MagTek HALF CARD PORT - Manual (Page 28)

Half Card Port Powered Insertion Reader
20
PROGRAM MODE
The new reader has a number of non-volatile properties. Once these properties are changed and
saved in non-volatile memory, the changes will take affect after a power cycle or reset. These
properties are usually only modified once prior to installing the device. These properties can
only be modified when in program mode. See the enter program mode command in the regular
command set for a description of how to enter program mode. Once in program mode, the
reader will only respond to the program mode command set until the device is power cycled,
reset or the exit program mode command is received. This section describes the program mode
commands set.
Sending Program Mode Commands
The Reader will operate from 2400 to 115200 bps but each command sent to the Reader must
match the communication parameters of the Reader. The default communication parameters are
9600 bps with 8 bits, no parity and 1 stop bit (8N1). If the Reader fails to respond after a
command has been transmitted, the application should modify the transmission parameters until
a response is received.
Commands, as described below, must be preceded by an Escape (<ESC> – 0x1B) character and
be terminated by a Carriage Return (<CR> – 0x0D). All commands are case sensitive—that is,
they must all use upper case characters.
After a valid command has been received, the Reader will respond with an Acknowledge
(<ACK> – 0x06) within one character time. If a message is started but not completed within 2
seconds, a No-acknowledge (<NAK> – 0x15) will be transmitted; also, if the baud rate or other
communication settings are incorrect, the Reader will transmit a NAK using its current
communication parameters. An unrecognized command will also return a NAK.