MagTek MAG-WEDGE READER - Manual (Page 16)

Mag-Wedge Reader
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All keys on the keyboard are classified as make/break, which means when a key is
pressed, the keyboard sends a make code for that key to the keyboard controller. When
the key is released, its break code is sent. The time between the make code and the break
code of a key pressed varies depending on how long a key is pressed, normally it should
not exceed 500 milliseconds. Since the communication between the PC and the keyboard
is half duplex and the application software responds to the make code (not the break
code), the PC should receive the break code of the last key pressed before sending the
command to the Mag-Wedge Reader. To avoid any possible problem, it is recommended
that a 500 millisecond delay should be inserted between the make code of the last key
pressed and the first byte of the command. Any character that goes from the Reader to the
PC has make and break codes. The time between the make codes and the break code is
less than 15 milliseconds. To avoid any possible problem, it is recommended that a 15
millisecond delay be inserted between the make code of the last character from the
Reader and the first byte of the command.
KEY LOADING SOFTWARE
This software will be supplied to a customer who has a Mag-Wedge Reader and encrypting
PINpad. This software is used to add the master key, the session key, the working keys, and the
key serial number to each encrypting PINpad, and the initial PIN encryption key.
ERROR CONDITIONS
There are only a few conditions which will produce an error. The only Reader related condition
is invalid card data. If the Reader cannot decode the information on the magnetic stripe, the
LED illuminates red. If it is a dual track Reader, the Reader will send any valid track of data that
it finds. If it only finds one valid track and the other track is invalid, then the valid track will be
sent, and the LED will illuminate red for the invalid track.
The PC may also cause an error condition. If the PC inhibits the transmission while data is being
transmitted, the Reader will abort its operation and the LED will illuminate red.