subject: Fixing an Error with a Fargo printer [print this page] Fargo printer systems print PVC cards with custom information for making photo identification cards or business cards for various businesses and organizations. These card printer systems are easy to use. Once in a while an error occurs. With just a bit of human intervention, these printers are up and running again printing quality cards. When the printers malfunction, they can often be fixed easily by following the suggestions of the manufacturer. Printer ribbon issues and card feeding problems are the most common. Some trouble shooting tips can be found in this article.
Unable to Feed Card Message
The LED or LCD screen will display this error message when a printer cannot detect the PVC cards placed in the input hopper. This message may display if there are no cards in the hopper or if the cards are loaded incorrectly.
To resolve this issue, look in the card hopper to ensure that there are PVC cards in the hopper. They may be stuck together and not able to be individually pulled into the printer. If this is the case, carefully fan the cards without touching the surface of the cards to eliminate any sticking. Restraighten the cards back into a stack and place the card stock back into the hopper. Close the printer cover and hopper cover. Continue printing by pressing the resume button.
If the printer will not intake the cards, cancel the job in the printer by pressing on the cancel print button. You may need to turn the power off from the printer and wait a few seconds before turning the printer back on. By doing this, you will clear the original errors and can attempt to print the card again.
Ribbon Sensor Error Message
The ribbon sensor error occurs when the printer is unable to locate the next panel on the print ribbon. There are a number of things that may cause this error including a broken print ribbon, a print ribbon that will not advance or a ribbon that has been damaged in some way.
To fix this error, open the printer and remove the printer ribbon. Look at the ribbon for breaks, tears and wrinkles that need to be repaired. To fix a break or tear in the ribbon, connect the two end of the ribbon with scotch tape. Move the ribbon forward past the section you taped and place the print ribbon back into the printer. For a wrinkled ribbon, straighten out the wrinkle and advance the ribbon past the repaired ribbon section so that the ribbon will access the next set of panels for the next card print. After placing the ribbon back into the printer, press the resume button to continue printing.
Card Jam Error
The ID card printer is sensitive to the card thickness placed into the card hopper. Sometimes the card will jam inside the printer. To resolve this issue, open the printer cover and remove the printer ribbon. Press the forward, backward, cancel or pause buttons to move the rollers back and forth. The card should move and allow you to free the jammed card. Remove the loosened card, return the print ribbon and close the printer cover. The printed should begin printing with a new card from the hopper.
