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ID-150 Scanner Maintenance
ID-150 Scanner Maintenance

How to set a cleaning schedule for your ID-150 scanner using PALIDIN

Allie Roberts avatar
Written by Allie Roberts
Updated over a week ago

1.1 – Set a Cleaning Schedule With-in PALIDIN

Right-click and launch PALIDIN as admin> Settings> General> Set the desired scan count. This will alert your end user to clean the scanner after the desired number of scans have been made. Once scanner has been cleaned, your end user should click the “Reset Counter” button

Regularly scheduled cleaning of the scanner is recommended to ensure that the device feeds document smoothly and delivers good quality images. The following components require cleaning according to the specified minimum maintenance schedule: (For older scanners we recommend every 5,000 scans)

Figure 25 - Cleaning Schedule

The instructions for cleaning these components are described separately for clarity. In general, it is recommended to clean all of the components that require cleaning at one time.

1.2 - Cleaning the Feed Rollers

Over time, the feed rollers in the scanner will accumulate dirt from the documents being scanned, necessitating that they be cleaned regularly, see figure 24. When dirty, the feed rollers have a greater tendency to slip, misfeed, or jam, resulting in poor quality images.

To clean the feed rollers, an alcohol or water-based solution should be used. “Card Reader Cleaning Cards, CR80,” notebook screen cleaning wipes, or alcohol prep wipes/swabs are recommended, as long as they are water or alcoholbased.

Note: Do NOT use an ammonia-based cleaner.

There are a series of DIP switches on the rear of the scanner. By default, all ID-1xx scanners are shipped with their service DIP switches set to the OFF (UP) position. DIP switch #3 will put the rollers into a repetitive back and forth spin mode that is useful for cleaning the rollers.

Figure 26 - Cleaning the feed rollers

To clean the feed rollers, follow the steps below:

      1. Power off the scanner.

      2. Lift the cover to expose the feed rollers.

      3. Carefully modify DIP switch #3, moving it to the ON position (to the DOWN position).

      4. Power on the scanner. The rollers should begin moving back and forth.

      5. Using a cleaning wipe or alcohol prep, hold it against the roller, cleaning them as they spin.

      6. Discard the prep/wipe when done (do not use it to clean another component).

      7. Power off the scanner.

      8. Carefully restore DIP switch #3 to its default setting of OFF (UP).

      9. Close the cover.

1.3 - Cleaning the CMOS Image Sensor (CIS)

If irregular stripe patterns or artifacts appear in the scanned images, the CIS (CMOS image sensor) may be dirty. In this case, the CIS should be cleaned to ensure the scanned images are of good quality. The CIS can be accessed by opening the scanner.

To clean the CIS, an alcohol and/or water-based solution should be used. “Card Reader Cleaning Cards, CR80,” notebook screen cleaning wipes, or alcohol prep wipes/swabs are recommended, as long as they are water or alcohol-based.

Note: Do NOT use an ammonia-based cleaner.

Figure 27 - Cleaning the CIS To clean the CIS,

      1. follow the steps below:

      2. Power off the scanner.

      3. Lift the cover to expose the CIS.

      4. Using a cleaning wipe or alcohol prep, clean the CIS (scan head) bars then discard the wipe when done. There are two CIS bars on the ID-150.

      5. Close the cover.

1.4 - Cleaning the Magnetic Stripe Reader

Over time, the magnetic stripe reader will require cleaning to remove buildup and to ensure proper operation and accurate reads of magnetic stripes.

      1. To clean the magnetic stripe reader, follow these steps:

      2. Power off the scanner.

      3. Lift the cover to expose the magnetic stripe reader.

      4. Using a cleaning wipe or alcohol prep, clean the magnetic stripe reader.

      5. Discard the wipe when done.

      6. Close the cover.

Figure 28 - Cleaning the magnetic stripe reader

1.5 - Cleaning the Document Sensors

The document sensors are utilized to detect the presence of a document in the feed path. They are visible when the scanner is opened as small holes before and after the first roller on both the top and bottom surfaces. There are two pairs of sensors, the first pair (top/bottom) is before the first feed roller, and the second pair (top/bottom) is immediately after the first feed roller. Documents are detected by breaking the light path between the two sensors.

Dust or dirt may collect in these holes over time resulting in the scanner not properly detecting when a document is present. To avoid issues, these sensors should be cleaned to ensure the sensor path is free of dirt.

      1. To clean the document sensors, follow these steps:

      2. Power off the scanner.

      3. Lift the cover to expose the document sensors.

      4. Using compressed air or an air gun, blow air into the document sensor holes to remove any dust or dirt buildup.

      5. When using a compressed air can, ensure that it remains upright to avoid getting any residue on the CIS.

      6. Close the cover.

i-Dentify ID-150 Scanner Troubleshooting

2.1 - Remove a jammed or stuck card

                1. Lift the cover and slide the card out of the scanner.

                2. After you remove the card, close the scanner cover and resume normal operations.

Figure 32 - Removing a jammed document from scanner

2.2 - LED1 is Blinking Red

This means the USB cable is not connected. Check the USB cable to make sure it is securely connected to both the scanner and computer. Once the scanner recognizes the USB interface, the LED1 light will go back to its normal stable yellow, which means the scanner is ready for use.

2.3 - LED1 is Solid Red

This means the scanner is in an “error state.” Turn OFF the device then turn it back ON. The LED1 light should go back to its normal stable yellow, which means the scanner is ready for use.

2.4 – Scanner does not power ON

In the event that the scanner does not power ON at all, follow these steps:

      1. Plug the power cord to a different power outlet

      2. Check the power cable for any damage, cuts, bents, etc.

      3. Make sure the power cable is securely plugged into the back of the scanner

      4. If you have a second scanner in your location, swap the scanners to see if the known “good” scanner turns on with the existing power cable. If it doesn’t turn ON, it means the power cable (or potentially power outlet) is not working. If it does turn ON, it means the scanner needs to be repaired.

      5. Make sure all dip switches are set to the “up” position. Check the 3.3 – Rear Panel section, on page 8, for more details about dip switches.

      6. If after all of these troubleshooting steps the scanner still doesn’t turn ON, it needs to be inspected by the manufacturer

Customer Support

3.1 - Contacting Customer Support

Our customer support team is available to answer any software or hardware questions you may have between normal business hours 7:00am to 5:00pm, U.S. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. You can reach our support team by phone or email at:

Phone: 800.883.8822

Create a ticket by clicking the Support button in PALIDIN

You can visit our knowledge base articles here: https://palidinsupport.fraudfighter.com/

We strongly recommend our customers to use the software and hardware troubleshooting steps provided in this document before calling our support team. This will aid in shortening the resolution time. If you decide that it is necessary to contact our support team, gather the following information before the call:

An accurate, detailed description of the issue at hand.

Version of the software are you on

Workstation system specification (operating system, user security type, etc.)

If the issue is regarding a scanner device, record and provide the model and serial number of the device.

3.2 - Software Warranty

With changes and updates constantly being made to documents such as driver’s licenses and passports, it is imperative for FraudFighter customers to be using the most current version of the PALIDIN software and the AssureID Document Library. The original invoice date marks the start of a 12-month warranty period that can include software and Library updates and customer support, as well as access to special product updates and revisions. As your warranty period nears expiration, FraudFighter will contact you to renew these warranties. If renewed, you will receive an additional 12months of these services; you may also choose to purchase additional years of renewals ahead of time. If you choose not to extend your software warranties, there is an increased risk for false positives (IDs that are flagged, but are authentic). In addition, running outdated versions of PALIDIN software and Document Library also jeopardizes your ability to classify new document types, as well as detect and stop counterfeit documents. Whenever you call us with a software question, please make sure you have the following information readily available:

3.1 - Hardware Warranty

There is a limited warranty that applies to all hardware supported by FraudFighter. From the initial invoice date, the purchase of a hardware device automatically comes with 12-months of hardware depot service. You will be responsible for paying one way shipping and FraudFighter will pay return shipping on repaired items. As your warranty period nears expiration, a FraudFighter sales representative will contact you to renew these services for an additional year of coverage. Similar to software warranties, you may purchase multiple years of warranty coverage at any time during the warranty period, or at the time of your initial purchase. If you choose to forego hardware warranties, you will no longer be eligible to receive free repair services and you will be responsible for the repair cost of the scanner and/or replacement.

Whenever you call us with a hardware question, please make sure you have the following information readily available:

Model number

Serial number

Date of Purchase (if available)

In the event that the issue cannot be resolved over the phone, we will process a returned merchandise authorization (RMA) number. Please be advised that we cannot accept product returns without a corresponding RMA number.

Units out of warranty can still be repaired but they will incur a $250 upfront examination fee (includes evaluation, cleaning, calibration and inspection labor). This fee cannot be waived and it is not refundable (if the unit cannot be repaired). Once a technician has examined the unit, a repair quote will be send to the customer. The manufacturer cannot perform any work on a scanner until the repair quote has been approved and paid. Customer has the right to decline the repair quote in which case the $250 examination final invoice will be processed and the unit will be returned to the customer.


If you have questions, please contact support by:

Calling 800.883.8822

Monday-Friday 7AM - 5PM PST

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