Vertical Markets
Evolis Tattoo2 Support FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of ports are available on the Tattoo2?
A USB port is available on the Tattoo 2. An Ethernet port is also available as an option. - How can I connect the printer to my company network?
Please read the Network Administrator Manual in order to configure an Evolis printer on a on a TCP/IP port (Ethernet). - Can I plug the power supply of another Evolis printer into my Evolis printer?
Yes, you can. The power supplies of other Evolis printers are uniform for Tattoo, Tattoo RW, Tattoo2, Tattoo RW 2, Pebble2/3/4, Dualys1/2/3, and Quantum 1.
Input AC: 100-240V ~ 1.8A
50-60Hz
Output: 24V, 3.0A
Only the SECURION printer requires a special power supply. It is the same used for Quantum 2. This power supply is not compatible with the other Evolis Card Printers. (Tattoo, Tattoo RW, Tattoo2, Tattoo RW 2, Pebble2/3/4, Dualys1/2/3, and Quantum 1).
In the same way, the other Evolis Card Printers power supplies (Tattoo, Tattoo RW, Tattoo2, Tattoo RW 2, Pebble2/3/4, Dualys1/2/3, and Quantum 1) are not compatible with Securion Printer (except that of the Quantum 2). - What is a Firmware?
A firmware is a resident software, embedded in a flash memory on the main board, which operates as a layer between the hardware and the software. It is mainly used to directly manage the resource and is provided by Evolis for exclusive use with its printers.
A regular update is strongly advised to receive all the latest improvements:
Enhanced performances
New command(s) and feature(s)
Bug fixing.
Each main board has its own firmware, which can be downloaded from this website. Note: The Secution printer has got 2 firmwares: one for the printing station and another one for the lamination station. You can up-to-date these 2 firmwares using only one file (*.exe). - What is a driver?
A driver is software used to communicate with the printer through the computer in order to manage ribbon choice, print intensity, contrast, insertion modes, magnetic settings, lamination settings, etc. The driver also broadcasts internal notification and information from the printer. The driver must be installed before the first use of the printer and must be compatible with the target operating system. - How can I know which driver and/or firmware version is installed in my printer?
To know the driver version in use by the computer, open the Driver Properties/Graphic screen and click the About menu item.
The driver version will be required by Evolis whenever you need assistance.
To know the firmware version of an Evolis printer, open the Driver Properties/Tools menu screen and click the Printer self test button:
A technical test card will then be output to the printer, stating the current firmware version of the printer, as shown below:
- How can I upgrade a firmware?
All the latest firmware versions can be found on the Evolis website:
Download and unzip the firmware onto your hard disk.
Connect your printer to the computer and switch it on.
Click on the EXE file and follow the instructions on the screen.
Select your printer and click on “update Firmware”
Wait for the up & down movement of the print head when the update is complete. You can check if the update has been successful by sending the Rfv command (or by opening the Dialog Box with the printer).
- What settings of the computer should I check before installing a driver?
Before starting an Evolis driver installation on a Windows, Mac or Linux platform, make sure you are logged-in with ADMINISTRATOR rights, or else the computer will turn down the driver’s installation. Make sure that the installation package you are using is compatible with your OS. - Which operating systems are supported by Tattoo2?
Drivers for Tattoo are available for the following platforms:
Windows XP (32 bits)
Windows 2003 Server
Windows Vista (32 & 64-bit)
Windows 7 32/64 bit
Mac Drivers Mac OS 10.6 and 10.5 - Where can I find drivers?
All the Evolis drivers can be found on the CD-ROM provided with the printer or can be downloaded from our web site. - How can commands be sent to the printer?
Evolis escape command are used to- Adjust internal parameters
- Read internal parameters
- Develop application
Two sections to send commands through the driver
- Driver properties/Tools/Direct command to printer
- Command can be sent but answering not possible
Driver properties/Tools/Dialog with printer
- Command/answer can be sent/received to/from the printer
Syntax
- Each command start with a CAPITAL letter
- The separator characters is semicolon (;)
- Is there a programming guide available?
To develop your own application(s) and monitor all Evolis printers, a development kit is available for download, which provides you with all the tools, escape commands, DLL and code samples that you require. Please contact us for more information, 800-965-5932. - Which software applications are compatible with Evolis printers?
Evolis printers use Windows drivers that let you print using most printing/desktop software. Before printing, make sure the dimensions of the card (ISO CR80) are accurate. For encoding, compatibility with an Evolis printer is a matter of software design. For more information, please directly contact us or the appropriate software vendor. - Where can I download the eMedia software?
The latest version of the eMedia Card Designer software can be downloaded directly from the eMedia website. - I have a problem with eMedia software. What can I do?
All requests/questions/comments regarding eMedia software have to be sent to the following email address: support@emedia-cards.com. Technical notes as well as a quick start guide are also available on www.emedia-cards.com. - The eMedia Card Design software prints the word DEMONSTRATION on all of my cards. What should I do?
DEMONSTRATION will be printed on the card if the demonstration mode is activated, or if the trial version has expired (after 30 days).To upgrade the eMedia trial version to a standard version, please call our sales department, 800-965-5932. - What is the card thickness accepted on the Tattoo2?
0.25 mm (10 mil) to 0.76 mm (30 mil) cards can be loaded in the Tattoo 2. The printer models are slightly different, therefore for printing on 0.25 mm (10 mil cards) , the following product codes have to be used upon order: TTO221FRU Tattoo2 Basic USB
TTO221FRH Tattoo2 Basic Ethernet USB
TTO221FRH-M Tattoo2 Mag Ethernet USB - What type of cards can I use?
All PVC, composite PVC, composite PET, composite ABS* and special varnished* cards can be used with Tattoo 2. Please note that printing quality may vary depending of the card manufacturer. * Subject to special conditions - What are the dimensions of cards compatible with the printer?
The dimensions of the card that will be used with the Evolis printer must be strictly respected. These dimensions correspond to the ISO CR80 norm as described below:
- How can I adjust the card thickness?
Card thickness adjustment is automatic with Tattoo (1st and 2nd generation). The feeder supports cards thicknesses from 0.25mm (10 mil) to 0.76 mm (30 mil). - Cards are not being fed. What can I do?
During printing, if a card remains in the feeder or gets stuck in the middle of the printer, please check the following points:
1. Has the printing job been correctly sent to the printer? If en error has occurred, the Windows toolbar will display a red circle with a question mark on the printer icon.
2. Clean the printer.
3. Make sure that the cards are not sticking together, and also, that they meet all compatibility requirements from your printer. - What is a Stt card and how can I print it?
The Stt card (or technical test card) will provide you with important information regarding the printer: serial number, firmware version, print head kit number, position of the image, number of printed lines, number of cleaning cycles and numeric values of different sensors.
- Can I print on transparent cards?
Due to the presence of INFRARED sensors which are used for the cards synchronization, the transparent or translucent card cannot be used correctly with the Evolis printers. - How can I install and configure a ribbon?
This guide can be read from the Evolis CD-ROM that has been provided with the printer or click here to see the Tattoo2 User Guide.
After installation, open the print setup/Driver properties/Graphic and choose the correct ribbon color installed inside the printer (No button to click).
- How many cards can I print with one ribbon (single-side)
The 5-panel color ribbon – YMCKO – can print 100 cards on 1 side
The monochrome black, blackWAX, blue, red an green ribbons – can print up to 600 cards (For a maximum area of 70mm per card).
The monochrome gold, silver, white and scratch off ribbons – can print up to 500 cards (For a maximum area of 70mm per card). - What does YMCKO mean?
YMCKO refers to a 5-panel ribbon. Each letter matches up to a panel color:
Y Yellow
M Magenta
C Cyan
K blacK
O Overlay - What are the colors available for monochrome printing?
Monochrome printing can be performed with different color ribbons:
Black, Blue, Green, Red, Gold, Silver, Scratch-off (not for the Tattoo 2), White and Black Wax - What are the Pantone references of the Blue, Red and Green monochrome ribbons?
The Pantone references are :
Blue: 300C
Red: 186C
Green: 356C - What is the difference between the Black mono ribbon and the Black Wax ribbon?
The difference between the standard black monochrome ribbon and the Black Wax one is in the ink composition. The Black Wax ribbon will enable you to print on cards (ABS, paper …) which are not compatible with the standard black ribbon. - Can I use a generic ribbon?
ONLY Evolis ribbons must be used with an Evolis printer. Using generic ribbons with an Evolis printer will expose you to printing problems, plus, the warranty will be null and void. No support request will be entertained if generic ribbons have been used. - My ribbon gets cut. What can I do?
If the ribbon gets cut during the printing process, please check the following points:
Clean the printer.
Check within the Driver Properties/Graphic menu if the contrast or quality values are not too high.
Check if the ribbon is not faulty (replace it with a new one)
Are you using a genuine Evolis ribbon? - The printer skips some panels of my color ribbon. What can I do?
If the printer skips ribbon panels during the printing process, please check the following points:
Make sure you are using a genuine Evolis ribbon (not a generic one)
Make sure the printer has been upgraded with the latest firmware
Within the Driver Properties/Graphic screen, make sure that the selected ribbon type is correct and click on the Set Ribbon button to validate
Make sure there is a color ribbon inside the printer. Open the Driver Properties/Tools/Bi-directional communication screen and send the following command which will adjust the color sensor: Sa;c .
If you still have the same glitch even after following these points, please contact your our tech department. - Can I use a Pebble ribbon for a Tattoo printer?
No. Due to the higher printouts capacity, Tattoo (1st and 2nd generation) does not support Pebble ribbons. A Pebble ribbon is also larger than the Tattoo ribbon and does not fit into a Tattoo printer. - Can I re-print on cards printed with a YMCKO ribbon?
It’s not possible to print with an YMCKO ribbon on a card that has already been printed with this ribbon. The ink can be applied only once on each side of the card. In fact, printing will optimize colors only on a white background. - What is the print resolution of the printer?
The resolution, i.e. the details in an image, is of 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm). - Does Tattoo support printheads from other Evolis models?
For mechanical, adjustment and warranty reasons, print heads from the other models are not compatible with Tattoo (1st and 2nd generation). Each print head comes with a specific part number. - I have one or multiple horizontal white lines on my printed cards. What can I do?
White lines on the printed cards mean that the print head is unable to heat the ribbon in this zone: the ink cannot be diffused/applied correctly onto the card surface. This issue may arise from a dirty or faulty print head.
If cleaning of the print head does not clear this defect, please contact our tech department, 800-965-5932.
- I have a white margin on all my printed cards, can I reduce it?
No, the white margins (min is 1.4mm) from the printed cards’ edge are normal with the Tattoo2 printer.
It is not possible at all to reduce it completely - LED(s) of the control panel are on. What does it mean?
The Tattoo2 User Guide provides you a clear explanation of every LED on the control panel. This guide is also available on the Evolis CD-ROM shipped with the printer. - How can I launch a cleaning cycle?
Please refer to the Tattoo2 User Guide or to the “How to” delivered on the CD with the printer . - How do I clean the printhead?
Please refer to the Tattoo2 User Guide or to the “How to” delivered on the CD with the printer . - How do I clean the cleaning roller?
Please refer to the Tattoo2 User Guide or to the “How to” delivered on the CD with the printer. - How do I clean the printer interior?
Please refer to the Tattoo2 User Guide or to the “How to” delivered on the CD with the printer. - No LED is on, including the power button. What should I do?
If no LED light is on, including the power button, please check the following points:
Is the power supply connected to a live electrical wall socket?
Is the power supply an Evolis one?
Is the power supply faulty? (The power supply displays a green light when it operates properly).
Is the power supply suitably connected to the printer? - Are the spare parts for Tattoo similar to those for Tattoo Rewrite 1/2 and/or Tattoo2?
Some parts for these printers are similar, the sensor and engine for example. Contact us for more information. - I need a spare part for my printer. Who should I contact?Contact us for information on printer spare parts, 800-965-5932.
- What type of magnetic data can be encoded?
The data that can be encoded on the track depends on the encoding format/standard:
ISO1 accepts up to 76 alphanumeric characters, from A to Z and from 0 to 9. ISO2 accepts up to 37 numeric characters, from 0 to 9. ISO3 accepts up to 104 numeric characters, from 0 to 9. SIPASS accepts up to 21 numeric characters. C2: custom mode. JIS2: Japanese industrial standard. - How do I know if my cards are HICO or LOCO?
The easiest way to visually determine if a stripe on a card is Hico or Loco is by checking the color of the stripe. Hico stripes are black and Loco stripes are brown. This information applies to magnetic cards provided by Evolis but does not hold good for all manufacturers. If you are using cards from another manufacturer, please check up on the specifications. - How can I set the coercivity- HICO or LOCO in the driver?
Please tick the appropriate option.
- I cannot encode a magnetic card. What can I do?
1. Check the card positioning inside the feeder (see figure under the feeder)
2. Clean the printer with an Evolis cleaning card (see Tattoo2 User Guide for the procedure)
3. In the Driver Properties/Tools/Encoder Settings screen, check if the coercivity is the same as that of the magnetic cards (stripe color) and then click the Set button before clicking OK
4. Check if the data is correct (number of characters and/or allowed characters).
If the issue remains even after checking these points, please contact our tech department 800-965-5932. - How can I test if my magnetic encoding option is working correctly?
The coercivity has to be set in the driver before any magnetic encoding is carried out. Go to the Driver Properties/Tools/Encoder Settings screen:
After checking the coercivity settings, a simple encoding test can be done from the Driver Properties/Tools/Bi-directional communication screen:
- I cannot encode magnetic cards correctly with Card 5 software. What can I do?
Card 5 offers 2 possible ways of sending the printing/encoding job to the printer: (1) by using the integrated Evolis driver (DCL Driver), or (2) by using the Windows Evolis driver (installed by the user). With the DCL driver, magnetic encoding requires no adjustment, except for the level of coercitivity. With the Windows Evolis driver, the Lead-in code and Trailer have to be changed from the Evolis driver or from Card 5. In the Evolis Driver Properties/Tools/Encoder Settings screen, change the Lead-in and the Trailer values as shown below:
- What are the warranty conditions?
The warranty period for the Tattoo 2 printer and print head is 1 year for printers shipped before January 2009, and 2 years for printers shipped after January 1st 2009. The new warranty applies to printers sold with the new serial number format (eg: 12345678901). Click here to access the New Warranty Conditions. Each Evolis printer shipped will now come with the new Limited Warranty Conditions enclosed in each carton and are also displayed on the second screen of the driver setup wizard. Any product with the old serial number format (eg: PB08123456789) will continue to be covered by the previous warranty’s terms and conditions. Click here to access the Previous Warranty Conditions. - What is the warranty period for a spare part?
If the printer is no longer covered by warranty, spare parts will be warranted for 6 months, starting from the date of the purchase invoice to Evolis. Prior to this expiry date, warranty for spare parts is the same as that for the printer. - What is a wearable part and what is its warranty period?Note: information below is applicable to the printers which benefit from the new warranty conditions (printers with the new serial number format, eg: 12345678901).
Wearable parts are elements of the printer which require periodic maintenance, linked to the use of the machine, its environment and the consumables used (such as cards, accessories and cleaning products). The limited warranty for Evolis wearable parts is 6 months from date of purchase. However, the original printer head, installed in the printer when manufactured benefits from the warranty period of the printer. If this printer head is replaced, the limited warranty conditions of the wearable parts mentioned in this paragraph apply.
Wearable parts list:
Print head
Cleaning roller
Contact station (option)
 |
|||||||||||
 |
|
|
|||||||||
 |
|||||||||||
