Evolis quantum 2

[Ron Kane]

I needed a fast solution to program 5000 smartcards, so I decided to buy a cardprinter with big capacity, an internal smartcard reader, and speed.

This way I would not need to take 1 by 1 a smartcard in my hand to program them manual, but just stack 500 cards in a hopper and start the process.

I came on a Evolis Quantum 2 printer that would be able to do my job for me.

The "experts" that re-sell these printers do not have good experience in these things. There I was, in my office with a 5000 euro printer that is not able to do my task and I was doomed to "reinvent the wheel"

After some hours playing, I finally managed to get the encoding station working. Once you register the printer to the evolis website, you get (limited) technical information on the encoding station. Ill add it here as pdf - but really evolis, if your reading you should do it yourself, put it in public online, potentional buyers need it, as your "expert distributors / resellers" not know anything about it!

Quantum_EncodingUnit_KU15E_A0.pdf

I found a "old" usb 5121 omnikey cardreader. I wired contacts c1 till c8 to SUB-d9 + opto+

C4 and C8 not need to be connected




The printer looks good, works pretty fast, I just not like the " reversible encoding module" it seems the springs that pull the contact station to the card contacts are too loose, I need to put some weight on it to let it make contact to the card.

[Ron Kane]

After first being a little critical (read above) on the resellers from the quantum (the encoder part) I must say I am getting more and more impressed by them.

After telling them about my issue with the reversible encoder module they are handling it very swift and professional. I will get a new encoding module, and can swap it AFTER I received my new one, wich gives me a chance to finish my project fast as I am already running towards my target date.

I am very happy with the swift communication we have now, this is definatly a relief on my "other problems" I have with the card industry.

Anyway if your looking for some printer with good support www.intersider.de

In the next days I will update this post, and maybe shoot a small video on the encoding + printing process.