MagTek PORT POWERED SWIPE READER - Manual (Page 7)

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SECTION 1. FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Port Powered Swipe Reader is a compact magnetic stripe card reader which conforms to
ISO/ANSI standards. The Reader is compatible with the PC series of personal computers or any
device with a serial RS-232 interface. A card is read by sliding it, stripe down and facing the
LED side, through the slot either forward or backward.
A green/red LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicator on the Reader panel provides the operator
with continuous status of the Reader operations.
When power is applied, the Reader transmits a sign-on ID message. About 150 to 330
milliseconds after DTR is applied, the Reader sends the part number of the firmware in the
following form: 210888xxAnn<CR>. The first 8 characters indicate the firmware number; the
letter is the revision, which is followed by a revision sublevel of 01 to 99. The <CR> indicates
carriage return (0x0D). The sign-on messages for part numbers are listed in Section 3. Timing
is also shown in Section 3.
Note
Additional features have been incorporated into the new version of
the Port Powered Swipe Reader (generally available after March
2006). In the new version, the firmware part number will be
reported as 21088838. The enhancements included in this new
version are identified within this document with the word “new”.
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 the old model, 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. The Timing is shown is Section 3, Figure 3-1. In the new version, with its
lower current draw, the data is transmitted continuously since there is no need to transmit in
bursts. Configurations, including part numbers, firmware, tracks, and unit configuration, are
listed in Section 3, Table 3-2.
MAGTEK DEVICE DRIVERS FOR WINDOWS
The MagTek Device Drivers for Windows may be used with the Port Powered Swipe Reader.
They are available on a CD (Part Number 30037385) or from the MagTek web site (Part Number
99510013). When these drivers are used, refer to MagTek Device Driver for Windows,
Programming Reference Manual, Part Number 99875125.