Cleaning Procedure for
M500 Scanner
SCANNER MAINTENANCE
There are two distinct cleaning procedures for the M500 scanner that completes two separate functions:
The first procedure
involves a special cleaning card that we offer either in singles or in bulk. The card is saturated,
presumably in an alcohol solution and is meant to clean the rollers and magnetic stripe reader head. These are surfaces
that are in direct contact with the IDs that are scanned and the rate of soiling of these surfaces depends on the average
cleanliness of IDs scanned as well as the scan volume. One uses the card by simply inserting it into the M500; the rest is
automatic. We recommend that this is done monthly in step with the monthly updates; however, depending on scan
volume, this is not strictly necessary. If you scan much more than 10,000 IDs a month and especially if you approach
20,000 scans a month, the cleaning should be completed monthly. Otherwise it can be done roughly every two to three
months.
The second procedure
is somewhat more complex and requires three items. These items are a calibration card, an air
divider (a specially-made plastic tool) and an aerosol can of electronics duster. This procedure cleans the mirrors that are
located on the sides of the ID card slot. The instructions for this procedure are detailed below with pictures included.
The particularly tricky part, at least the first time someone does it, is getting the air divider in place. Our best piece of
advice is to look closely at the photos in the manual and realize that the tool will almost "snap" into place when inserted
properly. The calibration card and air divider are replaceable; however, you should take care to keep them in good
condition and avoid misplacing them. The calibration card should be put into its protective sleeve when not in use and
should be disposed of when it becomes at all scratched or dirty. This process is also recommended to be completed
monthly though if horizontal streaking is noticed in the scanned image, someone should complete the procedure
immediately. If some types of debris are left in place on the mirrors, they may become adhered and therefore difficult to
remove through normal methods.
The
M500
package contains both a cleaning card and a calibration card. We have also included your first cleaning kit free
of charge. This kit consists of two more cleaning cards, another calibration card, an air divider tool and one can of
Ultrajet 70 aerosol duster. You don't strictly need to use Ultrajet 70 though it is recommended. The duster you use must
be free of residue and preferably not be flammable. There are other brands that meet these criteria; however, we have
not found them to be roughly the same cost as Chemtronics Ultrajet 70. Please do not use the kind that cost $5-$10.
