MagTek FULL SIZE PORT - Manual (Page 15)

9
SECTION 3. OPERATION
Included in this section are Indicator, Card Read, Reader to Host Message Format, and a timing
diagram of data transmission.
LED INDICATOR
A green LED indicator on the panel gives the operator the status of the Reader. If the cabling is
correct and the correct Com Port is selected, the green indicator will be on. The LED is turned
off during a card swipe and while the unit is transmitting.
CARD READ
A card may be swiped through the Reader slot when the green LED is lit. The magnetic stripe
must face toward the front (the side with the LED) and may be swiped in either direction.
READER TO HOST MESSAGE FORMAT
Track data is sent in the following order: SS, Card Data, ES.
The format in which data is transmitted (in track order) after a card is read successfully is as
follows:
SS CARD DATA ES CR
Table 3-1 lists Start Sentinel and End Sentinel symbols.
Table 3-1. SS and ES Track Symbols
Start Sentinel End Sentinel Description
% ? Track 1
; ? Track 2
+ ? Track 3 – ISO*
# ? Track 3 – AAMVA*
! ? Track 3 – CDL*
*See Table 1-2 for definitions of abbreviations.
Start Sentinel Character
Card Data or "E" (for Error)
End Sentinel
Carriage Return