Frequently Asked Question

A ribbon cutting issue may happen for different reasons. Check the following instructions one by one until fixing the issue:

• Update driver

• Update firmware

• Clean the printer

• Use an Evolis Badgy ribbon.

• Try with a ribbon from a different batch.

• Use recommended Evolis Badgy plastic cards.

• If the issue remains event after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us.

To access explanations in FAQ section, please click the link below:

Advices:

As part of its continuous improvement policy, Evolis is developing new driver & firmware which include new fixes and improvement. Evolis recommends updating driver & firmware to take full advantage of the latest improvements.

Before installing a Badgy driver, the computer user must have administrator rights, otherwise it will not be possible to complete the installation.

This procedure requires an Internet connection to download the latest updates from the Evolis servers.

DRIVER AND FIRMWARE UPDATE

1. Open the "Badgy Print Center" (see shortcuts on Windows desktop).
2. Click "Tools" then select "Check for Updates Wizard".
3. Follow the instructions on the update wizard to update the print driver, then the printer firmware.

Before installing a Badgy driver, the computer user must have administrator rights, otherwise it will not be possible to complete the installation.

This procedure requires an Internet connection to download the latest updates from the Evolis servers.

PRINT DRIVER UPDATE

1. Download the Mac driver from the Help section on the website.
2. Decompress the downloaded Mac driver.
3. Run the Mac driver and follow the installer information.
4. Connect the Badgy printer to a free USB port on your MAC computer.
5. Switch on the Badgy printer.
6. Click "System Preferences" in the "Apple" menu.
7. Click "Printer & Scanners" in the "System Preferences" menu.
8. Click the "+" button to add a new printer.
9. Select"EVOLIS Badgy" in the printer list.
10. In the"Use" section, click the "Select Software" option.
11. In the "Printer Software" list, select the "Evolis Badgy" driver in your language of choice.
12. Confirm by clicking "OK" and "Add".

FIRMWARE

1. Download the firmware file to your hard disk from the Download section of the Badgy website.
2. Connect your printer to your computer and switch it on.
3. Click "System Preferences" in the "Apple" menu.
4. Click "Printer & Scanners" in the "System Preferences" menu.
5. Select the "Evolis Badgy" printer and click "Options & Supplies."
6. Click the "Utility"tab, then the "Open Printer Utility" button.
7. Click the "Upgrade" button.
8. Click the file downloaded to your hard drive, then click "Open."
9. The on-off switch on the control panel should flash during the firmware update. (Do not switch off the printer)

A firmware is a resident software, embedded in a flash memory on the main board and that 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.
BADGY firmware is downloadable from the BADGY website.

Before installing a Badgy driver, the computer user must have administrator rights, otherwise it will not be possible to complete the installation.

The printer must not be connected to the USB port until the print driver has been completely installed.

1. Download the Windows driver from the Help section on the website or insert the Badgy CD supplied with the printer.
2. Click the downloaded file or go to the driver installation section in the Badgy CD.
3. The driver installation program will guide you through the whole installation process.
4. Wait until the printer driver has been fully installed before connecting the printer to the computer with the USB cable.

Before installing a Badgy driver, the computer user must have administrator rights, otherwise it will not be possible to complete the installation.

1. Download the Mac driver from the Help section on the website.
2. Decompress the downloaded Mac driver.
3. Run the Mac driver and follow the installer information.
4. Connect the Badgy printer to a free USB port on your MAC computer.
5. Switch on the Badgy printer.
6. Click "System Preferences" in the "Apple" menu.
7. Click "Printer & Scanners" in the "System Preferences" menu.
8. Click the "+" button to add a new printer.
9. Select"EVOLIS Badgy" in the printer list.
10. In the"Use" section, click the "Select Software" option.
11. In the "Printer Software" list, select the "Evolis Badgy" driver in your language of choice.
12. Confirm by clicking "OK" and "Add".

You can directly identify the firmware version of your Badgy printer:

1. From Badgy Print Center, double-click on the printer name to access its Properties/Click on System details:
   
   
    
2. By printing the technical test card from the Badgy print center, double-click on the printer name to access its Properties/System details/ Click on Technical test card:
   
   

To perform an upgrade of the firmware printer, you need to run the wizard tool. There are two ways:

Menu Tools, then select “Printer firmware update wizard”

1. From the Badgy Print Center, double-click on the printer name to access its Properties.
2. Click on Maintenance.
3. Click on Firmware Update
4. Run “Launch the update wizard”
   

A driver is software used to communicate with the printer through the computer in order to manage ribbon choice, print intensity, contrast, insertion modes, 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.

Administrator rights are required for its installation.

You can directly identify the system versions installed (driver, setup, etc.):

1. From the Badgy Print Center, double-click on the printer name to access its Properties.
2. Click on System details, then System details. 
   
   

BADGY driver is available from the CD-ROM shipped with the printer.

You can also download it from the BADGY website.

Drivers are available for the following platforms:

• Windows XP - SP3 minimum (32/64-bit)
• Windows Vista (32/64-bit)
• Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
• Windows 8 (32/64-bit)
• Windows 10 (32/64-bit)
• MAC OS 10.6 to 10.9
• Linux (Main distribution – Debian, Redhat, …)

Badgy Premium Suite® brings together several software components with the goal to manage card personalization from end to end, while making this process simple and user friendly.

The Badgy Print Center enables to configure the system, manage printers and monitor all printing jobs.
It provides real-time monitoring of Badgy printers. It is also in relation with the Printer Manager for the notifications.

The combination of the Printer Manager and the Print Center frees the user from configuration tasks since this process is automated and is specific to the type of ribbon loaded in the printer.
The Badgy Print center can manage the following Badgy printers:

• Badgy100
• Badgy200

Evolis components used to detect the printer, manage the communication and notifications. It’s also the graphic interface to set and display the information related to each detected printer.
The print center is also in relation with the printer manager for the notifications.

In relation with the print center components, it’s a graphic interface that displaying the notifications (printer status, cleaning alerts…)
The Badgy Printer Manager is a two-way communication tool that links your computer to the Badgy printer.

It simply gives you instant notification on your Badgy’s status thanks to:
A small icon located in the lower part of your screen, in the notification area, that switches color according to the current status of your printer (printer connected or disconnected, specific action to be taken, etc.).

An information system of animated pop-up windows that tells you what action is required to be taken for printing (change ribbon, clean the printer, cover open, etc…). 

This window provides access to local help, by clicking  

It is also possible, in some cases, to cancel the printing job in progress by clicking  

You can also resume the printing job by clicking  

The Printer Manager icon switches to different colors according to the status of your Badgy printer

 The printer is ready.

 The printer is not connected (Power or USB cable).

 An action is required to enable printing. The printing job will automatically resume after the action is implemented. To access to local help, click . It is also possible, in some cases, to cancel the printing job in progress by clicking 

 An error has occurred in the Badgy Printer, and some action is required to be taken. To resume printing, click the  button in the pop-up window. To access to local help, click  . It is also possible, in some cases, to cancel the printing job in progress by clicking .

Watch the how-to videos.

3 Ways:

1. By printing the technical test card.
2. By looking at the sticker on the back of the printer
3. From the Badgy Print Center, double-click on the printer name to access its Properties/ Click on System details:

This table presents your printer’s specifications.

Print area	Printing close to edge with a margin of 1,35mm	Edge-to-edge printing
Print Speed YMCKO color Monochrome (K)	45s per card (80 cards an hour) 16 s per card (180 cards an hour)	38s per card (95 cards an hour) 11s per card (240 cards an hour)
Badge customization software You can pay to upgrade Badge Studio to Badge Studio+	Badge Studio	Badge Studio + (including database management)

The Badgy printer is a single-sided printer, with no flip-over feature.

After printing the front side, cards can be returned manually into the feeder to print on their reverse side.

The memory capacity of the main board is 16 Megabytes of Random Access Memory (16 MB RAM).

NO. Badgy does not have any encoder (magnetic strip, smartcard with or without contact).

However, you can personalize pre-encoded cards with black texts using Badgy.

If you're looking for a system that will let you encode your own cards, take a look at Evolis' range of printers.

Badgy solutions have a one-year warranty covering return to our tech support team for repairs.

In the event of a breakdown, contact your Badgy reseller or contact us directlty. You can also extend the warranty for your solution (up to 3 years).

Please directly contact your Badgy reseller/distributor or contact us.

The warranty period for the Badgy printer and print head is of 1 year and unlimited passes. These are detailed in a paper document that is provided with Badgy printers, and are also displayed on the second screen of the driver setup wizard.

The warranty will be null and void. No support request will be entertained if generic ribbons have been used.

Extended warranties are available at your Badgy reseller.

In order to get the most from your printer, cleaning is recommended. We recommend regular cleaning of the different printer parts: rollers and print head.

Do not hesitate to clean the printer in the event of any printing problems or after a long period of inactivity.
Recommended cleaning cycle: Once a year.
However, we do recommend more regular cleaning if your printer is located in a dusty place or if you use it intensively.

Servicing accessory: impregnated "T" shaped card.
The "T" cards and Evolis cleaning pens are available at your Badgy reseller.

Follow the procedure below to proceed with cleaning:

1. Open the printer cover.
2. Remove the ribbon.
3. Close the cover and press until a click is heard.
4. Remove any cards present in the feeder.
5. Double-click the control button before inserting the "T" shaped cleaning card.
6. Take the "T" shaped cleaning card and insert it in the feeder. Cleaning starts.
7. Remove the "T" shaped card.

Printer cleaning may also be carried out from the Badgy Print Center, in printer properties “cleaning" section or by using the menu “Tools”, “Printer Cleaning Wizard”.

Warning, the "T" shaped card must be used immediately after the bag is opened.

The "T" card is single use. Please use a new card each time you clean.

Please refer to the user's guide or to the "How to clean the printer" delivered on the CD with the printer.
 

Please note that the print head is a fragile component of your printer. It’s recommended to make cleaning cycle, if you notice poor-quality printing or after a period of inactivity.

Use the cleaning pen from the Evolis High Trust® brand.

The cleaning pen can be used up to 8 times for cleaning the print head.

Follow the procedure below:

• Remove the cover from the cleaning pen.
• Unplug the power supply, open the cover, and find the print head.
• Gently rub the pen from left to right along the print head as indicated for few seconds.
• Close the cover. Reconnect the printer.
• After cleaning, please wait 2 minutes before using your printer again.

It’s recommended to:

1. Unplug the printer from its power supply before cleaning the print head.
2. Follow the cleaning cycles scrupulously.
3. Avoid any contact between the print head and any metal or sharp objects.
4. Avoid touching the print head directly with your fingers, as this could affect print quality or permanently damage the print head.

You must also protect the print head and its components from any discharge of static electricity.

Please refer to the user's guide or to the "How to clean the print head" delivered on the CD with the printer.

If no LED light is on, including the power button, please check the following points:

1. Is the power supply connected to a live electrical wall socket?
2. Are you using the power supply provided with your Badgy printer?
3. Is the power supply faulty? (The power supply displays a green light when it operates properly).
4. Is the power supply suitably connected to the printer?

If you still have the same glitch even after following these points, please contact your Badgy reseller/distributor or contact us.

The “User’s Guide” provides you a clear explanation of every LED on the control panel.
This guide is available on the Badgy CD-ROM shipped with the printer, or, it can also be downloaded from Badgy website.

How I can check if the printer is working properly (print the technical test card)?

We recommend that you print a technical test card to ensure that your printer is working properly. This card shows various technical information concerning the printer. (serial number, firmware, print head, etc.).

Printing a technical test card

• Wait for any current print jobs to finish.
• Check that there is a ribbon and card in the printer.
• Press the control button for four seconds. All the warning lights go out.
• Press and hold down the control button again.
• The control button light comes on.
• Release the control button once the light flashes.
• The technical test card is printed.
• The printed card is ejected into the output hopper.

Printing the technical test card can also be launched from the Badgy Print Center. To do this, open the Badgy Print Center, double-click on your printer or right-click on "Properties" and go to "System details" then "Testing cards."

No, the white margins (min is 1.35mm) from the printed cards’ edge are normal with the Badgy100 printer. It is not possible at all to reduce it completely.

This margin does not exist with Badgy200 printer

Refer to Badgy printers differences in the section “Miscellaneous” of the FAQ.

This may happen if some dust is present on the card surface or in the printer. The print head and the ribbon are in contact with the card those parts have to be dust free. Make sure your cards and the ribbon are stored in a dust free environment.

Do not touch the printable surface of the cards as this could affect the print quality. You can also clean the printer and print head to improve the print quality.

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. Clean the print head. Check also that there are no wrinkles on the ribbon surface.
If cleaning of the print head does not clear this defect, please contact your Badgy reseller/distributor or contact us.

If the colors on the printed card are too dark or too fade, the following points have to be checked:

1. Are the contrast/intensity values too high or too low?
2. Is the power supply an Evolis one?
3. Make sure that the Evolis power supply is not faulty (The power supply displays a green light when it operates properly).

If the issue remains even after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us.

Badgy printers use a printing ribbon (supplied) which consists of series of 5 panels:

To print a specific color on the card, the printer successively superimposes the first 3 layers (yellow, magenta and cyan) which together create the required shade, in photo quality. Black panels (to print text) and varnish (to protect the card) are then applied to the card.

1. Open the printer cover.
2. Take a new ribbon.
3. Insert the ribbon inside the printer.
4. While making sure it is properly positioned.
5. Close the printer cover.
6. The printer automatically recognizes the ribbon inserted.

Please refer to the user's guide or to the "How to install a ribbon" delivered on the CD with the printer.

Two ribbons are currently available for Badgy printers:

• Color ribbon: 5 panels YMCKO 100 prints/roll
• Monochrome ribbon (black): 500 prints/roll

YMCKO refers to a 5-panel ribbon. Each letter matches up to a color panel:

• Y Yellow
• M Magenta
• C Cyan
• K blacK
• O Overlay

YES. In this case, it would be more cost effective to use a black ribbon.

If the ribbon gets cut during the printing process, please check the following points:

1. Make sure you are using a Badgy original ribbon.
2. Make sure you are using Badgy plastic cards (which are compliant with the printer requirement). PVC, composite PVC, laminated PVC and PET cards can be used with Badgy.

3. Clean the printer (see here)
4. Make sure that you are using the latest firmware and driver version. Refer to Firmware driver FAQ section.
5. Check if the ribbon is not faulty (replace it with a new one).
6. If you still have the same issue, please contact your Badgy reseller/distributor or contact us.

Evolis original ribbons optimize your printer’s operation and avoid causing damage to it.

Ribbons from other suppliers are not compatible with your printer.

Their use is liable to damage your printer and voids the manufacturer’s warranty for the printer.

The warranty will be null and void. No support request will be entertained if generic ribbons have been used.

PVC, composite PVC and PET cards can be used with Badgy.

Badgy supports ISO CR80 – ISO 7810 norm cards (credit card size) and cards thicknesses from 0.50mm (20 mil) to 0.76 mm (30 mil).

Please note that printing quality may vary depending of the card manufacturer.

The Badgy consumables linked to the printer was specifically developed and optimized to guarantee the highest quality of printing.

Using these consumables increases the life span of your badges and of your Badgy printer.

Make sure that the cards are not sticking together, and also, that they meet all Badgy compatibility requirements (the Badgy consumables linked to the printer was specifically developed and optimized to guarantee the highest quality of printing).

If the card cannot be fed or loaded correctly, the following points can be checked, one by one:

• Printer cleaning (use the advanced procedure)
• The card dimension and compatibility

If the problem persists after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us.

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 Badgy printers.

For more information or special request, please contact your Badgy reseller/distributor. 

YES. It is completely possible to use pre-printed cards and personalize them with black texts using Badgy.

It’s not possible to print with a Badgy 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.

NO. Badgy printers are designed to print solely on PVC plastic cards in CR80 format.

This is the same format as a credit card and the dimensions are: 85.6 x 54 mm.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to print on paper or any other material.

Badgy printer uses one USB port.

Badgy printer is compatible from USB 1.0 to USB 3.0, in case of driver installation issue; please contact your Badgy reseller/distributor or contact us.