MagTek iDynamo - Manual (Page 23)

Appendix C - Troubleshooting
iDynamo| MagneSafe Secure Card Reader Authenticator | Technical Reference Manual
Page 23
Appendix C Troubleshooting
Ergonomics also play a critical role. If something is impeding the end of the swipe and causes you to stop
short, or the reader is placed/held at an awkward angle, you will also generate a good deal of bad read
events. There are videos available that demonstrate proper swiping technique. The typical symptom for a
broken read head or circuit is a lack of any data from a swipe event, but a card swiped backwards or
upside down will also exhibit the same symptom.
C.1 iDynamo Not Detected By App
If the app you are using won’t detect or connect to the device, check the following:

Check the electromechanical connection:
o Make sure the iOS device’s case is not interfering with the connection.
o Make sure you are using the correct adapter for the chosen iOS device (see Appendix B).
o Make sure the adapted iDynamo does not shift on the iOS device when gently wiggled.
o
Make sure the reader’s connector is not damaged or dirty.
o Connect another device to the iOS device’s connector to make sure it is functioning correctly.

For an app to interface with the iDynamo, it must use the same Bundle Identifier as the device (by
default, com.magtek.idynamo). iDynamo can also be configured with a different Bundle
Identifier, in which case the app must use that Bundle Identifier instead.
C.2 Bad Reads / Swipe Not Detected
If card swipes are not being registered correctly, check the following:

Card orientation. Make sure the card is oriented so the magstripe is inside iDynamo and facing
toward the thicker side of the iDynamo (away from the lock logo).

Damaged card. The magstripe on the card may be damaged. Try another card.

Excessive buildup on the read head. Clean the read head by swiping a cleaning card through the
iDynamo several times in different orientations until the card comes out clean. Cleaning cards are
available from MagTek as part number 96700025. If the operation environment is dusty, use
compressed air to blow residue out of the iDynamo.

Swipe mechanics. A good read depends on the magstripe moving straight over the read head and
above a certain speed. Try swiping more quickly and straight through the guide path of the iDynamo.
The range of working swipe speeds is listed in Appendix A Technical Specifications.

Ergonomics. Make sure there are no mechanical hindrances (such as an accessory case or stand for
the iOS device) to swiping quickly and straight through the device.

EDGE protocol. When iDynamo is used with an iPhone using EDGE protocol for wireless
communication, the reader may encounter too much electromagnetic interference to work reliably. In
these cases, it may take multiple swipes to obtain the track data and a reliable MagnePrint reading.
If iDynamo is still not registering swipes after following these steps, contact your supplier for assistance.
C.3 iOS Device Not Charging
If the connected iOS device is not charging through the pass-through Micro-USB port, check the
following:

Incorrect power supply / not enough power: Swap out components in the chain, such as the power
supply itself and the cable connecting the power supply to iDynamo. Remove iDynamo and connect
the power supply directly to the iOS device to make sure the device charges.