MagTek HALF CARD PORT - Manual (Page 21)

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SECTION 3. COMMANDS, FORMATS, TIMING
This section includes commands, message formats, and transmission timing.
The MagTek Device Drivers for Windows, part number 30037385, may be used with the Half
Card, Port Powered Insertion Reader. When these drivers are used, refer to MagTek Device
Driver for Windows, Programming Reference Manual, Part Number 99875125.
When power is applied, the Reader transmits a sign-on ID message. About 150 (500 for the new
reader) milliseconds after DTR is applied, the Reader sends the part number of the firmware in
the following form: 21088828A01 (21088842A01 for the new reader). The first 8 characters
indicate the firmware number; the letter is the revision, which is followed by a revision sublevel
of 01 to 99.
Since the input voltage is supplied by a relatively low source of power, the Reader depends on its
input capacitor to maintain proper charge during all operations. In order to reduce the drain on
this internal power source during data transmission, the output data is transmitted in 5 to 6
millisecond bursts with a 10-millisecond gap between bursts
1
to allow the capacitor to recharge.
The PC software should be able to tolerate this 10-millisecond space between characters.
HOST TO READER COMMANDS
All commands transmitted from the Host to the Reader must be preceded by the ASCII
“ESCAPE” character (0x1B). These command messages may contain other framing characters
that are ignored by the Reader. Table 3-1 describes the commands and responses. Table 3-2 lists
setting and clearing options and the responses.
Table 3-1. Commands and Responses
HOST COMMANDS READER RESPONSES
COMMAND PREFIX USE EITHER CHARACTER
<ESC> (0X1B) I (0x49) + (0x2B) Inquiry command causes the Reader to
transmit data, error, or status message.
This command works in both the
buffered and unbuffered modes.
<ESC> (0X1B) R (0x52) - (0x2D) Release command causes the Reader
to clear its memory buffer of any data
present. This command works only in
the Buffered mode.
The Inquiry command (I/+) will transmit data after the card has been inserted even if not in the
buffered mode. This allows a card to remain in the slot during the transaction. If not in the
buffered mode, the card data will also be transmitted when the card is removed. (Refer to Tables
3-3 and 3-4 for examples.)
1
For the 21067505 printed circuit assembly, the transmission is strictly in 5 ms bursts with 10 ms between.