Author Archives: Safe-Card ID Team

iCLASS and MIFARE Authentication Process

Proximity Badges

The HID iCLASS and MIFARE cards have embedded information inside to activate a door so that the cardholder is able to access the area to complete authorized tasks. The cards are considered contactless smart cards.

The basic process of authorization is almost identical to the process in our How an HID card works blog post. The card is read by the appropriate scanner or reader. The reader transfers the internal binary code to the access controller which interprets the card information in accordance with it’s programming and the database of cardholder information. The controller reviews the length of the data string and the format of the information prior to proceeding further in the sequence. If the format and data string pass, the card is analyzed for facility and site codes. Card numbers are reviewed for access authorization.

In addition to the above processes, an iCLASS and MIFARE card will go through an additional security step. These cards will compare security keys found in both the card and the reader. This process is called mutual authentication. This process happens prior to the forwarding of information from the card reader to the access controller. If the security keys match, the reader activates the process of forwarding the information. If they keys do not match, the reader does not forward the information to the controller as the card is not able to be activated.

For more information about proximity cards or smart card badge holders, contact our id card experts toll free at 888-485-4696.

Asure ID 2009 Software Download – Trial

Asure ID 2009 is no longer offered, having been upgraded and replaced by Asure ID® 7. Want to test this latest iteration of Asure ID® card software?  Click on the logo below, which will take you directly to the product download page. Once installed, you will have access to a 30-day trial of this industry leading product, absolutely free!

Asure ID Logo

Asure ID® is an ID-card design and printing software application, that provides card issuers with a clean, easy-to-navigate interface, and a complete array of custom card printing options. There are 4 available editions, offering a range of options to satisfy nearly any type or size organization:

  • Solo Edition – Simple, entry-level card personalization software for organizations requiring production and retention for up to 200 database records;
  • Express Edition – Powerful, stand-alone card personalization software designed for single-user environments, and practically unlimited data retention;
  • Enterprise Edition – Card personalization software for multi-user organizations that can share a common database;
  • Exchange Edition – Supports more sophisticated & secure credential applications, providing advanced smart card functionality and laser engraving.

You can download a PDF file HERE for a full comparison of features offered in each edition.

Regardless of edition, Asure ID is easy to use, has in intuitive user interface, and includes the features needed to create crisp, vibrant, and secure cards. It provides a wide range of capabilities for card issuance and card management in small and large organizations alike.

Need More Info?

For purchasing information, please check out our Asure ID information page, or go directly to the Safe-Card ID web-store. To have your specific questions addressed about ID-card software or ID-card printer systems, please contact our staff of ID experts toll-free at 888.485.4696 (US & Canada), or +1 704.535.5200 elsewhere.

Asure ID® is a registered trademark of HID Global.

How HID Prox Cards Work

Proximity Badges

An HID prox card allows a card with information embedded inside to activate and open a door so that the cardholder can enter a secure area. The proximity card does not have the capability of accessing an area within itself. The card with additional components, provides a complete system that provides security for a controlled area.

The card is normally combined with three other items to complete an access system. In addition to the cards, a system consists of a card reader, an access control panel and a computer. In combination with each other, the system is able to function as a security officer allowing authorized persons into a building at authorized times of the day or night.

The card does not have any additional item in it over an embedded binary code (ones and zeros) that are used in a specific sequence to identify the card holder. The format of the coding is able to be picked up by the card reader and transferred to the control panel for deciphering. The card usually does not have additional information stored in it outside of the formatted code. Occasionally, the card may contain an additional code that some readers will strip off and possibly use. The format however, transfers to the access control panel.

When the controller receives the data from the card reader, the controller begins the process of the information. Various steps are completed to determine whether the cardholder has access to the building. Some of the criteria a controller uses are to review the length of the data string and the format of the information. It may be possible that a card held up to a reader is in a different format that the controller can not process.

The controller then checks the facility code and site code for a match. If so, the card number is reviewed for a match in the database. If there, the card may be reviewed to see if it is authorized for that specific time frame and date. If so, the lock relay will be activated to allow the door to open.

If the card is not able to activate the door opener, some systems will provide a specific response from the controller. Other systems may not provide any response at all.

The computer which hosts the controller will provide a software application allowing authorized personnel to update cardholder information, configure the hardware that allows door access and provides reporting functions regarding the system use.

For more information about HID prox cards, proximity cards or smart card badge holders, contact our id card experts toll free at 888-485-4696.

Evolis Dualys 3 – Installing a Manual Card Feeder

Safe-Card ID presents a video illustrating how to install a manual card feeder on the Evolis Dualys 3 ID card printer.

How to install a manual card feeder in your Evolis Dualys.

1. Remove the card hopper.
2. Adjusts the card thickness gauge to 40 ml.
3. Insert the manual card feeder.
4. Go to the print driver.
5. Adjust the source tray and output tray to manual hopper.
6. Apply.
7. Insert the card.
8. Print the card.

For further assistance, contact one of our technicians at 704-535-5200; we look forward to hearing from you!

Evolis Badgy ID Card Printer

The new  Badgy ID card printer is the newest plastic card printer in the Evolis family of card printers.  The printer is a end to end solution to print badges yourself when you need less than 200 badges per year.  The printer will print full-color plastic id cards that includes photos and text. The printer package comes with 100 card count print ribbon and cards, card template options, software and a 300 dpi printer.

Following are the items included in the Badgy printer system:

  • Badgy printer
  • Software
  • USB Cable
  • 100 card print ribbon
  • 100 PVC cards
  • Cleaning kit

This printer comes with a one year printer warranty.

Our recommendation is to consider the benefits of the Evolis Tattoo 2 ID card printer prior to purchasing the Badgy printer.  For similar pricing, the Tattoo 2 printer offers a two year manufacturer warranty.  The Tattoo printer has a better print quality and also provides options to use a higher level software for increased security and functional use of the id card.

For details about either the Evolis Badgy printer or the Evolis Tattoo 2 ID card printer, contact our ID card specialists at 888-485-4696.

Evolis Dualys 3 – Cleaning the Printhead

SafeCard ID presents a new video demonstrating how to clean the printhead in the Evolis Dualys 3 ID card printer.

How to clean the printhead in your Evolis Dualys 3 id card printer.

1. Unplug the power supply.
2. Open the top cover.
3. Take a cleaning swab and break the vial allowing the fluid to run down to the swab.
4. Wipe the swab back and forth across the printhead.
5. Close the top cover.
6. Plug back in the power supply. This will reset the printer and ribbon for your next print job.

Persona C30e User Guides – Translated

Persona C30e

If you are looking for a Persona C30e id card printer user guide in a different language, Fargo has just completed translation into the following:

      German

 

      Portuguese

 

      Spanish

 

      French

 

      Italian

 

    Korean

Contact our ID card experts and they will be happy to provide you with a copy of the guide needed.

For further information about ID card software or ID card printer systems, contact our ID card experts toll free at 888-485-4696.

Evolis Dualys 3 – Clean the Card Cleaning Roller

SafeCard ID presents a new video demonstrating how to clean the card cleaning roller in the Evolis Dualys 3 ID card printer.

How to clean the card cleaning roller

1. Open the top cover.
2. Remove the print ribbon.
3. Remove the cleaning roller located under where the print ribbon was.
4. Wipe the roller with the wipes from your card cleaning kit. If no kit is available, use warm water and soap.
5. Remove dust and lint from the cleaning roller.
6. Replace the cleaning roller in the printer.
7. Replace the print ribbon.
8. Close the top cover.

Evolis Dualys 3 Printer – Install a Print Ribbon

This video demonstrates how to install a print ribbon in the Evolis Dualys 3 ID card .

How to Install a Print Ribbon in the Evolis Dualys 3 ID Card Printer

1. Open the top cover.
2. Place the ribbon in the printer with the supply side to the right.
3. Close the top cover.

Safe-Card ID Services offers free phone support to our clients, so call 704-535-5200 to speak with one of our technicians.

How to Clean your Photo ID Card Printer

cleaning kit

It is important to clean your id card printer for optimal performance. Although printers do not require an extreme amount of maintenance, the printers do need to reside in a clean area and have clean components for best printing results.

An easy way to maintain the printer is to obtain and use a cleaning kit that is manufactured for your specific printer. The correct cleaning kit contains cleaning swabs or pens, cleaning cards and cleaning pads that will not harm the components of the id card printer. By following the cleaning recommendations in the printer’s owner manual, the life of the printer will be extended and the manufacturer’s warranty requirements will be met.

Some printers will provide a prompt to clean the printer. Other printers have a manufacturer recommendation to clean the printer at each ribbon change. Follow the directions in the manufacturer’s printer manual to correctly clean the printer.

Find the manufacturer recommended id card printer cleaning kit in our shopping cart.