Do you need to add a digital signature to form such as MS Word, Adobe and other software programs? One piece of equipment you may want to consider using is the Topaz SigLite 1 x 5 T-S460 electronic signature capture pad. This is my review.

To begin with, Topaz makes some of the easiest-to-use signature capture tablets available today. The support level available for these signature pads is unprecedented. If you have a program that can use a signature capture pad, a Topaz pad will probably work.

Topaz has developer kits available, making it possible to integrate Topaz electronic signature pads into a wide variety of software applications.  I have seen people use these kits to integrate signature capture pads for use with state driver’s license departments, pharmacies and much more. You can find some of Topaz’s developer tools here.

Topaz SigLite capture pads are very similar to Topaz SignatureGem pads. The have the high-quality biometric and forensic capture techniques of a SignatureGem tablet but with a low-cost touchpad and stylus in place of the active electromagnetic pen and sensor.

The Topaz SigLite 1 x 5 T-S460 will work with programs such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel and other programs right out of the box. It includes drivers and software that run in the background, capturing the signature and allowing the user to paste that in to just about any program that has a “paste-capable” field.

The SigLite T-S460 has a signing area that is one inch tall and five inches wide. It has a capture life of 10,000 signatures. For the price, that is really good. If you need a machine capable of capturing more signatures, you may want to consider using a SignatureGem. Many of our Topaz SignatureGem pads have a 250,000 plus signature lifespan.

I have used this pad to apply signatures to the back of photo ID cards without any problems, using Card 5 software. The SigLite T-S460 is extremely portable, very easy to set up and is simple to use. It is available in a USB or serial design. Overall, I consider it to be a great value.

You can find the Topaz SigLite 1 x 5 T-S460 electronic signature capture pad here. You can find our entire selection of Topaz signature pads here.

I have had several people ask me recently if our Topaz line of signature capture pads (SigLite and SignatureGem) are able to put a signature in Adobe Acrobat. My answer is an emphatic yes. Our Topaz signature capture pads easily capture and paste the image into an Adobe Acrobat form (PDF Document).

This means our Topaz signature capture pads can also easily be used with Microsoft Word, Excel and many other programs. They are also compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.

Many of our customers like to use our signature capture pads for the signing of contracts, creation of documentation and more. A few weeks ago I wrote an article about using a Topaz signature capture pad at my local DMV for adding a signature to a driver’s license. They have many uses and can be integrated with many programs.

You can find our entire selection of signature capture pads here. Have questions about using a signature capture pad with your computer, software or hardware? Speak with one of our experts at 1-800-658-8788.

Digital ID card printers are pretty easy to use and don’t require a lot of babysitting, but they do occasionally have their issues that need attending to. There are a lot of preventative things you can do to cut down on printing problems and if you do experience a problem, the fix is usually pretty simple.

Here is a list of the most common problems our customers experience with their ID card printers. Printers do, however, vary in functionality, so these solutions may or may not work for your model.

Digital ID Card Printer Troubleshooting & Repair Tips

Colors seem to be off - While the printing ability of and ID card printer is pretty accurate, the color on your monitor may not always match up with what your printer prints. You may need to adjust the colors in the printer software to better match the colors you are trying to print.

Printed image colors are not aligned – Often removing the printer ribbon and putting it back in will allow the printer to cycle and re-align the panels to print correctly.

Images turn out fuzzy and unclear – This is usually a result of the print head being dirty. Most printers have cleaning cards or pens that can be used to clean the thermal print head.

The prints look bad - Make sure your blank ID cards are clean of dust and do not touch the surface of the blank cards with your finger. Dust and oil from hands can cause poor printing.

The printer ribbon keeps breaking – This is often due to a dirty thermal print head, causing the ribbon to stick to the print head. Cleaning the print head should fix this. This issue is especially prominent when printing full-color (edge-to-edge) ID cards.

Can I re-use a broken ribbon? - The broken ribbon can still be re-used. Use some scissors to cut the broken edge and us scotch tape to re-connect the ribbon with the waste roller. The printer will usually cycle the ribbon and be able to use it again.

Printer panels are incorrect - So your blue is printing red and colors are out of whack. This problem often arises when your printer settings are set for the incorrect ribbon type. An example would be someone using a YMCKO ribbon in the printer but the computer is set up for a YMCK ribbon. Setting up the computer for the correct ribbon will usually fix this.

The printer misfeeds blank PVC cards – This can be a result of the friction roller being dirty or needing to be replaced. Most ID card printers use a friction roller to grab and pull the blank card in. These friction rollers can be cleaned of dust. If that doesn’t work, replacement rollers are usually pretty cheap.

Still having problems with your ID card printer? No worries. We have a Service Department that can get you replacement parts or repair the printer. They can service Fargo, Eltron / Zebra, Polaroid, Magicard, CIM, Evolis and more. You can reach our Service Department by calling 1-800-658-8788 x129 or by filling out this form. Need a new or replacement ID card printer? You can find our entire selection of digital ID card printers here.

Signature capture pads are hugely popular right now. They are used to capture signatures for contracts, creating forms, printing ID cards and much more. Now you can add DMV driver’s licenses to that list. Our Topaz line of signature capture pads is probably one of the most popular brands of signature pads found online today.

I was in the DMV this last Wednesday because my card was going to be soon expiring. I walked in, they took my picture and then asked me for my signature (to be placed on my new driver’s license).

I went up to sign my name and to my surprise, there was a Topaz SignatureGem LCD. I signed my name, the computer captured the information and I was given a temporary license until my new one comes in the mail. There it was on my temporary pass. My signature. The entire process was quick, seamless and took just seconds.

The specific model used is a 4×3 (four-inches by three-inches) in size. The SignatureGem LCD 4×3 is rated for 250,000 plus signatures, which makes it a perfect model to use in a DMV for making driver’s licenses. Pretty neat if you ask me.

You can find out more information on the Topaz SignatureGem LCD 4×3 by going here. Enjoy!

Security cameras are everywhere. They are a necessary evil used to monitor, track and catch shoplifters and other criminals. Setting up a security system may seem a little complicated up front, but don’t let that intimidate you. Security system installations can be much easier if the right equipment is used.

Most security systems utilize more than one camera, but how do you hook up more than one camera to a security screen? It is actually pretty easy, with the right piece of hardware. This is done by using a device called a multiplexer.

Multiplexers are designed to take multiple input signals from multiple cameras and output them to one or several monitors. Multiplexers come in a variety of models, but they are all designed to make it easier for one person to monitor multiple cameras at once. They can also be used in conjunction with a time-laps recorder for storage purposes.

Multiplexers are nothing new, but they have come a long way over the past 10 years. Many modern multiplexers include built-in digital video recorders (DVRs). These all-in-one systems can take in multiple video inputs, record them and easily play them back as needed.

EchoVue is one of the best-known manufacturers of DVR security systems with built-in multiplexers. Our EchoVue EV1607 has a total of 16 video inputs! EchoVue systems can be purchased with or without hard drives. Some of our DVR systems come with cameras as a complete package.

You can view our entire selection of EchoVue DVR multiplexers here.

Signature capture pads are found almost everywhere now. They are used in retail stores at the checkout, in the pharmacy for signing for a prescription or even in an office for digitally signing legal documents. These digital capture pads are also widely used to ad signatures to photo ID cards and security badges.

One observation you may have made when using these devices is that some work much better than others. Quality amongst signature capture pads varies wildly among makes and models. Sometimes people are simply using the wrong capture pad for the wrong job. We sell a wide variety of digital signature capture pads from Topaz.

Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind when shopping around for a signature capture pad.

Visual Display – Some signature capture pads only capture the signature, but do not give you a visual representation in “e-ink.” Most signature capture pads will give you some sort of e-ink display.

Backlit Screen – Not all signature capture pads are backlit. If you plan on using a signature capture pad in a dark or low-lit room, be sure you get a model that is backlit.

Number of Signatures – Signature capture pads are rated for a certain number of signatures. The SigLite 1X5 is an example of a model that is rated for 10,000 signatures. The SignatureGemLCD 1×5 is an example of a model that is rated for 250,000+ signatures.

Signing Area - How big an area do you need? If you only need a signature, a 1×5 pad will be more than efficient. If you need to display additional text, menu options or wording, a pad with taller dimensions will be required.

Developer Software Tool Kits – Most signature capture pads we sell from Topaz will work with programs designed to be used with signature capture pads. We offer software development tools for free that can be used to integrate our Topaz pads with software or databases. You can find these developer software tools here.

We offer a huge selection of Topaz brand digital signature capture pads. You can find our entire selection of these signature pads here.

Time clocks are a critical part of properly running any business. Keeping track of time worked on paper just doesn’t cut it anymore. Unfortunately not all employees are honest and cheating the system, if not properly monitored, can happen.

The honor system isn’t an option anymore and writing down hours on paper leaves too much room open for manipulation. Buddy punching can also be an issue for many businesses, where one employee punches in and out for another employee. Which time clocks are the best for cutting down on fraud and saving your business money?

While traditional punch-style time clocks are still an option, they are best used for small businesses. A more automated system is required for medium to large-size businesses. It isn’t a bad idea for small businesses to use automated systems either. Many automated and digital time clock systems can export data to payroll programs, such as Quickbooks, saving your business even more time and money.

We have compiled a list of the most secure, easy-to-use and popular time clocks being purchased by our customers today.

1. Pyramid PTI Time Trax EZ - This time clock system uses personalized encoded PVC cards to log in and out of work. Software keeps track of this time and creates reports. Data can also be exported for use with payroll software.
2. Pyramid PTI Time Trax Bio – This time clock lets the employee sign in and out of work with their finger. It is easy to set up, creates reports with included software and exports data for use with payroll software.
3. AcroPrint ATRx - The Acroprint ATRx runs on a computer, but utilizes a biometric finger scanner (plugged in a USB port) for signing in and out of work. This cuts out buddy punching and is very efficient.
4. Pyramid PTI Time Trax Pro – This time clock uses a magnetic strip PVC card to sign in and out of work. It includes easy-to-use software that makes keeping track of employee time easy. Data can be exported for use with payroll software. It can be used with up to 9,999 employees (upgraded).
5. Widmer Ceres iPC – Great for small to medium-size businesses, this system uses a key fob, which can be attached to a key ring, to punch in and out of work. This system is one of the easiest to set up and includes software for tracking employee time.
6. Acroprint Handpunch 1000 Biometric – This time clock allows employees to sign in and out of work by using their hand. This unique time clock system cuts down on fraud while keeping track of employee time worked.
7. Amano MTX-15 – This time clock allows employees to punch in and out of work with the swipe of a card. It includes software and can be used with payroll software such as ADP, Peachtree, Paychex, Powerpay, and Quickbooks. This all-in-one system is great for use with up to 100 employees.

You can see our entire selection of employee time clocks here. Check them out today!

This month we just added a new counterfeit bill detector to our Web site. This detector goes by the model number ABC 100. This compact money detector is very easy to use and is pretty lightweight. I played around with it this week, tried detecting some money and took a few pictures that you can see on the product page.  This detector uses both Ultraviolet (UV) and Watermark (MK) technology. The UV portion of the detector is turned on by use of a switch. The UV light then illuminates the bill being scanned. A bright yellow strip will be illuminated if the bill is legitimate.

The WM detector uses a fluorescent-powered backlight that makes it easy to see the watermark on a legitimate bill. I tried several different bills on the ABC 100 and it easily illuminated the presidential faces on the U.S. currency. I would recommend checking out this new counterfeit detector when you have time.

This month we added three new ID and passport camera models to our Web site. These are the MX-2, MX-4 and MX-6 cameras. These cameras are designed to create quick and inexpensive photo IDs in a few minutes. The addition of these cameras increases our line of photo ID cameras to nine.

All of these cameras use a Polaroid-style film that takes and develops on the fly. All three new cameras use the same style of film. The MX-2 has two lenses designed to take photo ID pictures or passports, depending on the MX-2 model being used. The MX-4 camera has a total of four lenses and the MX-6 a total of six.

Many large businesses have switched over to digital cameras and printers. Traditional Polaroid-style cameras are still popular in schools, non-profit organizations and for novelty ID cards. This is due, in part, to the availability of the film and the inexpensive up-front cost of the equipment.

Creating an ID with the MX series cameras is an easy process. After being take, the picture cut to size using either scissors or a die cutter. Once cut, the picture is applied to a pre-made card and is then laminated. The ID card can then be placed in a badge holder or be punched for use with a lanyard. The process only takes a few minutes.

You can find our entire selection of cameras by going here.

Although you may be surprised to hear people are still using them, ABC Office has just added a new line of typewriters to its Web site. These new typewriters are from the popular manufacturer Royal. Although typewriters may seem a little archaic to modern standards, many businesses and people still use typewriters to fill forms, documentation and write reports. To help facilitate this continuing need, ABC Office has added a total of six new typewriters.

Typewriters were commonly used during the 20th century for most documentation. Typewriters were clumsy, frustrating and difficult to use. Documents were re-typed to fix spelling errors and alignment was a problem. With the invention of the computer, many thought this would mean the end of typewriters.

These new typewriters have built-in spell checkers, LCD screens, memory and computer processors. These new typewriter capabilities and functions eliminate errors and save a lot of time for those who still need a typewriter. Many schools, lawyers’ offices, government entities and businesses still use typewriters. Royal typewriters are helping facilitate these organizations. Stop by our site and take a look at the new addition.