Position option within the Image Transfer tab of the printer driver as described in Section 3.5.1 to precisely center the image.

∙Make sure that the Platen Roller is clean. If unsure, follow the procedure for cleaning the Platen Roller in Section 3.9.2.

∙See Print Offset, Transfer Tension, Transfer TOF (Top of Form), and Transfer EOF (End of Form) Alignment in Section 7.3 to adjust the printer through the LCD.

∙Verify that the Peel-Off Bar and the Ribbon Peel bar height is correct. From the front of the HDP Card Printer, the Peel-Off Bar on the input side (see drawing 840159) should be flush with the frame; the Ribbon Peel Bar on the output side should have a 3/16-in. (4.5mm) gap between the frame and the Ribbon Peel Bar. To try and remedy the offset printing, raise the bar higher off of the card 0.005 inches by loosening the screws for the Peel-Off Bar and carefully raising both sides the same amount. The Peel-Off Bar assembly should be equidistant from the frame at both ends.

∙Adjust the Ribbon Tension by +1 and print a sample card. If symptoms appear better, continue adjusting until image placement is correct. If symptoms appear worse, adjust the Ribbon Tension by –1 and print a self-test. If this makes the image placement look better, continue adjusting until image placement is correct.

∙Verify Platen Roller Drive Belts. The small belt is tensioned by a spring and the large belt should be tensioned by hand to approximately the same tension as the short belt.

2.9.10Poor Image Quality

Symptom: Photos on the cards look pixilated or grainy.

GoodBad

∙Use high-resolution, 24-bit color images. Always capture an image at a 24-bit color setting, at 300 dpi, and at the same size at which it will be printed on the card whether capturing with a scanner or digital camera. If a small or low-resolution image is stretched or "blown up", a pixilated or grainy effect will occur when printing.

2.9.11Image Washout on Film

Symptom: Image appears to not be completely printed on Film.

∙Verify that the upper and middle modules are seated properly and are completely locked down.

∙Remove the Printhead and reinstall. If problem persists, replace the Printhead

∙Printhead pressure may be too low. Check the Printhead path to ensure there are no obstructions and that the springs and cam are in the proper location. The lobe of the cam should be in the up position when not printing. See drawing 840160.

∙Increase Image Darkness by increments of five as described in Section 7.3.21

∙If printing with non-FARGO cards, try reprinting with FARGO cards.

HDP700 Series Card Printer 2-21