Zebra ZXP Series 3 Card Printer User Manual
Zebra ZXP Series 3 Card Printer User Manual
Zebra ZXP Series 3 Card Printer User Manual
User’s Manual
P1058486-001
Copyright Notice
© 2013 ZIH Corp.
While every effort has been made to keep the information contained within current and
accurate as of the date of publication, no guarantee is given that the document is error-free or
that it is accurate with regard to any specification. Zebra Technologies Corporation reserves
the right to make changes, for the purpose of product improvement, at any time.
Trademarks
ZXP Series 3 is a trademark and Zebra is a registered trademark of Zebra Technologies
Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are marks of their
respective holders.
Product Disposal
P1058486-001 Rev. A
Contents
1 • Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ZXP Series 3 Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features, Controls, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Rear Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Multi-Function LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 • Printer Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Unpacking Your Card Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting up the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Connecting the Printer to your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Viewing Printer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the Windows Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installing the USB Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installing the Ethernet Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Setting Up a Network Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Printer Pooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3 • Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Printer Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Loading Ribbon Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loading Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Card Hopper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Printing a Test Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Typical Printer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Creating a Sample Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Printing the Sample Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
A • Advanced Sharing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
B • Magnetic Encoder Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
C • Smart Card Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D • CardSense Single Card Feed Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
E • Enclosure Lock Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
F • Worldwide Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
This manual contains installation and operation information for the Zebra ZXP Series 3 Card
Printer, manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation.
The printer provides full color dye sublimation or monochrome thermal transfer printing on
standard 2.125 inch by 3.375 inch (54 mm by 86 mm) PVC or PVC Composite plastic 10-mil
to 40-mil cards. The integrated card feeder and flipper minimizes printer size while
maximizing performance. Zebra ZXP Series 3 Load-N-Go™ ribbon cartridges are used with
an integrated card cleaning roller for easy ribbon changing or replacement. A variety of
options (some of which can be factory-installed or field-installed as upgrades) are available,
making the printers configurable for varied application environments:
• Magnetic Encoder
• USB only or USB and 10/100 Ethernet
• Contact + Contactless MIFARE Smart Card
• Contact Station
• Security (Enclosure Lock)
• CardSense™ single-card feed mode
Its auto-switching 100 ~ 240 Volts AC, 50 ~ 60 Hz external power supply uses inter-
changeable power cords for maximum flexibility.
This manual describes single- and dual-sided ZXP Series 3 Card Printers. References to “the
printer” in this document apply to either single-sided or the dual-sided printer models.
Card Feeder
Lid Release Cover
Button
Multi-Function LCD
Display Panel
Multi-Function
Control Button
Card Hopper
http://ww.zebra.com/nfc
• Card Feeder Cover - Opening the Card Feeder Cover gives access to the automatic card
feeder. The translucent cover allows you to when the card supply is running low. The
feeder has a 100-card capacity (30-mil cards).
• Lid Release Button - Pressing the Lid Release Button allows the printer’s lid to swing
open. This gives internal access for changing the Ribbon Cartridge, changing Cleaning
Rollers, and cleaning the printer.
• Multi-Function LCD Display Panel - The Multi-Function LCD Display Panel displays
printer status information. Messages also alert the user of the need for action and indicate
certain fault conditions.
• Card Hopper - Front-side Card Hopper has a 45-card capacity. Note that ZXP Series 3
Card Printers with a Smart Card Option have a different Card Hopper; refer to
Appendix C for details.
• Zebra Print Touch - This touch point uses NFC technology to provide key information
about the printer; http:\\zebra.com/nfc for details.
USB Power
Connector Socket
Security Power
Cable Slot Switch
Ethernet Connection
The figure below shows the rear of the printer with the standard USB interface with the
Ethernet and DB-9 Smart Card Contact Station Options.
USB Power
Connector Socket
Security Power
Cable Slot Switch
Ethernet Connector
Multi-Function LCD Panel messages fall into three categories: Operational, Warning,
and Error.
Operational Messages
Operational Messages are displayed during the Printer’s normal operation.
OPERATIONAL
CARD READY
CLEANING PRINTER
CLOSE FEEDER DOOR
CONTACT ENCODING
CONTACTLESS ENCODING
DOWNLOADING DATA
DOWNLOADING FIRMWARE
EMPTY FEEDER THEN CLOSE COVER
FEED LONG CLEANING CARD IN EXIT
INITIALIZING
INSERT CARD
INSERT FEEDER CLEANING CARD
MAG ENCODING
PRINTING BLACK
PRINTING CYAN
PRINTING MAGENTA
PRINTING MONO
PRINTING OVERLAY
PRINTING YELLOW
PUSH BUTTON TO CONTINUE
READY
REMOVE FEEDER CLEANING CARD
REMOVE LONG CLEANING CARD
REMOVE RIBBON THEN CLOSE LID
SINGLE CARD READY-PRINT OR EJECT
Warning Messages
Warning messages alert the operator to action that should be taken; the printer will generally
continue operation.
Error Messages
Error messages are displayed when a situation causes the printer to stop operating. Depending
on the cause of the error message, restarting the printer or curing the displayed Error may
return the printer to operational status, or the printer may require troubleshooting and repair.
Icons
Throughout this manual, different icons highlight important information, as follows:
Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a task, or points out
the importance of specific information in the text.
Electrostatic Discharge Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.
Hot Surface • Warns you of a situation where excessive heat could cause a burn.
Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in
physical harm to you, or could result in physical damage to the hardware.
Step 1. Before opening and unpacking the printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no
damage occurred during shipment.
Step 2. Ensure that you have a clean and nearly dust free environment for proper operation
and storage of the printer.
Step 3. Unlatch and remove the handle, open the carton, and remove the box containing the
printer accessories from the shipping carton.
Step 4. Remove the foam packing material from the top of the printer.
Step 5. Lift the printer out of the carton by holding it on both sides of the bottom and lifting
the printer gently from the carton.
Step 6. Make sure the following accessories are included with your printer:
a. Software CD-ROM
b. Quick Start Guide
c. Cleaning Kit
d. Power Cords (one or two depending on the configuration)
e. Power Supply
f. USB Printer Cable
If any items are missing, please contact your dealer. To reorder; refer to Appendix F of
this manual.
Step 2. Remove the yellow CAUTION label from the back of the printer.
Step 3. Ensure that the printer’s power switch is in the OFF (O) position.
Connecting Power
Caution • Limit electrical power supplied to the printer to 24 VDC. Limit excess current
draw to 16 amps or less, using an associated circuit breaker or other such device. Never
operate the printer in a location where operator, computer, or printer can get wet.
Personal injury could result. The printer must be connected to an earthed electrical
power supply and properly protected against electrical surges and grounding faults. The
power supply pack can only be replaced by the same product from the manufacturer.
Caution • Do not power the printer with USB attached to your computer at this time.
THE DRIVER WILL PROMPT YOU WHEN IT IS TIME TO PLUG IN AND POWER UP
YOUR PRINTER.
Step 1. Insert the power supply plug into the power socket, attach the power cord (120VAC
or 230VAC) to the power supply, then plug the power cord in to a grounded electrical
socket of the proper voltage and type.
115 VAC
230 VAC
Step 2. Ensure that the printer’s power switch is in the OFF (O) position.
Step 2. If your printer has the optional Ethernet interface (as well as the USB interface),
connect either the USB cable to printer and computer or the Ethernet cable to the
printer and the Ethernet network.
Important • Do not connect both the USB and the Ethernet interfaces at the same time!
Ethernet USB
Step 1. Ensure that the printer power switch is in the OFF (O) position.
Step 2. While holding down the Control Button, place the printer power switch in the
ON ( | ) position. The LCD Display Panel will glow blue.
LCD Display
Panel
Control
Button
Step 3. Keep pressing the Control Button and observe the LCD Display Panel show
Initializing and CHECKING RIBBON.
Step 4. When the PRINTER INFO message appears in the display panel, momentarily release
and press the Control Button to display the first parameter: Model Name.
Step 5. Continue to tap the Control Button to advance through the parameters and cycle back
to the beginning:
Step 6. A long press of the Control Button (about 1 second) will escape the sequence. Idle
time of 15 seconds will also escape the sequence.
Step 1. If not already done, connect power to the printer. Turn power OFF.
Step 2. Connect the USB port on the rear of the printer to the computer’s USB port.
Step 3. Ensure that the Printer’s power switch is in the OFF (O) position.
Step 4. Insert the User Documentation and Drivers CD into the CD drive of the host
computer. The Main Menu will open.
Step 5. From the Main Menu, click Install Zebra Printer Driver.
Step 6. If an older Printer Driver is installed on your computer, the Select Features window
will be displayed; otherwise go to Step 8.
Step 7. In the Select Features window, choose the maintenance operation to be performed:
a. Select to upgrade the older printer driver, click the Next button, and
follow the screen prompts. At the end of the process, you will be asked to
re-boot your computer. Re-boot your computer. The upgrade is complete.
b. Select to remove the older printer driver, click the Next button, and
follow the screen prompts. At the end of the uninstall process, you will be
asked to re-boot your computer. Re-boot your computer, and start over
with Step 1.
Step 8. The InstallShield Wizard window will open. To proceed with the installation, click
the Next button.
Step 9. Select Install USB printer drivers, and click the Next button.
Step 10. Ensure that the Printer’s power switch in the OFF (O) position; and then click the
OK button.
Step 11. This will bring up the License Agreement window. To proceed with the installation,
click the Yes button.
Step 12. This will bring up the Setup Type window. Select Complete to install all program
features, and click the Next button.
Step 13. This will bring up the Select Program Folder window. Type in a new folder name or
select one from the existing folders list, and click the Next button.
Step 16. At this point, turn on your printer; and then click the Next button. The Windows
New Hardware Found wizard will find the printer.
Step 17. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, click the Finish button.
Note • You may need to change the card setup (card orientation, ribbon type, etc.), encoding,
overlay, and/or black panel settings via the Printer Driver; see Printing Preferences
on page 54.
Note • You may also need to set the card thickness adjustment to the thickness of the cards
being used; see Loading Cards on page 34.
Important • The Ethernet Network must be configured correctly, with the Printer and the
host computer on the same subnet mask. If you are not sure how to verify this or change the
configuration, consult someone knowledgeable on Ethernet Networks.
Step 1. If not already done, connect power to the printer. Turn power ON.
Step 2. Connect the Ethernet port on the rear of the printer to the Ethernet network
connection or directly to the computer’s Ethernet port.
Step 4. Insert the User Documentation and Drivers CD into the CD drive of the host
computer. The Main Menu will open.
Step 6. If an older Printer Driver is installed on your computer, the Select Features window
will be displayed; otherwise go to Step 8.
Step 7. In the Select Features window, choose the maintenance operation to be performed:
a. Select to upgrade the older printer driver, click the Next button, and
follow the screen prompts. At the end of the process, you will be asked to
re-boot your computer. Re-boot your computer. The upgrade is complete.
b. Select to remove the older printer driver, click the Next button, and
follow the screen prompts. At the end of the uninstall process, you will be
asked to re-boot your computer. Re-boot your computer, and start over
with Step 1.
Step 8. The InstallShield Wizard window will open. To proceed with the installation, click
the Next button.
Step 9. Select Install Ethernet printer drivers, and click the Next button.
Step 10. This will bring up the License Agreement window. To proceed with the installation,
select the I accept the terms of the license agreement option, and then click the
Next button.
Step 11. This will bring up the Setup Type window. Select Complete to install all program
features, and click the Next button.
Step 12. Setup will find and list all Zebra ZXP Series 3 Printers on the network. Select the
printer from the list (if listed), or enter the IP Address (example, arrow below);
and click the Next button.
Step 13. This will bring up the Select Program Folder window. Type in a new folder name,
or select one from the existing folders list; and click the Next button.
Step 15. When the Congratulations window will appears, click the Next button.
Step 16. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, click the Finish button.
Note • You may need to change the card setup (card orientation, ribbon type, etc.), encoding,
overlay, and/or black panel settings via the Printer Driver; see Printing Preferences
on page 54.
Note • You may also need to set the card thickness adjustment to the thickness of the cards
being used; see Loading Cards on page 34..
Step 1. Click on the Start button, then select Devices and Printers.
Step 3. Click on the Add a printer option in the Taskbar (arrow above).
Step 4. Observe the What type of printer do you want to install window.
Step 5. Select Add a local printer (arrow above), and click the Next button.
Step 7. Select the Create a new port radio button (1st arrow above).
Step 8. From the dropdown menu, select Standard TCP/IP Port (2nd arrow above).
Step 11. Enter the IP address of your printer in the Hostname or IP address text box (circled
above). Note that the Port name will automatically be filled in when you enter the
IP Address. Do not change the Port Name.
Step 12. Ensure that the Query the printer ... checkbox is selected (arrow above).
Step 15. Select the Manufacturer and the Printer (arrows above).
Step 17. Observe the Which version of the driver do you want to use window.
Step 18. Select the Use the driver that is currently installed radio button (arrow above).
Step 21. Enter the printer name: use the default name, or add more information to indicate the
printer location; e.g., Ed’s Printer, Mike’s Office, Room 33, etc.
Step 24. If appropriate, select the Set as the default printer checkbox (arrow above).
Step 25. Click on the Finish button to complete the Add Printer Wizard.
Printer Pooling
Setting Up Printer Pooling
Printer Pooling is a standard feature of Windows, which lets you spread the printed output
across a pool of several printers. In this example, we will install and setup the three network
printers to be used for pooling.
Step 1. Before proceeding to pool the printers, test them individually, and be sure they are
configured similarly. Specifically, check the following:
• Ribbon panel configuration (ribbon type, and what prints on which side of
the card).
• Mag encoding configuration.
• Black extraction configuration (if applicable).
To access the Ports tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra
ZXP Series 3 USB Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > Ports.
Step 3. Select the three network printers by selecting the associated checkbox (circle above).
Important • Send print jobs to the printer pool, not to an individual printer.
When the first printer has taken as many jobs as it can handle (that being two jobs - one to be
printed immediately, the other waiting), the following jobs “spill over” to the second printer,
and then to the third printer.
Note that if you are only printing two jobs, they would both go to the first printer. Pooling is
a spill-over methodology. It does not balance printer usage.
Once the pool has been set up, maintenance and configuration changes should be done
through the menus for each individual printer, not through the pool (which can produce
undesirable results).
Important • The effect of any maintenance and/or changes can (and should) be tested by
sending print jobs separately to each printer, not to the pool.
Printer Features
The following shows an interior view of the ZXP Series 3 Card Printer.
Lid
Printhead
Card Feeder
Card Thickness
Adjustment
Ribbon Cartridge
Card Hopper
• Each ribbon cartridge includes an integrated adhesive cleaning roller assembly that is
used to clean the cards entering the printer. Improper cleaning will reduce printer life
and degrade print quality
• When the ribbon is completely used, change the whole cartridge assembly.
1. Open printer lid by pressing the Cover Release button on the top of your printer.
2. Peel protective wrapper from the adhesive cleaning roller by gently pulling on the tape.
Discard the protective wrapper.
3. Insert the ribbon cartridge with the cleaning roller facing down, so the gears on the ends of
the rollers fit into the appropriate slots.
4. Close the printer lid and push down until you hear an audible click.
Note • After the lid is closed, the ribbon automatically synchronizes when the printer
power is on.
Loading Cards
Card Feeder
The card feeder is used for loading cards, it can hold up to 100 cards of 30-mil thickness. The
card feeder is located under the card feeder cover of the Printer
Caution • Hold the cards by the edges only. DO NOT touch print surfaces as this can
reduce print quality.
1. Set the card thickness adjustment (arrow below) to the number corresponding to the
thickness of the cards being loaded. Note that the thickness adjustment ranges from
10 mils to 40 mils.
3. Slide the card guide all the way to the right until it locks in place with an audible click.
Caution • Hold the cards by the edges only. DO NOT touch print surfaces as this can
reduce print quality.
5. Examine the cards, and discard any cards with damaged edges.
6. Holding the card stack by its sides, fan the cards (like flexing a deck of playing cards)
at least once from each end, so as to separate all the cards.
8. Place the stack of cards into the card feeder. When loading magnetic stripe cards
or contact smart cards, see Appendix B or Appendix C respectively for proper
card orientation.
9. Close the card feeder cover. When card feeder cover is closed, the card guide locking
mechanism will be released automatically.
Card Hopper
1. Raise the printer lid, and pull the card hopper down to place it in its functional position.
2. When not using the printer, place the card hopper back in its closed position to protect the
printer from dust.
1. Select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP Series 3 Card Printer
listing. Select Printer properties > Device Settings; and click on the Tools button.
3. From the Print Test Card dropdown menu, select the desired test card (circled above).
4. Click on the Print button (arrow above) to print the selected test card; see sample
test cards below.
2. If the Zebra Printer was not set as the default printer, select the ZXP Series 3 Card Printer
as the default.
5. Design a card with both black and colored text and with colored images similar to the
sample card shown below.
SAMPLE CARD
M. CHRIS JONES
SALES DIRECTOR
http://www.zebra.com
2. Once the printing is completed, remove the sample card from the card hopper; and check
for any discrepancies. For quality issues, see Troubleshooting on page 77.
3. If the sample card is correct, your printer is ready to produce more cards.
Introduction
This section describes the settings and adjustments that can be made to your ZXP Series 3
Printer Driver:
Printer Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Printing Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Printer Properties
Note • The screen shots shown in this section are for the printer using the USB interface. If
you are using the Ethernet interface, the screens will refer to the “Network Printer.”
To access the Card Printer Properties, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the
Zebra ZXP Card Printer listing, then select Printer properties.
General Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Sharing Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Ports Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Advanced Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Color Management Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Security Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Device Settings Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
General Tab
The General tab shows the selected printer and lists the features of the printer.
To access the General tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP
Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > General.
• Comment - Lets you specify general information about the printer, such as the type
of print device and who is responsible for it. Once set, these fields can be displayed
by applications.
The Printing Preferences button takes you to Printing Preferences used to set selected
configuration parameters; see Printing Preferences on page 54.
The Print Test Page button sends the standard Windows test page to the printer.
Sharing Tab
On the Sharing tab, you can choose to share the printer over the network and install additional
drivers to accommodate different operating systems. See Appendix A for the various printer
sharing options allowed and the configurations required.
To access the Sharing tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP
Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > Sharing. Click on the Change Sharing
Options button to enable this tab.
• To share a printer, select the Share this printer radio button; and specify a name for the
shared resource. Click OK when you are finished.
• To change the shared name, simply enter a new name in the Share name field; and
click OK.
• To quit sharing a printer, deselect the Share this printer radio button. Click OK
when you are finished.
Drivers: If this printer is shared with users running different versions of Windows, you may
want to install additional drivers, so that the users do not have to find the print driver when
they connect to the shared printer. Click on the Additional Drivers button.
For Printer Sharing Configurations and Advanced Sharing Settings, refer to Appendix A
for details.
Ports Tab
Use the Ports tab to specify the computer port to which the printer is connected. This will have
been established at the initial installation of the printer, and will not normally require attention.
To access the Ports tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP
Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > Ports.
An exception to this is if you wish to use printer pooling, the ability to distribute print jobs to
multiple printers; see Printer Pooling on page 28 for details.
To enable printer pooling, select the Enable printer pooling checkbox, then check the
additional ports boxes. Each port should have a single Zebra printer installed on it. All the
pooled printers must be identical models with the same configuration (e.g., all with YMC
front, K back); and each must have its own printer driver installed.
Now, when you print to the “main printer” (that is, whichever printer you right-clicked in
Devices and Printers to get to this screen), this printer will get print jobs until it has buffered as
many jobs as it can take. The remaining jobs will then “spill over” to other printers until all
printers in the pool are busy.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab determines the spooling (queuing) of print jobs and determines how
spooled jobs are handled relative to the most recent job.
To access the Advanced tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP
Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > Advanced.
You can make the printer always available by selecting the Always available radio button, or
you can limit availability by selecting the Available from radio button and specifying the
“Available from” and “To” times. Click the Apply button, and then the OK button.
To enable spooling: Select the radio button labeled Spool print documents so program
finishes printing faster.
• Select Start printing after last page is spooled if you want the entire document to be
spooled before printing begins. This option ensures that the entire document is sent to the
print queue before printing. If for some reason printing is canceled or not completed, the
job will not be printed.
• Select Start printing immediately if you want printing to begin immediately when the print
device is not already in use. This option is preferable when you want print jobs to be
completed faster or when you want to ensure that the application returns control to users
as soon as possible.
To disable spooling: Select the radio button labeled Print directly to the printer.
To access the Color Management tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the
Zebra ZXP Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > Color Management. Click on the
Color Management button to enable this tab.
When you click on the Color Management button, you will the following three tabs:
Devices Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
All Profiles Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Advanced Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
For details on color management, click on the Understanding color management settings link
on the Color Management Devices tab.
Devices Tab
Use the Devices tab to set your display and printing devices.
The Use my settings for this device checkbox must be selected to enable the following
button functions:
• The Add button allows you to add additional profiles to the color profile list.
• The Remove button allows you to remove profiles from the color profile list.
The Set As Default button allows you to set the selected profile as the default profile.
Step 4. Click on the Add button (in the Install Profile browse window).
Advanced Tab
Use the Advanced tab to check your Windows Color System Defaults settings, verify ICC
Rendering to WCS Gamut Mapping, and calibrate your display (Display Calibration).
Security Tab
This is the standard Windows security screen, showing user access to various printer control
options. Both Print and Manage Printers must be checked for full functionality of the printer.
To access the Security tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP
Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > Security.
The Security tab allows you to assign the actual permissions that apply to the print queue.
You can apply permissions to both users and to groups. It is usually considered a better
practice to only apply security to groups.
Both “Print” and “Manage this printer” Allow checkboxes must be selected to ensure full
functionality of the printer.
The Advanced Security Settings properties sheet allows you to assign a more comprehensive
set of permissions than the basic Security tab found on the printer’s properties sheet does.
For details on security settings, click on the Learn about access control and permissions link
(arrow above).
To access the Device Settings tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the
Zebra ZXP Card Printer listing. Select Printer properties > Device Settings.
Device Information
• Model: Specifies the printer model number.
• Fw version: Specifies the installed firmware version.
• Serial number: Specifies the printer serial number.
• Ribbon type: Specifies the ribbon installed in the printer.
• Head resistance: Specifies the printhead resistance value.
• Mag encoder: Specifies if this option is present.
• Panels printed: Shows the total number of panels printed for the lifetime of the printer.
• Remaining count: Shows the remaining card count for the ribbon installed. For
monochrome ribbons, this will display Unknown.
• Smart card: Specifies if a smart card encoder is present and type of encoder.
Click on the Save/Restore button to save your printer and/or driver settings. You can later
restore those saved settings; see Page 51 for details.
Click on the Tools button to access a dialog box that allows you to test and communicate with
the printer; see Page 52 for details.
Save/Restore
Dialog box for saving printer and driver settings or restoring previously saved settings.
To save settings:
Step 1. Click on the appropriate Save button (Printer Settings or Driver Settings).
Step 2. Observe a browse window showing the default location where the configuration files
are saved: C:\Program Data\ZXPS3\config.
Step 3. Enter an appropriate file name, and click the Save button. Note: A prefix, P_ or D_,
will be added to the file name for printer settings and driver settings respectively.
To restore settings:
Step 1. Click on the appropriate Restore button (Printer Settings or Driver Settings).
Step 2. Observe a browse window showing the default location where the configuration files
are saved: C:\Program Data\ZXPS3\config.
Step 3. Select the desired file, and click the Open button. Note that prefixes P_ and D_
indicate printer settings and driver settings respectively.
Tools
Dialog box for testing and communicating with the printer.
• Command to send to printer - Enter a printer command (all capitals without the leading
escape character) in the top edit box; e.g., MI MO, which will pick and eject one card.
Then click on the Execute button. Printer Status will show the status of the command.
Contact Zebra Technical Support for a complete list of the printer commands.
• Print test card - Select the desired test card type from the dropdown menu: Standard,
Printer Parameters, and Encoder Parameters. Click on the Print button to print the
selected test card.
• Cleaning - Select the desired cleaning to be performed from the dropdown menu: Printer
only or Magnetic encoder. Click on the Clean button to run the cleaning process.
• Offset setting - Enter the Front and Back X and Y direction offsets, and click on the
Set Offsets button to set the offsets for printing the card.
• Send file - This command will allow a .prn or .txt file to print.
- The .prn file must be created with a Zebra printer driver using the same ribbon as
present in the printer.
- The .txt file must contain firmware commands only with only one command per line.
The first line must only contain MASTER; the last line must only contain SLAVE.
Firmware Download
This option is used to install the ZXP Series 3 firmware, downloaded from the Zebra web site
at http://www.zebra.com under Drivers & Downloads.
Important • Do not turn off the power to the printer until the process is done and the OCP
displays READY. If the download process is interrupted, the printer will not operate.
Step 1. Download the firmware from Zebra web site ( http://www.zebra.com ), and save it to
a location you can easily find.
Step 3. From the Browse window, “find” the downloaded firmware (BIN file type), and click
on the Open button.
Step 4. Click on the Start Firmware Download button to install the firmware.
Printing Preferences
Note • The screen shots shown in this section are for a printer using the Ethernet interface.
The screens refer to the “Network Card Printer.” If you are using the USB interface, the
screens will refer to the “USB Card Printer.”
To access the Card Printer Preferences, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the
Zebra ZXP Card Printer listing, then select Printing preferences.
To access the Card Setup tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra
ZXP Card Printer listing, then select Printing preferences > Card Setup.
• Printing options
• Auto (default): This mode analyzes the image and optimizes the conversion
(diffusion, halftone, barcode, or text mode) automatically.
Depending on the printer model and ribbon combination selected, the Black Panel
Options and Overlay Varnish Options buttons are enabled; see Page 58 and
Page 64 respectively.
Click on the Job Log button to create and manage a database of card transactions; see Job Log
on page 65.
Click on the Image Control button to adjust the image colors; see Image Control on page 67.
Select a Ribbon Combination that has YMC and K all on the same side. The Front K
Extraction… and/or Back K Extraction... buttons will become active. Press the appropriate
button to open up the pop-up window.
The figure below shows settings for the front side of the card; settings for the back side of the
card are identical.
To set how the printer prints the black areas of color images, several selections must be made:
Option 1. Black text applies black extraction to areas of the image identified as text; e.g.,
company name, address.
Zebra
Technologies
Option 2. Black graphics applies black extraction to areas of the image identified
as graphics primitives; e.g., lines, circles, rectangles, area fills, etc.
Option 3. Black color bitmaps applies black extraction to areas of the image identified
as monochrome bitmap data contained in a color bitmap image.
Option 4. Black monochrome bitmaps applies black extraction to areas of the image
identified as monochrome data in a bitmap; e.g., logos.
- Black level: Every dot of a printed image has an RGB color value that ranges
from 0, 0, 0 (pure black) to 255, 255, 255 (pure white). The black level setting
allows the user to specify the threshold value for any given dot to be treated as black.
The maximum setting is R25, G25, B25.
• Area manager: This option is enabled when either the Defined areas (extract inside the
zone) or the Undefined areas (extract outside the zone) radio button is selected.
To create a zone: Select the rectangle icon , click on an area of the image to
establish the first corner of the zone, drag the cursor until the zone is the desired size
and shape, then release the mouse button. Note that multiple zones can be defined.
To select, move, or resize a zone: Select the arrow icon , click on a zone to select
it, then drag it to move it, or drag on the edges to resize it.
To delete a zone: Select the rectangle icon with an "X" through it , then click on
the zone that you want to delete.
In practice, determine the size of the area the question (e.g., the exclusion zone for the
ID card portrait); then click one of the six radio buttons to activate the dimensioning boxes
(probably button #1 in the first instance). Then set the area size and offsets to match the
portrait then; if no other exclusion zones are required, check the “confirm settings” box.
This will gray-out everything in the Area Manager box.
If another area is required (e.g., a ghosted smaller portrait), before confirming the settings,
select the next button; then size the area in the same way. To add another area, or to null an
existing area, simply uncheck the “confirm” box.
To print black during the print process, equal amounts of process colors Y, M, and C (printer
ribbon panels) are delivered, with maximum intensity, to create a near-black image.
• However, this “composite” image appears as a dark shade of gray and not machine
readable. For example, a visually-black barcode printed with Y, M and C will not be
detectable by most barcode readers and is not a true Visible Black color.
• The remedy for this is to “extract the black.” In other words, print the same text, graphics,
or barcode, using the K (black) panel, on top of the YMC barcode. (You can also choose to
print only in K, omitting YMC from that region.)
Depending on the application used to design the card layout, different elements of the card
image may be identified in different ways to the printer driver. The printer driver needs to
recognize four types of basic elements:
1. Black text
2. Black (monochrome) graphics -- lines, circles, rectangles, and area fills
3. Black color bitmap images
4. Black monochrome bitmap images
These elements may not always be sent to the driver as expected. For example, a barcode may
be sent as black text, a series of black area fills, or a black monochrome bitmap. Results will
depend on the application used to create the card design. Another variable, again controlled by
the card design application, is the precedence (stacking order) of the various element types in
the event that one or more of them overlap.
If the printer is set up to print both YMC and K on the same side, text, lines and pixels, area
fills and monochrome bitmaps, if (and only if) designated black by the application, can be
directed to the K panel. For that to happen, the graphic type in question has to be selected on
the “Black Panel (K)” tab. For text, lines and pixels, area fills and monochrome bitmaps the
designation “black” means just that (0, 0, 0). Near-black doesn’t qualify.
In the Black Panel (K) tab, the “element selection” portion is straightforward – simply
designate any or all of the four graphic types to be printed in K, either K alone, or over process
black (YMC).
Black extraction is quite different. It applies only to the fourth graphic type – the color bitmap
image.To perform black extraction, the driver generates a K image by looking for black
features (pixels) in the color bitmap, that is, instances where all three YMC values are at, or
close to, the maximum (full intensity). Each such true-black or near-black instance generates a
corresponding cluster of black pixels in the extracted image, which will be printed with the
K (black) panel either on top of the YMC image, or replacing it entirely – your choice.
A problem that can arise when K is extracted from an entire card image is over-emphasis of
every black cluster; e.g., dark hair in a portrait photo or scenic background. K overprinting in
such areas can be displeasing. To deal with this, set up exclusion zones within which no
extraction is performed. Six such areas are provided for on each side of the card,
independently. In the default state, all areas are null (0,0 offsets, and zero size).
There is a choice of black extraction within the defined areas or outside the defined areas; see
Print black with K panel: on page 60 for details.
The figure below shows settings for the front side of the card; settings for the back side of the
card are identical.
Select the overlay varnish type - Option selection for applying overlay varnish ribbon to a
card. Default setting is full edge-to-edge varnish.
There are various varnish options. A preview pane is shown for each selection.
Job Log
The Job Log is a utility that builds a database of card transactions in the printer’s host
computer. The Job Log records the data encoded on the card’s magnetic stripe, together with
date, time, and the printer’s serial number.
The data set can be uploaded at any time to a central archive, thus providing a means for
security officers to validate a card by comparing it with tamper-proof real data.
- If the “Create new log file each day” box is unchecked, the data is saved to a log file
of your choice (Filename).
- If the box is checked, the data is saved to log file ZXPLog with the day’s date; e.g.,
ZXPLog_2011_8_17.
- In addition to the Filename, you may wish to enter a special field Separator Character.
The default field Separator Character is “|”.
• Log File Contents - The Log File Contents group selects the data to be logged in the file
you specified above. The data will be logged in the order displayed on the screen, each
field being separated by the character specified in the Logfile Definition, Separator.
- Time: Logs the time a which the card was sent to the printer in the HH:MM:SS
format. The 24-hour clock is used, so 13:00:00 = 1:00 pm, and 05:00:00 = 5:00 am.
- Date: Logs the date the card was sent to the printer in the MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Printer serial number: Logs the serial number of the printer that printed the card.
- IP address: Logs the IP address of the PC that sent the card to the printer.
- User name: Logs the username of the person submitting the card print job.
- Spooler job number: Logs the number which the card print job was assigned in the
Windows print spooler.
- Magnetic Track 1, 2, 3 Data: Logs the data sent to the printer to be encoded on the
card’s magnetic stripe.
- Static text: Adds to the record text in the box to the right, 16 characters maximum.
The Save Job Log Settings button saves the Job Log settings.
Image Control
Note • Printed colors can appear different than displayed colors; the following controls
allow you to optimize the printed results.
Allows you to adjust the image colors; these adjustments apply to the entire card, not just
photographic image.
- Intensity - increase or decrease the image intensity by moving the Black, Yellow,
Magenta, and Cyan slider bars left or right. This will change the overall lightness or
darkness of the image. Move the slider to the right (0 to 100) to increase the intensity
and to the left (0 to -100) to decrease the intensity. Note that color ribbon wrinkling
can be eliminated by reducing the intensity.
Use the Restore Defaults button to reset the settings to the driver defaults.
Encoding Tab
The Encoding tab dialog box is for setting Magnetic Encoder parameters. This feature is not
enabled if the printer does not have the magnetic encoder option.
To access the Encoding tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP
Card Printer listing, then select Printing preferences > Encoding.
• Enable macro processing - This option is used to set the encoding preamble and other
magnetic encoder parameters.
- Start of Data - Beginning of the data string for the encoder. Note that Start of Data
characters must be immediately followed by a one-digit number representing desired
track where the data will be written. Use the normal Windows default fonts.
- End of Data - Ending of the data string for the encoder.
• Advanced Settings - Click on the Advanced Settings button for additional encoding
options; for details, see Advanced Settings on page 70.
• Encoder Type - Select the type of encoder: ISO/JIS. Note that JIS is not implemented.
Track selection:
- To read encoded data: Click on the checkboxes to select Track 1, Track 2, and/or
Track 3; click on the Read button, and validate the data read.
- To write data: Click on the checkboxes to select Track 1, Track 2, and/or Track 3;
enter the data to be written; and click on the Encode button.
- To eject the card: Click on the Eject Card button to eject the card.
The Restore Defaults button to reset the settings to the original values.
Advanced Settings
Advanced Settings provides advanced configuration capabilities and tools to manage magnetic
encoder operation. This option is primarily used for Non-ISO encoding.
• Track Settings: Select the Mode (ISO1, ISO2, ISO3, 3 bit, 4 bit, 5 bit, 6 bit, or 7 bit) and
Density (75 bpi or 210 bpi) for the tracks.
• Start/Stop Character (For Non-ISO encoding only): Enter an ASCII value for the Start
and Stop characters.
• Encoding Start Position (For Non-ISO encoding only): Enter the encoding start position
in millimeters (mm).
• Character Parity (For Non-ISO encoding only): Choose the Character Parity you want to
work with -- No parity, Even parity, or Odd parity.
• LRC Parity (For Non-ISO encoding only): Choose the LRC Parity you want to work
with -- No parity, Even parity, or Odd parity.
Click the Restore Defaults button to reset the settings to the original values.
About Tab
This tab specifies the Printer Model, the Driver Version, and the Zebra Technologies
Corporation Copyright.
To access the About tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra ZXP
Card Printer listing, then select Printing preferences > About.
NEVER loosen, tighten, adjust, or bend, etc., a part or cable inside the printer.
Your Printer includes a simple cleaning system 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 Printhead, the Transport Rollers, and the Magnetic Encoder
Station (optional feature).
When to Clean
Clean the Printer when:
How to Clean
Step 1. Place the printer power switch in the ON ( | ) position, and then press and hold the
Multi-Function Control Button for 5 seconds.
Step 2. When the cleaning cycle is initiated, the LCD message REMOVE RIBBON THEN
CLOSE LID will display.
Multi-Function
Control Button
Path Cleaning
Card
Step 3. After the ribbon is removed and the lid is closed, the message EMPTY FEEDER
THEN CLOSE COVER will display.
Step 4. If the lid is opened and closed without removing the ribbon, the REMOVE RIBBON
THEN CLOSE LID message will remain.
Step 5. Once the ribbon is removed and the cover is closed, the firmware will eject any card
inside the printer. The message EJECTING CARD will display.
Step 6. The LCD will display FEED LONG CLEANING CARD. When the presence of the
cleaning card is sensed, the rollers will take the card into the printer.
Step 7. When the cleaning process is done, the printer will eject the cleaning card. If the card
sensor still senses the cleaning card, the message REMOVE LONG CLEANING
CARD will display.
Step 8. Once the long cleaning card is no longer sensed by the card exit sensor, the message
INSERT FEEDER CLEANING CARD will display. Open the feeder cover, and
insert the feeder cleaning card.
Step 9. When the feeder cleaning card has been sensed by the feeder card sensor, the
message CLOSE FEEDER COVER will display.
Step 10. When feeder cleaning is complete, the message REMOVE FEEDER CLEANING
CARD will display.
Step 11. After the card is removed, the LCD will display READY. You may now reload the
ribbon and cards and continue printing.
Caution • Never use a sharp object to scrape deposits from the printhead. Permanent
damage to the printhead will result
Step 1. Place the printer power switch in the OFF (O) position.
Step 2. Open the printer lid by pressing the cover release button, and open the cover fully to
reveal the Printhead mounted on the inside of the cover.
Step 3. Clean the Printhead by moving an alcohol-moistened swab tip side-to-side across the
Printhead elements. Only use moderate force.
Step 4. Allow two to three minutes for the printhead to dry before placing the printer power
switch in the ON ( | ) position.
Step 5. To reorder swabs, refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User
Documentation CD supplied with this printer.
Introduction
The objective of troubleshooting is to relate a problem to an associated assembly or system
function, in order to most efficiently isolate and repair the problem. Typically, this involves
determining the failure symptom and then checking one or more possible causes of the failure.
In general, for a given failure symptom one or more possible causes are listed, with suggested
corrective action to take. These causes should be checked and corrective actions taken in the
order given; they are listed in order of likelihood and complexity.
Troubleshooting Procedures
CHECKING RIBBON Printer is determining type of ribbon No action required -- status message
installed. only.
CLOSE LID The lid is open. Make sure that the lid is completely
and securely closed.
ENCODING ERROR May be incorrect card type. Check that you are using the correct
magnetic card type (for low or high
coercivity encoding).
FLASH ERROR A flash error occurred. Reset the Printer, and try printing the
card again.
INVALID MAGNETIC DATA The magnetic data may be invalid. Check data format.
READING ERROR A reading error occurred. Reset the Printer, and try printing the
card again.
Note: If the problem persists, contact Technical Support; see Worldwide Support on page 123.
COMMAND ERROR A command error occurred. Reset the Printer, and try printing the
card again.
COVER OPEN The cover is open. Make sure that the cover is
completely and securely closed.
LID OPEN The lid is open. Make sure that the lid is completely
and securely closed.
MECHANICAL ERROR Check that you are using the correct See Technical Specifications on
card type. page 87.
Check for card jam in card flipper. Open the lid, release the card feeder
by pressing the finger tab lever to the
left of the card thickness adjustment
(arrow below), raise the card feeder,
and remove any jammed cards from
the card flipper. Note that you may
need to rotate the card flipper by
hand to access the jammed cards.
OUT OF CARDS Check for cards in the card feeder. If no cards present, load cards; then
press the Panel Button for 1 second.
The printing job will restart.
OUT OF RIBBON Check ribbon. May be defective or Load a new ribbon cartridge. Refer
entirely used. to Loading Ribbon Cartridge on
page 32 for details.
PARAMETERS ERROR A parameter error occurred. Reset the Printer, and try printing the
card again.
Note: If the problem persists, contact Technical Support; see Worldwide Support on page 123.
The print quality is dependent on several factors. The two most important factors that will
increase your print quality are cleanliness and card stock.
To diagnose and fix print quality problems, follow the troubleshooting procedures below:
Small spots - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82
No printing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 86
Small spots appear on the printed card with a non-printed area or a different color.
Possible Cause:
• Contamination on the card surface.
Solutions:
• Check that cards are stored in a dust free environment.
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause:
• Dust inside the printer and/or dirty Cleaning Roller.
Solutions:
• Clean the printer. Refer to Cleaning the System on page 73.
• Check that the protective cover was removed from the ribbon cartridge cleaning
roller. Refer to Loading Ribbon Cartridge on page 32.
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon cartridge is not correctly positioned.
Solutions:
• Ensure that the ribbon is properly rolled onto the ribbon cores of the cartridge and that
there are no wrinkles in the ribbon.
• Replace ribbon cartridge. Refer to Loading Ribbon Cartridge on page 32.
Possible Cause:
• Printhead is dirty.
Solutions:
• Clean the Printhead. Refer to Cleaning the Printhead on page 75.
Possible Cause:
• Printhead elements are damaged (e.g., scratched or burnt).
Solutions:
• Call Zebra Customer Service for Printhead replacement information; see Worldwide
Support on page 123.
Possible Cause:
• Loose printhead data cable connection.
Solutions:
• Ensure that the cable connection at the Printhead is secure.
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon cartridge have been stored improperly or is damaged.
Solution:
• Change ribbon cartridge, and print again. Refer to Loading Ribbon Cartridge on
page 32.
Possible Cause:
• Cards may not meet specifications. Refer to Technical Specifications on page 87.
Solution:
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause:
• Dust or embedded contamination on elements of the Printhead.
Solution:
• Clean the Printhead. Refer to Cleaning the Printhead on page 75.
Possible Cause:
• Printing on wrong side of writable back cards.
Solution:
• Reverse direction of cards in feeder.
Possible Cause:
• Improperly adjusted print intensity/density.
Solution:
• Adjust the print intensity/density. Refer to Image Control on page 67.
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon cartridge may not be correctly positioned.
Solution:
• Check that the ribbon is properly rolled onto the ribbon cores of the cartridge, with
no wrinkles.
• Replace ribbon cartridge, making sure it locks in place, and print again. Refer to
Loading Ribbon Cartridge on page 32.
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon may not be synchronized on the correct color panel position.
Solution:
• Open lid, then close lid to synchronize ribbon.
Possible Cause:
• Cards may not meet specifications. Refer to Technical Specifications on page 87.
Solution:
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause:
• Dust or embedded contamination inside the printer.
Solution:
• Clean the Rollers and the Printhead. Refer to Cleaning the System on page 73 and
Cleaning the Printhead on page 75 respectively.
Example • No printing
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon cartridge may not be installed in the printer.
Solution:
• Check for ribbon cartridge in the printer. Refer to Loading Ribbon Cartridge on
page 32.
Possible Cause:
• Cards may not meet specifications. Refer to Technical Specifications on page 87.
Solution:
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause:
• Cable on Printhead may be disconnected.
• Printhead elements may be scratched or burnt.
Solution:
• Call Service for Printhead repair or replacement information; see Worldwide Support
on page 123.
Printer Specifications
Specifications are provided for reference and are based on printer tests using Zebra brand
consumables. Results may vary in actual application settings or when using other than
recommended Zebra supplies. Zebra recommends always qualifying any application with
thorough testing.
Standard Features
• True Colours® ix Series™ ZXP 3 high-performance ribbons with intelligent media
technology
• High capacity, Eco-Friendly Load-N-Go™ drop-in ribbon cartridges
• ZRaster™ host-based image processing
• Auto calibration of ribbon
• USB V2.0 connectivity
• Microsoft Certified Windows drivers
• Energy Star Certified
• Print Touch NFC tag for online Printer documentation access
• 100-card covered feeder (30 mil)
• 45-card capacity output hopper (30 mil)
• 16-character LCD operator control display
• 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm) print resolution
• Two-year warranty on printer
• Two-year (unlimited passes) original printhead
• One-year hot swap (U.S. only)
• Secure lock slot
Printing Specifications
• Dye-sublimation thermal transfer direct to card
• Full color or monochrome printing
• Single- or dual-sided printing
• Edge-to-edge printing on standard CR-80 media
Printing Throughput
Printing throughput (cards/hour) based on click-to-drop printing, average print coverage,
with USB connectivity. Times may vary depending on the computer and configurations.
• 700 cph monochrome single-sided
• 180 cph single-sided YMCKO
• 140 cph dual-sided YMCKOK
Optional Features
• * Built-in 10/100 Ethernet connectivity
• * CardSense™ single-card feed mode
• ZebraCare™ extended product warranty programs
• * Lockable enclosure with obscure output bin
Communications Interfaces
• USB V2.0 (cable included) - standard
• * Built-in 10/100 Ethernet - optional
Card Compatibility
NOTE: For optimum print quality and printer performance, use of Zebra genuine
supplies is recommended.
• Card Thickness: 10-40 mil
• Card Size: CR-80, ISO 7810 format, Type ID-1, 2.12” (54 mm) x 3.38” (86 mm)
• Card Material: PVC and PVC composite
• Smart Card Contact: ISO 7816-1,2,3,4
• Smart Card Contactless: MIFARE® ISO 14443A/B
• Spot color/monochrome print image only is supported on < 20 mil card thickness
Supplies Specifications
The ZXP Series 3 printer is designed to work only with Zebra True Colours ix Series, ZXP
Series 3 high-performance ribbons.
• Zebra ix Series media-intelligent technology automatically detects and authenticates
the ribbon
• Integrated cleaning roller included on each ribbon
• Media Starter Kit (single-sided): 1 YMCKO ribbon, 200 30-mil PVC cards,
1 cleaning roll
• Cleaning Kit: 4 print engine cleaning cards and 4 feeder cleaning cards, 1000 images
Preventative Maintenance
Zebra recommends cleaning the printer on a regular basis using standard Zebra printer
parts and cleaning supplies; see Section 5 for details.
Drivers Supported
Microsoft Windows Certified Printer Drivers:
• Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003, Server 2008
• Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit compatible)
• Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit compatible)
Refer to http://www.zebra.com for up-to-date listing of supported environments
Electrical Specifications
• Auto-switching single-phase AC power
• Operating range: 90-132VAC and 190-264VAC RMS.
• Frequency range: 47-63 Hz.
• Power requirement is 100W max continuous and 607W peak (for 450 μsec)
output power
• FCC Class A
Environmental Specifications
• Operating Temperature: 60º F to 86º F (15º C to/30º C)
• Storage Temperature: 23º F to 158º F (-5º C to 70º C)
• Operating Humidity: 20% to 65% non-condensing
• Storage Humidity: 20% to 70% non-condensing
• Media Storage:
- Temperature: 41F to 77F (5C to 30C)
- Humidity: 35% to 65% non-condensing
- Store in dark location
Agency Approvals
Zebra ZXP Series 3 Card Printer complies with following applicable directives and
standards for the ITE: Residential, Commercial & Light Industry environments
• For US/Canada/Mexico/Australia&NZ
- FCC Class A, cfr47, Part 15 Subpart J
- FCC 15.257 2008, Part 15 Subpart C
- Canadian STD RSS-210
- NOM-ETL (Mexico)
- IEC 60950-1:2005+A1:2009 Safety Standard (TUV & NRTL)
- C-Tick (Australia) Electromagnetic Radiation Standard
• For Europe:
- Applicable Directives and Supporting Standards:
- RFID Enabled
Applicable Directives and Supporting Standards:
2.125 ± 0.002 in
(53.98 ± 0.050 mm)
3.375 ± 0.010 in
(85.72 ± 0.25 mm)
Radius
0.125 in
(3.18 mm)
0.009 ~ 0.034 in
(0.23 ~ 0.84 mm)
MAGNETIC STRIPE
0.757 in
(19.23 mm) 1.124 in
(28.55 mm)
Compliance Information
FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A Digital
Devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the product manuals, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra
Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To ensure compliance,
this printer must be used with Shielded Communication Cables.
Important
1. The radio must be installed with a minimum 20cm separation between the user and
the antenna.
2. The radio must not be co-located or used in simultaneous transmitting condition with
another radio.
3. The host system shall have a label to indicate that the system contains a certified
module. An example is “Contains FCC ID : XXXXX , IC ID: YYYYY”.
AT BE BG CY CZ DK EE
FI FR DE GR HU IE IT
LV LT LU MT NL PL PT
RO SK SI ES SE GB
IS LI NO CH
Important Notice:
Japanese Notification
“Este produto está homologado pela ANATEL, de acordo com os procedimentos regulamentados pela Resolução 242/
Agência Nacional
de Telecomunicações 2000, e atende aos requisitos técnicos aplicados”
a. SSDP Discovery –
b. Function discovery resource publication.
c. UPnP device host-
d. DNS Client.
4. The services mentioned above should be running to ensure that the following network
settings are saved and take effect.
Introduction
This section contains information on the additional operations of the ZXP Series 3 Card
Printer with an optional Magnetic Encoder.
Caution • ONLY USE cards that comply with ISO 7810 & 7811 standards for magnetic
stripe cards. The magnetic stripe must be flush to the surface of the card to work properly.
Never use cards which have taped-on magnetic stripes.
Note • Zebra-approved HiCo & LoCo PVC cards are available. (Reference ZXP Series 3 Card
Printer Media List.)
When loading cards with magnetic stripes into the card feeder, please ensure that the magnetic
stripe is facing the left side of the printer, and closest to the bottom edge of the card feeder.
Track 2 -- 75 BPI
Each track can be encoded and decoded with ASCII characters in the standard default ISO
data formats:
Track Density Bits per Character Length LRC Start End Start sentinel
(BPI) character parity (characters) parity sentinel sentinel offset
The magnetic encoder can read or encode up to 3 tracks of digital information onto CR-80
cards incorporating a HiCo or LoCo magnetic stripe in the ISO 7811 format.
Encoding for the three tracks uses the ISO 7811 format.
• Track 1 uses 210 BPI (bits per inch) encoding in the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) format of 79 alphanumeric characters, at 7 bits per character.
• Track 2 uses 75 BPI encoding to store 40 numeric characters at 5 bits per character in
American Banking Association (ABA) format.
• Track 3 uses 210 BPI encoding of 107 numeric characters at 5 bits per character in
THRIFT format.
The ISO data formats include a preamble (all zeros), a start character, data (7-bit or 5-bit as
specified by ISO), a stop character, and a longitudinal redundancy check (LRC) character. The
7-bit data format has 6 bits of encoded data and a parity bit. The 5-bit data format has 4 bits of
encoded data and a parity bit.
The ISO data formats include a data field separator (or delimiter) that allows parsing of the
encoded track data. An example of separate data fields would be the ABA data format
(Track 2) that includes a Primary Account Number (PAN) field and an account information
field (for expiration date, country code, etc.).
Introduction
This Appendix contains information on the additional operations of a Printer equipped with
one or more of the available Smart Card options
Smart Cards can have a built-in microcomputer and/or memory to store fingerprints, voice
recognition patterns, medical records, and other such data. All other printer operations remain
the same as the standard models.
Card Hopper
The Card Hopper is positioned on the front of the Printer and receives the printed cards.
Step 1. Install the Card Hopper by inserting the four tabs on the hopper into the four slots on
the front of the Printer.
Encoding data onto Smart Cards and reading the data previously encoded on them is totally
under control of the application software; no operator action is required. If you experience any
problems with encoding or reading data, refer to the users manual or other documentation for
the application software.
All other printer operations remain the same as the standard models.
By looking at an un-printed card very carefully, it is possible to the chip location (as in the
figure on the left below). If you print in that area, results will be unsatisfactory (in the figure on
the right, the “star” should have been a single solid color).
Contact Station
Smart Card Interface
When a command to the printer interface sends a card to the Smart Card Contact Station, the
printer connects the Smart Card Contact Station to the female DB-9 connector on the rear of
the printer.
Pin Smart Card Contact Points DB-9 Smart Card Contact Points
1 C1 (VCC) 6 C6 (Vpp)
2 C2 (Reset) 7 C7 (I/O)
3 C3 (Clock) 8 C8 (RFU)
4 C4 (RFU) (GND when chip
9
5 C5 (GND) is at station)
Introduction
For operating the ZXP Series 3 Card Printer in single card feed mode, the printer requires that
the operator install an optional CardSense Single Card Feed Kit.
In Single Card Feed Mode, the printer will only accept cards through the front slot, not from
the card feeder.
Step 3. Install the black roller. Place it between the blue clips just behind the card entry slot,
and press the roller straight down so it is fully seated.
Step 4. While holding the roller down, turn power ON. You will hear a loud click as the
clips secure the roller.
Step 5. At this point, let go of the roller, and then turn printer power OFF.
Step 6. Open the Cleaning Cartridge. The new Cleaning Cartridge will contain a Cleaning
Roller with its protective wrapping.
New Cleaning
Roller with
Protective
Wrapping
Step 7. Remove the Cleaning Roller from the Cleaning Cartridge, and then remove the
protective wrapper from the Cleaning Roller,
Step 8. Place the Cleaning Roller in the Cartridge, and close the lid.
Step 9. The Cleaning Cartridge is held in place by two clips. While gently squeezing the
clips inward, press the cartridge into place. It will seat with a click.
Step 10. Insert the Ribbon Cartridge with the cleaning roller facing down, so the gears on the
ends of the rollers fit into the appropriate slots.
Step 11. Close the printer lid, and push down until you hear an audible click. If you can not
close the lid, the cleaning cartridge or the ribbon cartridge may be installed wrong.
To access the Card Setup tab, select Start > Devices and Printers. Right click on the Zebra
ZXP Card Printer listing, then select Printing preferences > Card Setup.
Step 1. Select the Single feeder slot from the Current Status dropdown menu (arrow above).
Important • You can disable Single Feed Support and return to printing cards from the Card
Feeder. You do not have to remove the components of the Single Card Feed Kit in order to
operate in normal mode.
INSERT CARD
Step 3. The printed card is ejected out through the same (input) slot.
Note • 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
Introduction
The Enclosure Lock Option can either be factory-installed or added as an upgrade.
This option ensures that only authorized personnel have physical access to the print media
(ribbon and cards). When locked, neither the Lid nor the Card Feeder Cover can be opened.
• Turn the key clockwise to unlock the printer. Note that when unlocked, the key cannot be
removed from the lock.
• Turn the key counter-clockwise to lock the printer, then remove the key.
For Technical Support or Repair Services, contact the appropriate facility listed below.
webform:www.zebra.com/repair
T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (877 275 9327)
E: [email protected]
Zebra Website
(Knowledge Base)\