DigiPoS PowerPoS Technical Manual
Magnetic Card Test
The diagnostic software is unable to detect the presence or absence of a magnetic card
reader due to the fact that the majority of card readers only transmit data and do not
receive data. Because of this the test menu will always show a magnetic card reader test
even if there is no reader attached. To test a card reader, select the appropriate menu
entry and pass a card through the reader. If the reader is working then the contents of the
data tracks will be displayed on the screen along with a question asking if the displayed
data is correct. The data displayed should be the same as that embossed or printed on
the card. Please note that this test only works with keyboard wedge devices and not
serial.
An Example of an MSR Test
The majority of cards will store more data than is visible on the card, this is normal and as
long as the display includes the information on the card then it is relatively safe to assume
that the card reader is ok. If the card fails to read then try another card or a card from a
different supplier. If no data has been received after 10 seconds then the menu will revert
to the main test menu. DO NOT swipe cards outside of the magnetic card test. Swiping
cards outside of this area will produce unpredictable results.
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