MagTek MODEL MT-85 - Manual (Page 13)

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SECTION 3. OPERATION
This section contains Transmit Character Format, LED and Audio Indicators, Encoded Message
Format, an Encode Example, Transmitted Data and Character Formats, and MT-85 Commands.
TRANSMIT CHARACTER FORMAT
Each ASCII character is transmitted with l start bit, 7 data bits, 1 parity bit, and 1 stop bit. The
parity setting can be defined with the "S" command. To generate application software for the
MT-85, use standard RS-232 communication protocol.
Before reading or encoding a card, the application software should have the computer activate
the CTS of the MT-85 and receive the activation of the RTS of the MT-85.
For reading a card, the MT-85 will send all track data to the computer if the read is good. If any
track contains a read error, the Start Sentinel (%, ; or +) for that track will be followed by an "E"
and terminated with ES (?). Any good tracks will be transmitted.
For encoding a card, the MT-85 will send the same data back to the computer as the data loaded
to the MT-85 when a good encode is completed. The MT-85 will send a NAK message
(<STX><NAK><ETX>) to the computer if a read-after-write error is detected.
LED AND AUDIO INDICATORS
There is a three-color LED indicator on the panel for status. There is also an audio alarm in the
form of beeps.
Red LED
The red color indicates that the power is ON, but the CTS has not been activated.
Green LED
The green color lights when the unit is at read mode and the unit is ready to read a magnetic
stripe card.
Yellow LED
The yellow color blinks when the unit is in write mode and is prepared to encode a card. If the
card is not encoded within approximately 30 seconds, the unit will time out and the green color
will appear.