MagTek RS232 User Manual

MAXI MICR RS232

WITH OPTIONAL 2-TRACK MSR

TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL

Manual Part Number: 99875073 Rev 3

APRIL 2003

REGISTERED TO ISO 9001:2000

1710 Apollo Court

Seal Beach, CA 90740

Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

Technical Support: [phone]

www.magtek.com

Copyright© 1997-2005

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 May 97 Initial Release
2 2 Aug 01 Front Matter, Agency page: Changed FCC to

Class B, added UL/CUL.. Removed obsolete
safety statement.

3 18 Apr 03 Front Matter: added ISO line to logo, changed

Tech Support phone number, added new
warranty statement.

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 Class B 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 residential 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.

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 B 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 B prescrites dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les
ministère des Communications du Canada.

UL/CSA

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

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. OVERVIEW ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1

FEATURES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
ACCESSORIES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
SPECIFICATIONS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2

SECTION 2. INSTALLATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3

REQUIREMENTS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
PROCEDURE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3

SECTION 3. OPERATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

CHECK READING PROCEDURE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
CARD SWIPE PROCEDURE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
LED INDICATORS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

SECTION 4. COMMANDS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

INSTA-CHANGE CHECKS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
PC PROGRAM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
COMMAND FORMAT-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
SWA - SWITCH A COMMAND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
SWA PARAMETERS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

Baud Rate.............................................................................................................................................9

Data and Parity.....................................................................................................................................9

CTS/DSR..............................................................................................................................................9

Number of Stop Bits .............................................................................................................................9

Intercharacter Delay.............................................................................................................................9

SWB - SWITCH B COMMAND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
SWB PARAMETERS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

Control Characters and MICR Data ...................................................................................................11

Control Characters and Card Data.....................................................................................................11

Communication Modes.......................................................................................................................11

Send Data After Error.........................................................................................................................12

Send Status After Data.......................................................................................................................12

SWC - SWITCH C COMMAND-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
SWC PARAMETERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

CMC-7 Character Set.........................................................................................................................14

Invalid Command Response ..............................................................................................................14

Active RTS..........................................................................................................................................14

FC - FORMAT CHANGE COMMAND ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
VR - VERSION COMMAND-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
SA - SAVE COMMAND-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
RS - RESET COMMAND---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

APPENDIX A. FORMAT LIST-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
APPENDIX B. CHECK READING ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33

E13-B CHARACTER SET--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
CMC-7 CHARACTER SET ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
CHECK LAYOUTS-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------34
MICR FIELDS-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------35

1-Transit Field.....................................................................................................................................35

2-On-Us Field .....................................................................................................................................35

3-Amount Field ...................................................................................................................................36

4-Auxiliary On-Us Field.......................................................................................................................36

APPENDIX C. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE--------------------------------------------------------------------------37

REQUIREMENTS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
SET-UP-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37

APPENDIX D. PINPAD INTERFACE TO MICR READER-----------------------------------------------------------45
APPENDIX E. INTERFACE CABLE PIN LISTS------------------------------------------------------------------------47

v

APPENDIX F. ASCII CODES----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49

FIGURES

Figure 1-1. MAXI MICR RS232 with 2-Track MSR -------------------------------------------------------------------- viii
Figure 3-1. Check Orientation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Figure B-1. Personal Checks----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Figure B-2. Business Checks ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Figure C-1. Sensor Location ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 43
Figure D-1. PINPad RJ Socket --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45

TABLES

Table 1-1. Specifications------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Table 3-1. LED indicators------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Table 4-1. SWA Command----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Table 4-2. SWB Command-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Table 4-3. Control Characters ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Table 4-4. Error and Status Codes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Table 4-5. SWC Command-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Table B-1. CMC-7 Nonnumeric Characters ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Table D-1. PINPad RJ Socket ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46
Table E-1. DB25 Interface Cable Pin List-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47
Table E-2. Adapter Cable, DB25 to DB9, Pin List---------------------------------------------------------------------- 47

vi

vii

viii

Figure 1-1. MAXI MICR RS232 with 2-Track MSR

SECTION 1. OVERVIEW

The MAXI MICR RS232 With Optional 2-Track MSR is both a MICR (Magnetic Ink Character
Recognition) Check Reader and an MSR (Magnetic Stripe Reader).

The MICR Reader, in a typical application, reads the magnetic data encoded on the bottom of
checks or magnetic stripe cards and transmits this data to a Host device. The Host device then
uses a specific authorization or verification process to validate a business transaction.

The use of the MICR Reader improves accuracy and speed because there is no manual data
entry; therefore there are no keying errors or unwanted delays.

The MICR Reader will communicate with the Host system using a standard RS-232 interface.
All data is transmitted as ASCII characters (See Appendix F). The MICR Reader has the
capability of supporting some hardware handshaking signals. (See Section 4, Commands.)

FEATURES

• Available with MICR Reader only or with 2-Track MSR (interface cable included – DB25

female connector to PC).

• Automatic parsing of MICR fields: transit, account, etc.

• Extensive list of formats to transmit MICR data.

• Optional error/status reporting for check reading.

• Reads E13-B and CMC-7 MICR fonts.

• In addition to the RS-232 interface, the MICR Reader is also available with other interfaces.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories available for the MICR Reader are as follows:

• Adapter Cable, DB25 male to DB9 female, Part Number 22017502

• AC Power Adapter with Cable, 120VAC to 12 VAC, 1 Amp, Part Number 64300050

• SET-MICR Demo Program, Part Number 22000020

• MICR Reader Cleaning Card, Part Number 96700006

• Sample Checks, Part Number 96530005

MAXI MICR RS232 with 2Track MSR

• Encrypting PINPad and Cable, Part Number 30015040 (See Appendix D)

• Encrypting PINPad Specification, Part Number 99815042

• Nonencrypting PINPad and Cable, Part Number 30015021 (See Appendix D)

• Nonencrypting PINPad Technical Description, Part Number 99833004

SPECIFICATIONS

Table 1-1 lists the specifications for the MICR Reader.

Table 1-1. Specifications

OPERATING

Reference Standards ISO/CDL/AAMVA
Power Input 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Output Signal Levels 12 VAC, 1 Amp
Check Read/Decode/Transit
Time
MICR fonts supported E13-B

MSR supported Tracks 1 and 2

Dimensions Length 9.25”, Width 4.0”, Height 4.7”
Weight: 3.75 lbs. MSR and Adapter included
Cable length 6’
Connectors DB25 female

Temperature
Operating 0oC to 50oC (32oF to 122oF)
Storage -30oC to 70oC (-22oF to 158oF)
Humidity
Operating 10% to 90% noncondensing
Storage Up to 100% noncondensing

1 second

CMC-7

MECHANICAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

2

SECTION 2. INSTALLATION

The installation for the MICR Reader is as follows:

REQUIREMENTS

The following is required for the Installation:

• MAXI MICR RS232 With Optional 2-Track MSR (interface cable included – DB25 female

connector to PC).

• AC Power Adapter with Cable, 120VAC to 12 VAC, 1 Amp, Part Number 64300050

PROCEDURE

Perform the following steps:

1. On the interface cable connect the DB25 connector to the PC. If the adapter cable is
required for a DB9 serial port, connect the adapter cable to the DB25 and the DB9 to the
PC. The pin lists for these connectors are shown in Appendix E.

2. On the AC power adapter, connect the jack to the plug on the MICR Reader.

3. On the AC power adapter, connect the plug to the wall outlet.

4. The LED indicator on the MICR Reader should turn on to a steady green. The LED
indicator is located below the slot where the check is first inserted for reading.

Caution

Do not place the MICR Reader within 6 inches of a computer
monitor or power supply. These devices may cause undesirable
interference with the check reading operation.

3

MAXI MICR RS232 with 2ack MSR

4

SECTION 3. OPERATION

This section contains check and card reading procedures and LED indicator states.

CHECK READING PROCEDURE

1. Orient the check so the MICR line is down and the printed side faces the center on the
MICR Reader as shown in Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1. Check Orientation

2. Drop the check so the leading edge is in the open slot.

3. When the MICR Reader detects the presence of the check, the motor will turn on. At this
time gently urge the check forward until the unit grabs the check. When this happens,
release the check. The check will then be transported around the check path and will exit
through the other side.

4. After the check is read, the MICR Reader will transmit the data as specified by the
parameters described in Section 4, Commands.

CARD SWIPE PROCEDURE

The card may be swiped through the MSR in either direction, but the magnetic stripe must be
oriented in only one direction as shown in Figure 1-1. The MSR will transmit raw card data (“as
is” on the card) for all tracks.

5

MAXI MICR RS232 with 2-Track MSR

LED INDICATORS

Table 3-1 describes the LED indicator conditions for check and card reading operations. The
LED indicator is located below the slot where the check is first inserted for reading.

Table 3-1. LED indicators

LED INDICATOR DESCRIPTION
OFF Power off
SOLID GREEN Ready to read check or card
OFF→ SOLID RED
OFF→ SOLID GREEN
FLASH GREEN Needs initialization*
FLASH RED/GREEN Data sensor blocked (motor does not run)*
FLASH RED Motor sensor blocked (motor does not run)*
FLASH GREEN FAST Monitor mode (factory use only)*

*Refer to “Appendix C. Troubleshooting Guide.”

Check or card read error
Good read

6

SECTION 4. COMMANDS

This section describes the use of commands and programmable options available for the MICR Reader.

Note

All options described below can be factory set as specified by the user when
ordering.

To execute the MICR Reader commands, either one of two methods is required: Insta-Change checks or
a PC with a program that provides access to a serial communications (COMM) port.

INSTA-CHANGE CHECKS

The first method is the use of Insta-Change checks, which is a more practical way of setting up the
MICR Reader for most applications. The Insta-Change check is a MICR encoded document that
contains commands and options used to reset the parameters of the MICR Reader. Multiple
commands and options may be contained on one Insta-Change check. When used, the Insta­Change checks are run through the MICR Reader the same as a standard check, and the options to
be used are automatically selected. To obtain Insta-Change checks, notify a MagTek
representative and specify what options will be used. To operate Insta-Change checks, install the
MICR Reader as described in Section 2, and watch the LED indicator. When the Insta-Change
check is run through the MICR Reader and read successfully, the LED indicator will blink green.
If the LED indicator turns red, the read is not successful. Try again or use a different Insta­Change check.

PC PROGRAM

The second method, the PC program, may be MagTek’s SET-MICR Demo program, or any other
user provided PC program that permits access to the COMM port. With the SET-MICR program,
commands may be selected from menus, but with any other program the command data is entered
manually (typed) into the system. Whether SET-MICR, or any other program is used, the PC and
the MICR Reader must be set to the same communication parameters (baud rate, parity, stop bits,
etc.)

COMMAND FORMAT

When the commands are entered manually, they must use the following format:

[COMMAND][DATA]<CR>

where:

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MAXI MICR RS232 with 2-Track MSR

• [COMMAND] is 2 or 3 alpha characters.

• [Data] is optional as described below for each command.

• <CR> is always required.

• All characters are ASCII

• No spaces, brackets, or angle brackets required.

SWA - SWITCH A COMMAND

The SWA command controls the communication parameters, shown in Table 4-1. The data for
this command consists of 8 ASCII bits (“0” = hex 30 and “1” = hex 31).

Table 4-1. SWA Command

BITS PARAMETERS

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

0 0 0 Reserved
0 0 1 Baud Rate: 300
0 1 0 Baud Rate: 600
0 1 1 Baud Rate: 1200
1 0 0 Baud Rate 2400
1 0 1 Baud Rate: 4800
1 1 0 Baud Rate: 9600
1 1 1 Baud Rate: 19200
0 0 Data and Parity: 8, None
0 1 Data and Parity: 7, Mark(1)
1 0 Data and Parity: 7, Even
1 1 Data and Parity: 7, Odd
0 CTS/DSR: Use
1 CTS/DSR: Ignore
0 Number of Stop Bits: 1
1 Number of Stop Bits: 2
0 Intercharacter Delay: No
1 Intercharacter Delay: Yes

To execute, send the SWA command as follows:

SWA 01010101<CR> (with data)
or
SWA <CR> (without data)

When sending data, all 8 bits must be provided. The MICR Reader will execute the command but
it will not reply. To make this command permanent, use the SA (Save) command described at the
end of this section.

8

Section 4. Commands

If no data is sent, the MICR Reader responds with the current settings for SWA.

Note

The new settings for the serial port will not become effective
until the RS (Reset) command is executed. The Reset
command is described at the end of this section.

SWA PARAMETERS

The SWA functions are listed in Table 4-1 and described below.

Baud Rate

The baud rate is one of seven speeds at which the MICR Reader communicates with the Host.
The lowest speed is 300 baud, and the highest is 19200.

Data and Parity

The number of data bits and the parity bit are interrelated. If even, odd, or mark parity is selected,
the MICR Reader will use seven data bits per byte with one parity bit. If a parity of none is
selected, the MICR Reader will use eight data bits per byte.

CTS/DSR

When CTS/DSR (Clear to Send/Data Set Ready) is set to IGNORE, the MICR Reader sends data
to the Host without waiting for the CTS and DSR signals to be active. When CTS/DSR is set to
USE, the MICR Reader waits for the CTS and DSR signals to be active before sending data.

Number of Stop Bits

The number of stop bits is either 1 or 2. Normally, one stop bit is used for most applications.
Two stop bits are used to allow extra time for slower Host equipment.

Intercharacter Delay

The intercharacter delay is used to increase the time between characters transmitted from the
MICR Reader. The time is increased to 13 milliseconds. This parameter affects character rate but
not baud rate (i.e., each character takes the same time to transmit but the time between characters
is increased).

9

MAXI MICR RS232 with 2-Track MSR

SWB - SWITCH B COMMAND

The SWB command controls the message format, shown in Table 4-2. The data for this command
consists of 8 ASCII bits (“0” = hex 30 and “1” = hex 31).

To execute, send the SWB command as follows:
SWB 01010101<CR> (with data)
or
SWB <CR> (without data)
When sending data, all 8 bits must be provided. The MICR Reader will execute the command but

it will not reply. The new settings become effective immediately. To make this command
permanent, use the command SA (Save) described at the end of this section.

If no data is sent, the MICR Reader responds with the current settings for SWB.

Table 4-2. SWB Command

BIT PARAMETERS

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

0 <LF>: No
1 <LF>: Yes
0 <CR>: No
1 <CR>: Yes
0 <ETX>: No
1 <ETX>: Yes
0 <ESC>: No
1 <ESC>: Yes
0 <STX>: No
1 <STX>: Yes
0 Send Data After Error?: No
1 Send Data After Error?: Yes
0 Send Status After Data?: No
1 Send Status After Data?: Yes

0 0 0 0 0 0 Comm Mode: 0 - Data Only
1 0 0 0 0 0 Comm Mode: 1 - Data <CR>
0 0 0 0 0 1 Comm Mode: 2 - Data -<LF>
0 0 0 0 1 1 Comm Mode: 3 - Data -<CR><LF>
0 0 1 0 0 0 Comm Mode: 4 - <ESC> Data
0 0 1 0 1 0 Comm Mode: 5 - <ESC> Data<CR>
0 1 0 1 0 0 Comm Mode: 6 - <STX> Data<ETX>
1 0 0 0 0 1 Comm Mode: 7 - <STX>Data<ETX><LRC>

10