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MS242 User’s Manual
1.4 Getting Started
The compact magnetic stripe reader can read 1, 2, or 3 tracks of magnetic
stripe information. In addition, it has full formatted data capabilities. When
connected to the host computer via the USB input port, the reader can be
configured for compatibility with the host’s software. The decoded data
appears to the host as if it were entered manually by an operator through the
keyboard. This unit is fully programmable with MagSwipe Configuration Utility.
The data can be for-matted with preamble/postamble and terminator
characters to match the format expected by the host.
Note : Power is obtained from the host. No separate power supply is required.
1.4.1 Host connections & Drivers
The reader is connected to the host computer via a USB input port. Since USB
devices are designed to be “plug and play,” the computer will search for a
Human Interface Device (HID) driver when the reader is first connected. If one
can-not be found, the computer will prompt you to make a selection. The
Windows software CD may be needed to complete the installation.
The magnetic stripe data is transmitted and appears to the host as coming
directly from the keyboard. This makes the reader, as a data source,
completely transparent to the host’s application software. In other words, if it is
expecting data from the keyboard, that same data can be entered via the
reader and make no difference to the host.
If the host computer’s application software is expecting the MagStripe data in a
particular order and format, the reader’s output can be configured to output a
simulated keyboard-entered data stream by re-arranging data blocks, adding
terminating characters and special preamble and/or postamble character
strings to the decoded card data.
