MagTek MT-85 User Manual

MODEL MT-85

LOW COERCIVITY ENCODER/READER

TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL

Manual Part Number 99875107 Rev 5

NOVEMBER 2003

REGISTERED TO ISO 9001:2000

1710 Apollo Court

Seal Beach, CA 90740

Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

Technical Support: [phone]

www.magtek.com

Copyright© 1998-2005

MagTek®, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of MagTek, Inc.

MagTek is a registered trademark of MagTek, Inc.

REVISIONS

Rev Number Date Notes

1 23 Jul 98 Initial Release
2 7 May 99 Sec 1: Under Requirements added

new P/N for Track 2 only, Under
Options Added MTD and Web site;
Sec 2: Changed RTS to CTS,
changed baud rate to 4800. Sec 3:
Reformatted section for clarity and
added BCC notes.

3 31 Jul 01 Front Matter, Agency Approvals:

Added CE Class A approval, added
UL and CUL listed.

4 13 May 03 Front Matter: added ISO line to

logo, changed Tech Support phone
number, added new warranty
statement.

5 6 Nov 03 Sec 1, Optional, Updated

configurations. Modified Table 3-1
note, Modified D command request.

ii

LIMITED WARRANTY

MagTek warrants that the products sold to Reseller pursuant to this Agreement will perform in accordance with
MagTek’s published specifications. This warranty shall be provided only for a period of one year from the date
of the shipment of the product from MagTek (the “Warranty Period”). This warranty shall apply only to the
original purchaser unless the buyer is authorized by MagTek to resell the products, in which event, this warranty
shall apply only to the first repurchase.

During the Warranty Period, should this product fail to conform to MagTek’s specifications, MagTek will, at its
option, repair or replace this product at no additional charge except as set forth below. Repair parts and
replacement products will be furnished on an exchange basis and will be either reconditioned or new. All replaced
parts and products become the property of MagTek. This limited warranty does not include service to repair
damage to the product resulting from accident, disaster, unreasonable use, misuse, abuse, customer’s negligence,
Reseller’s negligence, or non-MagTek modification of the product. MagTek reserves the right to examine the
alleged defective goods to determine whether the warranty is applicable.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, MagTek specifically disclaims any liability or warranty for
goods resold in other than MagTek’s original packages, and for goods modified, altered, or treated by customers.

Service may be obtained by delivering the product during the warranty period to MagTek (1710 Apollo Court,
Seal Beach, CA 90740). If this product is delivered by mail or by an equivalent shipping carrier, the customer
agrees to insure the product or assume the risk of loss or damage in transit, to prepay shipping charges to the
warranty service location and to use the original shipping container or equivalent. MagTek will return the product,
prepaid, via a three (3) day shipping service. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must accompany
all returns.

MAGTEK MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND MAGTEK DISCLAIMS ANY
WARRANTY OF ANY OTHER KIND, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

EACH PURCHASER UNDERSTANDS THAT THE MAGTEK PRODUCT IS OFFERED AS IS. IF THIS
PRODUCT DOES NOT CONFORM TO MAGTEK’S SPECIFICATIONS, THE SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED ABOVE. MAGTEK’S LIABILITY, IF ANY, TO RESELLER
OR TO RESELLER’S CUSTOMERS, SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID TO
MAGTEK BY RESELLER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. IN NO EVENT WILL MAGTEK BE LIABLE TO
THE RESELLER OR THE RESELLER’S CUSTOMER FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST
PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT
OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH PRODUCT, EVEN IF MAGTEK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.

LIMITATION ON LIABILITY

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE SECTIONS RELATING TO MAGTEK’S LIMITED WARRANTY,
MAGTEK’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIMITED TO THE CONTRACT PRICE OF THE
PRODUCTS.

MAGTEK MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS, EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, EXCEPT AS MAY BE STATED IN THIS AGREEMENT, AND MAGTEK DISCLAIMS ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

MAGTEK SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONTINGENT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY. MAGTEK FURTHER LIMITS ITS LIABILITY OF ANY KIND
WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING ANY NEGLIGENCE ON ITS PART, TO THE
CONTRACT PRICE FOR THE GOODS.

MAGTEK’S SOLE LIABILITY AND BUYER’S EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES ARE STATED IN THIS SECTION
AND IN THE SECTION RELATING TO MAGTEK’S LIMITED WARRANTY.

iii

FCC WARNING STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this device is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. And (2) This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CANADIAN DOC STATEMENT

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise for digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de las classe A prescrites dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les
ministère des Communications du Canada.

CE STANDARDS

Testing for compliance to CE and FCC requirements was performed by an independent laboratory. The unit
under test was found compliant to Class A.

UL/CSA

This product is listed per Underwriter Laboratories and Canadian Underwriter Laboratories 1950.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................1

FEATURES.................................................................................................................................................1

REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................................................1

OPTIONAL..................................................................................................................................................1

SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................................2

SECTION 2. INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................5

HARDWARE...............................................................................................................................................5

COMMUNICATION SETUP........................................................................................................................6

PIN LISTS...................................................................................................................................................6

SECTION 3. OPERATION...........................................................................................................................7

TRANSMIT CHARACTER FORMAT..........................................................................................................7

LED AND AUDIO INDICATORS.................................................................................................................7

Red LED.................................................................................................................................................7

Green LED.............................................................................................................................................7

Yellow LED.............................................................................................................................................7

Audio Alarm............................................................................................................................................8

ENCODE MESSAGE FORMAT .................................................................................................................8

ENCODE EXAMPLE ..................................................................................................................................9

TRANSMITTED AND RECEIVED DATA FORMATS.................................................................................9

MT-85 COMMANDS.................................................................................................................................10

Setup (S)..............................................................................................................................................10

Dump (D)..............................................................................................................................................12

Version Request (V).............................................................................................................................12

Cancel Encode (Q)...............................................................................................................................13

APPENDIX A. CHARACTER SETS..........................................................................................................15

FIGURES

Figure 1-1. MT-85 Encoder/Reader............................................................................................................vi

Figure 1-2. Dimensions................................................................................................................................3

Figure 1-3. MT-85 Orientation, Connections, and Parts..............................................................................3

TABLES

Table 1-1. Specifications..............................................................................................................................2

Table 2-1. MT-85 Cable 25-pin connector ...................................................................................................6

Table 2-2. DC power jack on 25-pin connector............................................................................................6

Table 3-1. Communication Setup...............................................................................................................11

Table A-1. Track 1, 7-Bit Character Set.....................................................................................................15

Track A-2. Track 2/3 5-Bit Character Set...................................................................................................15

v

vi

Figure 1-1. MT-85 Encoder/Reader

SECTION 1. FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

The Model MT-85 Low Coercivity Encoder/Reader reads and encodes magnetic stripe cards that
comply with ANSI/ISO standards. The Encoder/Reader is compatible with PC computers or any
computer with an RS-232 interface serial port. The MT-85 encodes at low coercivity (LoCo),
which is the energy level of 300 Oersteds.

FEATURES

• Reads and encodes magnetic stripes per ANSI/ISO standards

• Capable of reading and encoding media per ANSI/ISO specifications such as tickets, cards,

badges, and passbooks

• Programmable baud rate, parity, and block check character (BCC)

REQUIREMENTS

• MT-85 Encoder

- P/N 15033001, Tracks 1,2,3

- P/N 15033002, Track 2 only

• 120 VAC power supply to 12V DC 500mA (P/N 64300072)

or

• 230 VAC power supply to 12V DC 500mA (P/N 64300073)

OPTIONAL

• Encoder/Reader Demo Program - Windows 95 or Windows NT.

- 3.5" disks, P/N 30037389

- From Web site, Encoder/Reader Demo (P/N 99510004)

• MTD (MagTek Device Drivers for Windows)

-CD (P/N 30037385)

-From Web site, MTD Drivers (P/N 99510013)

• Adapter, 9- to 25-pin, P/N 78200017

1

MT-85 RS-232 Reader/Encoder

SPECIFICATIONS

The specifications are listed in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1. Specifications

Reference Standards ANSI/ISO
Dimensions

Length 8.63" (219.07mm)
Width 2.25" (57.15mm)
Height 2.37" (60.32mm)
Weight 1 Lb. (0.45 kg)
Cable Length 5' (1.5 Meter)

Encoding Energy LoCo - 300 oersted
Power Supply DC 12V 500mA

Power Consumption 400mA maximum at 12VDC
Recording Density ISO standard

210 BPI for Track 1
75 BPI for Track 2
210 BPI for Track 3

Speed 3 to 35 inches per second
Interface RS232
Operating Temperature 410 to 1220 F (50 to 500 C)

Storage Temperature 320 to 1310 F (00 to 550 C)
Operating Humidity 15% to 90% (Noncondensing)

Storage Humidity 10% to 100% (Nonco ndensing)

2

Section 1. Features and Specifications

The dimensions of the Encoder are shown in Figure 1-2.

Figure 1-2. Dimensions

The orientation of the Encoder, the power supply, and the adapter are shown in Figure 1-3.

Figure 1-3. MT-85 Orientation, Connections, and Parts.

3

MT-85 RS-232 Reader/Encoder

4

SECTION 2. INSTALLATION

The installation of the MT-85 consists of installing the hardware and application software.
Install the MT-85 as described below.

HARDWARE

Follow these steps:

1. If the PC serial port has a 25-pin connector, plug the 25-pin connector from the MT-85
into the PC serial port. Plug the power supply, 12VDC @ 500mA, into the MT-85 cable
and into wall power.

If the PC has a 9-pin connector, use a 9-pin to 25-pin adapter (part number 78200017) for
the connection between the MT-85 cable and the PC.

2. If a software program is not activated, the red LED will go ON and remain on until the
software is activated.

Note

The CTS must be active for the MT-85 to operate. When
CTS is active, the LED will be green.

3. Activate the software program; the MT-85 Demo program is described below as an
example.

4. When the program is opened, the red LED will change to green. Swipe a LoCo card.
The unit will beep, and the green LED will turn OFF momentarily then ON. The mag­stripe information from the card will be transmitted to the PC.

5. If using the Encoder/Reader Demo software, change the encode data. Then click on the
button that indicates the data is to be encoded. When the unit has received a properly
formatted encode message, the audio alarm will beep and the LED will flash yellow.

6. Swipe the same card previously used to read the data. If the encode is successful, the
audio alarm will beep once, the card information will be sent to the PC, and the LED will
turn green. If the encode is unsuccessful, the audio alarm will beep three times, the unit
will send a NAK message, and the red LED will go OFF momentarily then turn green.

5

MT-85 RS-232 Reader/Encoder

Note

The LED will flash yellow for about 30 seconds. If a card is not
swiped within that period, the Encode will time out, transmit a "T"
error message, and return to read mode.

COMMUNICATION SETUP

The default settings for communication are as follows:

Function Setting
Baud Rate 4800
Parity Odd
Data Bits 7
Stop Bits 1
BCC No

PIN LISTS

The pin list for the 25-pin connector (from the MT-85 to the PC) is shown in Table 2-1. The pin
list for the power jack on the 25-pin connector is shown in Table 2-2.

Table 2-1. MT-85 Cable 25-pin connector

Pin Signal at MT-85

2 RXD (input)
3 TXD (output)
4 CTS (input)
5 RTS (output)
7 GND
6 ­8 -

20 -

Table 2-2. DC power jack on 25-pin connector

Pin Signal

Center +12VDC

Outer GND

6

SECTION 3. OPERATION

This section contains Transmit Character Format, LED and Audio Indicators, Encoded Message
Format, an Encode Example, Transmitted Data and Character Formats, and MT-85 Commands.

TRANSMIT CHARACTER FORMAT

Each ASCII character is transmitted with l start bit, 7 data bits, 1 parity bit, and 1 stop bit. The
parity setting can be defined with the "S" command. To generate application software for the
MT-85, use standard RS-232 communication protocol.

Before reading or encoding a card, the application software should have the computer activate
the CTS of the MT-85 and receive the activation of the RTS of the MT-85.

For reading a card, the MT-85 will send all track data to the computer if the read is good. If any
track contains a read error, the Start Sentinel (%, ; or +) for that track will be followed by an "E"
and terminated with ES (?). Any good tracks will be transmitted.

For encoding a card, the MT-85 will send the same data back to the computer as the data loaded
to the MT-85 when a good encode is completed. The MT-85 will send a NAK message
(<STX><NAK><ETX>) to the computer if a read-after-write error is detected.

LED AND AUDIO INDICATORS

There is a three-color LED indicator on the panel for status. There is also an audio alarm in the
form of beeps.

Red LED

The red color indicates that the power is ON, but the CTS has not been activated.

Green LED

The green color lights when the unit is at read mode and the unit is ready to read a magnetic
stripe card.

Yellow LED

The yellow color blinks when the unit is in write mode and is prepared to encode a card. If the
card is not encoded within approximately 30 seconds, the unit will time out and the green color
will appear.

7

MT-85 RS-232 Reader/Encoder

Audio Alarm

The audio alarm beeps once when a card is read or encoded successfully. The alarm beeps three
times for a read or encode error. The alarm also beeps when a message is transmitted to the unit;
one beep for a good receipt of the message, three for an error in receipt of the message. The unit
beeps three times for a time-out error that occurs if a card is not swiped within 30 seconds.

ENCODE MESSAGE FORMAT

The format of the encoded data for three tracks is as follows:

<STX> <SS> track data 1 <ES> <SS> track data 2 <ES> <SS> track data 3 <ES> <ETX>

where: <STX> is the Start of Text character (0x02, or control B on the keyboard).

This character prepares the Encoder to receive a message.

<SS> is the Start Sentinel for each track to be encoded. Each track of

card data must start with its identifying Start Sentinel and end with
an End Sentinel (which is always a question mark (?)). You may
encode any combination of the three tracks, but they must be sent
in 1, 2, 3, order. The Start Sentinels are as follows:

Track SS Symbol Format

1 % percent sign 7-bit format

2 ; semicolon 5-bit format

3 + plus sign 5-bit format

track data is the actual data to be encoded on each track. These must be legal

characters for that track. That is, you cannot encode letters on
Tracks 2 and 3 in 5-bit format, so these should not be sent. (See
Appendix A.)

<ES> is the End Sentinel for each track encoded. The End Sentinel is a

question mark (?) for all three tracks. This must end each set of
track data.

<ETX> is the End of Text character (0x03, or control C on the keyboard).

When this character is received by the encoder, it will switch to the
encode mode until either a successful encode or an abort command
is received.

8

Section 3. Operation

ENCODE EXAMPLE

To encode “ABCDEFG” on Track 1 and “123456789=112233” on Track 2 and keep Track 3 the
same, the data to the encoder is as follows:

Request:

<STX>%ABCDEFG?;123456789=112233?<ETX>{BCC}

The STX character shows on the computer’s screen as a happy face (on some systems it might
appear as $02). The ETX character shows on the computer’s screen as a heart (on some systems
it might appear as $03). It is not necessary to send a carriage return after the ETX. With this
command, Tracks 1 and 2 will be encoded. Track 3 will be left as it is. The {BCC} is required
only if that option is enabled.

Response:

After a good encode, the MT-85 will return the data that was read from the tracks being encoded:

<STX>%ABCDEFG?;123456789=112233?<ETX>{BCC}

If there is an error in any of the encoded tracks, a NAK message will be sent:

<STX><NAK><ETX>{BCC}

TRANSMITTED AND RECEIVED DATA FORMATS

STX TRACK 1 DATA TRACK 2 DATA TRACK 3 DATA ETX BCC

Start of Text Character
Hex 02

Block Check
Character,
Optional

Data Message for Each Track

End of Text Character
Hex 03

SS DATA MESSAGE ES

Start Sentinel
Character. See below
for each track.

Length of Data Message of each track.
See below for each track or E for
Error.

End Sentinel Character.
3F Hex (?) for all tracks.

9

MT-85 RS-232 Reader/Encoder

Notes:

1. The three tracks of data must be entered in order; for example, enter Track 1 first,
followed by track 2, then track 3.

2. The maximum length of the data message of each track and the SS of each track are as
follows:

Track 1: 76 characters; Start Sentinel is % (25 Hex).
Track 2: 37 characters; Start Sentinel is ; (3B Hex).
Track 3: 104 characters; Start Sentinel is + (2B Hex).

3. The optional Block Check Character (BCC) is appended to the message. It is generated
by exclusive ORing (XOR) each transmitted character including ETX, but excluding
STX.

4. The End Sentinel character (ES) is 3F Hex (?) for all tracks.

5. If a card is not swiped within the 30-second timeout, the unit will terminate the encode
operation and send a "T" response:

<STX>T<ETX>{BCC}

MT-85 COMMANDS

The MT-85 commands are Setup (S), Dump (D), Version (V), and Cancel an Encode operation
(Q).

Setup (S)

[Y] is bitmapped as shown in Table 3-1 in both the “S” and “D” commands:

10

Section 3. Operation

Table 3-1. Communication Setup

Bit value in [Y]

P 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Field

. . . . . . 0 0 Baud Rate:

1200

. . . . . . 0 1 2400

. . . . . . 1 0 4800

. . . . . . 1 1 9600

. . . . 0 0 . . Parity:

Odd

. . . . 0 1 . . Even

. . . . 1 0 . . Mark

. . . . 1 1 . . Space

. . . 0 . . . . BCC:

Don’t Use

. . . 1 . . . . Use

0 0 Always zero

x Parity Bit

x =the parity bit (not included in the byte)

Note

On all requests and responses, {BCC} is present only if enabled.

The “S” command will set MT-85 communication parameters.

Request:

1 2 3 4 5 6

<STX> <ESC> S [Y] <ETX> *

*BCC is ignored in this command, even if enabled.

Response:

1 2 3 4 5 6

<STX> <ESC> S [Y] <ETX> {BCC}

[Y] is defined in Table 3-1, above.

11

MT-85 RS-232 Reader/Encoder

Dump (D)

The "D" command will dump its internal configuration.

Request:

1 2 3 4 5

<STX> <ESC> D <ETX> *

*BCC is ignored in this command, even if enabled.

Response:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8-63 64 65

<STX> <ESC> 44H x x x [Y] Not used - Reserved

for future use.

<ETX> {BCC}

(opt)

Locations 4-6 indicate which tracks are enabled. Enabled tracks contain the value 44H; disabled
tracks are 00Hex; location 4 is Track 1, location 5 is Track 2, and location 6 is Track 3. The
communication byte [Y] in location 7 is defined in Table 3-1, above.

Version Request (V)

The “V” command requests the firmware part number and version.

Request:

1 2 3 4 5

<STX> <ESC> V <ETX> *

*BCC is ignored in this command, even if enabled.

Returns the MT-85’s firmware version.

Response:

1 2 3 – 10 11 -13 14 15

<STX> V [Part Num] [Revision] <ETX> {BCC}

[Part Num] is 8 decimal digits. [Revision] is a single letter (the major revision) followed by two
decimal digits (the minor revision). For Example: <STX>V15033401F01<ETX>{BCC}

12

Section 3. Operation

Cancel Encode (Q)

The "Q" command can be used to cancel an encode request before the 30-second timeout.

1 2 3 4 5

<STX> <ESC> Q <ETX> *

*BCC is ignored in this command, even if enabled.

There is no response to the "Q" command if an encode operation is in process, but the LED will
change from yellow to green. If encode was not enabled, the "Q" command returns a NAK
message.

13

MT-85 RS-232 Reader/Encoder

14

APPENDIX A. CHARACTER SETS

Table A-1. Track 1, 7-Bit Character Set

Character Hex Character Hex Character Hex Character Hex

Space 20 0 30 @

at sign

!

exclamation mark

“

double quote

#

pound sign

$

dollar sign

% (ss)

per cent sign

&

ampersand

‘

apostrophe

(

left paren

)

right paren

*

asterisk

+

plus sign

,

comma

-

hyphen

.

period

/

forward slash

21 1 31 A 41 Q 51
22 2 32 B 42 R 52
23 3 33 C 43 S 53
24 4 34 D 44 T 54
25 5 35 E 45 U 55
26 6 36 F 46 V 56
27 7 37 G 47 W 57
28 8 38 H 48 X 58
29 9 39 I 49 Y 59
2a :

colon

2b ;

semi-colon

2c <

left bracket

2d =

equal sign

2e >

right bracket

2f ? (es)

question mark

3a J 4a Z 5a
3b K 4b [
3c L 4c \
3d M 4d ]
3e N 4e ^ (fs)

3f O 4f _

Track A-2. Track 2/3 5-Bit Character Set

Character Hex Character Hex Character Hex Character Hex

0

1 31 5 35 9 39 = (fs)
2 32 6 36 :
3 33 7 37 ; (ss)

30 4 34 8 38 <

colon

semi-colon

40 P 50

left square bracket

back slash

right square bracket

carat

underline

3c

left bracket

3d

equal sign

3a >

right bracket

3b ? (es)

question mark

3e

3f

5b
5c
5d
5e

5f

15

16