Resolving ribbon breaking on a Fargo DTC500 series printer

There are two ways a ribbon can break. It can either be a straight cut or a jagged tear.

If the ribbon break is a straight cut:

1. Run a self test from the printer

2. Thoroughly clean the rollers with a 99% Isopropyl alcohol cleaning card (Fargo Part # 82133)

3. Try a different ribbon and cards

4. Check the image placement settings in the driver

5. Increase the printer TOF (top of form) value by 5 points from the printer menu

If the ribbon break is a jagged tear:

1. Run a self test from the printer
2. Thoroughly Clean the rollers with a 99% Isopropyl alcohol cleaning card
3. Try a different ribbon and cards
4. Check to ensure that the print head resistance value is set correctly
5. Check the print head guide forks for damage
6. Ensure that the print head guide pins are in the correct position