ZC Series Ribbons Troubleshooting

Out of ribbon

• The ribbon is broken.
• No panel sets are remaining on the ribbon authentication chip.

• Repair the ribbon.
• Check the ribbon type in the driver.
• The ribbon authentication chip malfunctioned.

Incompatible ribbon

• The ribbon has been loaded in the printer that is not compatible with the printer model.

• Replace the ribbon with a ribbon compatible with the printer model.
• Check ribbon part number for custom OEM.

Ribbon jam

• The ribbon is broken.
• The ribbon is stuck to the card.
• The ribbon payout encoder sensor has malfunctioned.
• The ribbon payout encoder is out of position.

• Repair the ribbon.
• Check the card stock.
• Replace the ribbon.
• Check the payout ribbon encoder position. Refer to:

Ribbon color detection failed

• The ribbon color detect sensor requires calibration.
• The ribbon authentication chip is incorrect for the ribbon.
• The ribbon sensor reflector on the printhead is dirty.
• The ribbon color detect sensor has malfunctioned.

• ZC100, ZC300, and ZC350 Firmware Upgrade .
• Calibrate the ribbon color detect sensor.
• Replace the ribbon.
• Clean the ribbon sensor reflector on the printhead. If you have recently replaced the printhead, you may need to remove the blue film from the reflector. Refer to:

Ribbon authentication failed

• The ribbon authentication chip is dirty, damaged, or not appropriately programmed.
• The ribbon authentication chip contacts on the printer are damaged.
• The ribbon is not a genuine Zebra ribbon.

• Clean the authentication chip.
• Check the chip contacts in the printer. Refer to:

• Replace the ribbon.

Ribbon break

• Printing too close to the edge of the card.
• Card material is not compatible.
• Overlay on cards.

• Adjust X offset.
• Adjust image fill.
• Check card stock.
• Check if the ribbon cleaning core is installed correctly. Refer to:

• Replace the ribbon.