Section 2
INSTALLATION
Host Connections
The MiniMag is connected to the host computer’s RS-232 communi-
cations port. The cable has a DB-9 connector at one end, and is
connected to the reader at the other end. (An adapter can be used to
connect to a DB-25 RS-232 port.)
Data is transmitted to the host in an ASCII data format. The
reader’s output can be formatted with terminating characters and
special preamble and/or postamble character strings to match the
data format expected by the terminal.
The terminal must be configured to accept the data and to perform
the appropriate processing. Care must be taken to ensure that the
RS-232 parameters (baud rate, data bits, Start/Stop characters,
parity, and handshaking method) match those expected by the
terminal. Just transmitting the data to the serial port does not neces-
sarily mean it will appear on the screen as if it were entered manu-
ally.
Use the MiniMag Configuration Utility Application to program the
reader, and a communication program (such as Procomm or
Hyperterminal) to display the data.
There is insufficient power available on a standard RS-232 serial
port to power the MiniMag, so an external wall-mounted power
module must be used. Connect the power cable from this unit to the
power receptacle located on the DB-9 connector. Care must be
taken to ensure the power module o5 volts.
Section 1
INTRODUCTION
Description
The MiniMag™
compact magnetic stripe reader can read 1, 2, or 3
tracks of magnetic stripe information. In addition, it has full data
editing capabilities. The data can be formatted with preamble/
postamble and terminator characters to match the format expected
by the host.
The MiniMag can be connected to a host computer via an RS-232
input port. When the reader is connected as an RS-232 device, a
separate power module must be used.
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