MagTek PORT POWERED - Manual (Page 19)

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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 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 milliseconds
after DTR is applied, the Reader sends the part number of the firmware in the following form:
21088819A01. 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 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>
(01B)
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.
With firmware part number 21088819 Revision D or above and firmware part number 21088823
Revision B or above, 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.)