up and down
free to move

Technical Note 3 - Magnetic Stripe Encoder

The “mag encoder” is a factory option for the P640i.

Mag encoder installation

Replacement read/write heads are shipped pre- assembled to the bracket shown here. Check the location of the yellow wire. This must be in the lower right corner.

Shoulder

Adjustomg

Nylon

 

screw

screw (3/32"

 

Washer

Steel

 

Spring

Clamp

 

 

Screws

Washer

Read/Write

Card

 

Spring

 

 

head

 

 

 

Replacing the read/write head

As shipped, the replacement read/write head is a complete assembly comprising mounting bracket and clamp hardware. Other screws and springs are not included.

Remove, setting aside for re-use, the shoulder screws and adjustment screw from the defective assembly, together with springs and washers. Install the adjustment screw in the replacement bracket, bringing its tip flush with the bottom surface of the bracket.

Check how the head sits in the bracket. Look for symmetry, with the upper rim of the head (surrounding the “potted” wires), almost even with the bracket, just a hair below. Install the encoder assembly, taking care that the shoulder screws do not clamp either end of the bracket or the washer at the right hand end. Check that the assembly is

at both ends.

Adjust the mag encoder using Mag Amplitude Adjust and Mag Position Adjust utilities in the Windows printer driver, see below.

Magnetic Encoding Functions in the Driver

Mag Position and Amplitude

For this procedure you will need to cut a feeler gauge about ¼" wide (6 mm) from a standard CR-80 card (which should be 0.03”/0.75 mm thick).

Start > Printers (or Printers and Faxes) > Right click Zebra P640i > Properties > Device Settings > Control

Mag encoder components

Shoulder screws at the two ends of the bracket allow vertical float. Springs hold the read/write head firmly in contact with the card’s mag stripe.

Cleaning the read/write head

The head needs to be cleaned only if encoding becomes troublesome. (This will show up as extra passes of the card under the head if the Mag Verify function is enabled - recommended - in Printing Preferences.) To clean the head, turn power OFF and remove all cards from the hopper. Drive the truck to the right, clear of the mag encoding station, by rotating the card transport knob left of the laminator.

Reaching down through the floor of the hopper, clean the head with a Q-Tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Allow several minutes drying time before running the printer.

> Advanced Utilities > Calibration

1.If you have not already done so (see Replacing the read/ write head, above) back off the adjust- ment screw (counterclockwise) until the head bracket is fully down.

980541-001 Rev. A

P640i Card Printer User Guide

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