Page 42
Section 12 ... Magnetic Card Reader
Introduction
Ÿ An optional Magnetic Card Reader is available for the S2000T series printers. This
option is designed to read Magnetic Cards conforming to ISO standards (ABA, IATA,
MINTS and THRIFT), convert the encoded signals to ASCII format and transmit the
information to the host computer or terminal.
Ÿ Two Types of Magnetic Card Reader Heads are available. The part number, Model
number and functional description of each type are summarized below.
Part # Model # Track # Functional Description
Track # - Max. capacity/ data bits
Recording method : Recording Density
7A070007 MR-2105 1 & 2 Track 1 - 79 characters / 7 bit
RecM: F2F : RecD:210BPI
Track 2 - 40 characters / 5 bit
RecM: FM : RecD: 75BPI
7A070011 MR-2106 2 & 3 Track 2 - 40 characters / 5 bit
RecM: FM RecD: 75BPI
Track 3 - 107 characters / 7 bit
RecM: F2F RecD:210BPI
Note: All readers will accept odd or even Parity
Interfacing to the Magnetic Card Reader
§ This section details the software steps required to access the Magnetic Card Reader from
a computer or from a terminal.
§ Select the printer
§ The Host Selects the S2000T printer by activating the RTS input line or sending wake-up
character to the printer.
§ The Printer Sends the XON command to the Host to indicate ready to receive Command
strings. The host has to wait for XON before proceeding.
§ Select the Magnetic Card Reader
Ÿ The Host sends ASCII serial command string to enable the Magnetic Card Reader. The
printer turns on the <READY> LED if the proper command string is received.
§ Receive the ASCII Data Output from printer
Ÿ Once the magnetic card is swiped by the operator, the printer transmits in ASCII format
<Track Data> or <Error Message>. A good read automatically turns off the reader. The
printer turns on the red <ERROR> LED if an error is encountered.
