HID 50028 DTC1250e Card Printer-Encoder
The HID 50028 DTC1250e is a single-sided card printer-encoder designed for high-volume credential issuance in access control deployments. Built on the proven DTC1250 platform, this SS (single-sided) base model combines printing and encoding functionality in one compact unit, enabling security integrators and IT teams to produce fully functional access credentials on-site without external dependencies.
Overview
The 50028 printer-encoder integrates HID's trusted card technologies directly into your issuance workflow. By combining visual card printing with simultaneous encoding capabilities, the DTC1250e eliminates multi-step credential production, reduces handling time, and strengthens physical security posture across enterprise and institutional environments. The single-sided base model is ideal for standard access credential applications where two-sided printing is not required.
Key Features
- Dual Protocol Support: Encodes HID iCLASS and MIFARE/DESFire smart card technologies, enabling compatibility with existing reader infrastructure and future credential migrations
- Integrated Print-Encode Operation: Produces fully functional access cards in a single pass—no secondary encoding step required
- USB and Ethernet Connectivity: Connects via USB for desktop deployments or Ethernet for network-integrated issuance centers, supporting both individual and centralized credential management workflows
- Single-Sided Printing: SS base model configuration optimized for standard credential designs and cost-effective high-volume production
- HID iCLASS Compatibility: Native support for HID's secure iCLASS ecosystem, including iCLASS SE and legacy iCLASS readers
- MIFARE and DESFire Support: Encodes ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and Type 3 credentials, enabling interoperability with third-party reader ecosystems and legacy card stocks
- Compact Form Factor: Designed for integration into access control centers, security offices, and issuance kiosks without requiring dedicated floor space
- Professional Card Output: Produces durable, color-printed access credentials with secure encoding in a single device
Integration & Compatibility
The HID 50028 integrates seamlessly into access control systems leveraging HID readers and controllers. When paired with HID iCLASS readers, the printer-encoder enables real-time credential issuance workflows without manual batch processing. The dual protocol support—iCLASS, MIFARE, and DESFire—provides flexibility for environments with mixed reader deployments or those planning technology upgrades. Network deployment via Ethernet supports centralized credential management across multiple sites, while USB connectivity allows distributed issuance at individual access control centers.
The printer-encoder is compatible with standard credential card stocks and encoding templates, allowing security teams to customize card appearance while maintaining encoding standards. Integration with identity management and access control software platforms enables automated cardholder data synchronization, reducing manual entry errors and administrative overhead.
Package Contents
Each HID 50028 DTC1250e system includes the printer-encoder unit configured for single-sided printing, USB and Ethernet connectivity interfaces, power supply, and setup documentation for rapid deployment.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've evaluated the HID 50028 DTC1250e during access control refresh planning across enterprise campuses. This printer-encoder bridges a critical gap—the ability to issue credentials on-site without batching or external processing. For integrators managing mid-to-large deployments, the dual-protocol encoding (iCLASS and MIFARE/DESFire) removes the guesswork around infrastructure compatibility.
Technical Highlights:
- Print-Encode Synchronization: The 50028 model eliminates the timing and quality variance that occurs when printing and encoding happen in separate devices or workflows
- Network Deployment Flexibility: Ethernet support enables issuance from multiple credential stations across a campus without redundant USB infrastructure
- Protocol Flexibility: Supporting both HID iCLASS and ISO 14443 Type A/3 standards means the same device works across legacy, current, and planned reader environments
Deployment Considerations:
- Capacity planning should account for peak issuance hours; the DTC1250e handles high-volume production but benefits from load distribution across multiple units in very large environments
- Credential template customization requires coordination with your identity management platform; pre-test encoding workflows in staging before full rollout
- Network deployments should isolate the Ethernet connection to a secure subnet separate from general IT traffic to protect cardholder data in transit
The HID 50028 is a solid choice for integrators seeking reliable on-site credential issuance without proprietary software licensing complexity. The single-sided base model keeps costs predictable while maintaining enterprise-grade encoding quality.
