Frequently Asked Question

Printer can use several LED to give information about the state of the printer. Depending on the different LED status, some operations may have to be performed:

• “Cards and ribbon” LED is ON. Check the ribbon printing remaining capacity and if cards are in the printer feeder.
• “Printer” LED is ON. Put back the ribbon correct position. If cards are stucked in the printing module, if so remove them.
• None LED is ON. Check if power supply is from Evolis and correctly plugged to printer.
• If the issue remains event after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us

The ribbon set in the driver by default is YMCKO.
On MACINTOSH, if you are using another ribbon, you need to select the adequate ribbon type to allow printing start.


There are two options :

To set the ribbon, please follow the instructions:

Option #1: The software you are using to print allows direct access to the driver settings:

Step 1: Go to Print>Show details. Then select Printer Features.

In Feature Sets>General>Ribbon Type, you can change the ribbon type in the drop-down menu:

Step 2: To save the driver settings, go to Presets>Default Settings and Save Current Setting as Preset…
You will be able to use the Last Used Settings to print your future jobs.



Option #2: The software you are using to print does not allow direct access to the driver settings.
You can access the driver through a webpage interface.
Please follow the procedure below:

Step 1: Open a webpage and type in the following address: http://localhost:631/admin

Step 2: Activate CUPS web interface: go to Finder>Applications>Utilities>Terminal

In the interface of the terminal displayed, enter cupsctl WebInterface=yes and click on Enter

Step 3: Go to Printers and click on the Badgy printer:

Step 4: In the Administration menu, select Set default options:

Step 5: In General, select the adequate type of ribbon:

Step 6: Go back to your printing software and click on Print. Now the printing process can start.

Spots or missing printing areas may happen for different reasons. Check the following instructions one by one until fixing the issue :

• Clean the printer
• Ensure the printer/consumable environment storing is free of dust.
• Ensure the cards surface is free of fingers print by taking cards by their edge.
• Blank cards dropped on the floor are supposed to be trashed to prevent printing issue and print head failure.
• If the issue remains event after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us.

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.

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

A too light or erased printing issue may happen for different reasons. Check the following instructions one by one until fixing the issue:

• Use an Evolis power supply  ( see below picture from 2 types of Badgy power supply)

• Use an Evolis Badgy ribbon.
• Use Evolis Badgy plastic cards.
• If the issue remains event after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us.

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.

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

• Clean the printer
• Use Evolis Badgy plastic cards.
• If the issue remains event after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us.

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

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.

Spots or missing printing areas may happen for different reasons. Check the following instructions one by one until fixing the issue:

• Clean the printer
• Ensure the printer/consumable environment storing is free of dust.
• Ensure the cards surface is free of fingers print by taking cards by their edge.
• Blank cards dropped on the floor are supposed to be trashed to prevent printing issue and print head failure.
• If the issue persists even after checking these points, please contact your Evolis reseller/distributor or contact us.

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.

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

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.

White line(s) on printed cards may happen for different reasons.

Check the following points:

• Clean the printer (click here) and especially the print head, as this issue may arise from a dirty or faulty print head
• Check that there are no wrinkles on the ribbon surface
• Ensure the printer/consumable environment storing is free of dust. Blank cards dropped on the floor are supposed to be trashed to prevent printing issue and print head failure

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

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

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 USB stick shipped with the printer, or, it can also be downloaded from Badgy website.

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.).

There are two different procedures to print a technical test card:

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 :

Please refer to FAQ "How to Install the Driver on a Badgy Printer on MACINTOSH?"

FIRMWARE

Option #1: your version of MAC OS is under 10.15

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 Printers & 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)

Option #2: your version of MAC OS is 10.15 or higher

To get printer maintenance tool, please contact your reseller.

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.        Browse and launch the driver installation file:

2.        The driver installation program will guide you through the whole installation process.

3.        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. Browse and launch the driver installation file:

2. Run the Mac driver and follow the installer information.

3. Connect the Badgy printer to a free USB port on your MAC computer.

4. Switch on the Badgy printer.

5.Click System Preferences in the Apple menu

6.   Click Printer & Scanners in the System Preferences menu.

7.   Click the "+" button to add a new printer.

8.   Select"EVOLIS Badgy" in the printer list.

9. In the Use section, click the Select Software option.

10. In the Printer Software list, select the Evolis Badgy driver in your language of choice.

11. Confirm by clicking OK and Add.

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

There are two ways:

2. To perform an upgrade of the firmware printer, you need to run the wizard tool.

There are two ways:

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 Premium Suite driver is available from the USB stick shipped with the printer.

You can also download it from the BADGY website.

The driver is 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 10.12 to 10.15 (for older versions, please contact your reseller)
• 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

It gathers Evolis components used to detect the printer, manage the communication and notifications.

It is 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…). 

The options are as follows:

Button	Meaning
	Provides access to local help
	Cancels the printing job that is in progress
	Resumes the printing job

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

Icon color	Meaning
	The printer is ready.
	The printer is not connected (Power supply 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 .

Please refer to the software User Guide and  Watch the how-to videos.

There are three ways to find the printer serial number:
- Print the technical test card
- Or Look at the sticker on the back of the printer
- Or from Badgy Print Center, double-click on the printer name to access its Properties>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 Evolis Badge Studio to Evolis Badge Studio+	Evolis Badge Studio Evolis Badge Studio+ with a chargeable voucher	Evolis Badge Studio + (including database management)

The Badgy printer is a simplex printer, with no flip-over feature.
However, a duplex printing wizard helps you performing printing on both sides : 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 2-years 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 (1 or 2-year extension).

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

The warranty period for the Badgy printer and print head is of 2 years, with unlimited number of prints. 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.

If generic ribbons are used, the warranty will be null and void. No support request will be provided

Extended warranties of 1 or 2 years 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:

- through printer Properties> Cleaning>Proceed with cleaning

- or through 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.

It is 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.

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.

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

Please refer to the printer's User Guide for more details.

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.

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 printer User guide.

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.

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.