Unitech MS240, MS241 User Manual

MS240/241

Programmable

Magnetic

Stripe

Reader

AdventureJan

Improper handling, storage, environmental influences and /or
product modification can lead to problems during use.
This is particularly true if repairs and maintenance work are
not performed by trained personnel.
We reserve the right to make technical modifications in accor­dance with technological advancements as they occur.

General Advisory

FCC Information

This device has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the device is
operated in a commercial environment. This device 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 or her own expense.

MS240/241 Manual

MS240/241 Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

READER CONFIGURATION MANAGER 4. . . . . . . .

Beeps and Delays 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keyboard Wedge 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RS232 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

MS240/241 Manual

Data Editing 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WARRANTY 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SPECIFICATIONS 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10Magnetic Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MS240/241 Manual

MS240/241 Manual

INTRODUCTION

The MS240 is a family of magnetic stripe readers specifically designed
for reading ID, credit, membershop, or other types of cards that contain
magnetic stripe data.
The MS240 comes in five interfaces: PS/2, AT, RS232, USB, and TTL
Wand.

MS240

MS241

1

Normal Operation

The MS240/241 is designed to read magnetic stripe data. If the
MS240/241 has not been altered from its factory default, it will
output the data in its original format.
The PS/2, AT, USB, and TTL readers output data as if the data had
been typed on the host computer’s keyboard, and can be viewed in
any text editor such as Notepad or Word. The RS232 reader out­puts the data through the computer serial port like a modem, in
ASCII format, and thus requires a program such as HyperTerminal
to view the data.
The MS240/241 reads up to three tracks of data. Normally bank
cards utilize only the first two tracks, of which the second track
contains appropriate data for most credit card purchases. The third
track is usually present only on driver licenses.
The MS240/241 reader is compliant with ISO 7811, AAMVA, and
CA DMV formats.

MS240/241 Manual

MS240-3

The MS240-3 AT keyboard wedge interface has a “Y” interface cable
with an AT male plug on one end and an AT female plug on the
other. The cable end with the male plug is inserted into your
computer’s keyboard port and your keyboard is plugged into the
female plug.
The MS240-3 operation should be “plug and play”. The MS240-3
has a built-in decoder that outputs the scanned data in Scancode
keyboard format. Your computer will treat your MS240-3’s input as
it would normal keyboard input.
Note: If you are using a laptop computer or a USB keyboard (ie.
you are

not using an AT keyboard), then your MS240-3 will need to
be configured as a “Keyboardless Wedge” (see “Device” in the
“Scanner Configuration Manager” section.

2

MS240-2

The RS232 (Com Port) interface should only be used when your
software is designed to accept com port input. The MS240-2 has a
built-in decoder and outputs the scanned data in ASCII Code.
MS240-2 input requires special software such as HyperTerminal
(9600 bits per second, 8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit, No flow
control) in order to view the output.
Note: The MS240-2 will require an optional 5V 300mA power
supply unless your computer’s com port supplies power (unlikely).

MS240A

The Undecoded (or TTL, or Wand) MS240A requires an external
decoder in order to communicate with your computer. Decoders are
built into Wedge devices and many POS (Point of Sale) keyboards,
such as the Unitech KP3700.
The MS240A cannot be configured via Scanner Configuration
Manager. Any modification of the output data must be done in the
external decoder.

Following are the the various model numbers / interfaces available
for the MS240/241 and the specifics of each.

MS240/241 Manual

MS240-4

The USB interface is becoming popular and relatively foolproof.
Your MS240-4 uses the standard USB driver that has been included
in the Windows Operating System since Windows 98 SE.
The MS240-4 operation should be “plug and play”. The MS240-4
has a built-in decoder that outputs the scanned data in HID keyboard
format. Your computer will treat your MS240-4’s input as it would
normal keyboard input.
Note: Mac OS10 users might need to update their USB driver.

3

MS240-3PS2

The PS/2 Keyboard Wedge interface is the most popular and
straightforward. The MS240-3PS2 has a “Y” interface cable with a
PS/2 male plug on one end and a PS/2 female plug on the other.
The cable end with the male plug is inserted into your computer’s
keyboard port (not the mouse port!) and your keyboard is plugged
into the female plug.
The MS240-3PS2 operation should be “plug and play”. The MS240­3PS2 has a built-in decoder that outputs the read data in Scancode
keyboard format. Your computer will treat your MS240-3PS2’s input
as it would normal keyboard input.
Note: If you are using a laptop computer or a USB keyboard (ie.
you are

not using a PS/2 keyboard), then your MS240-3PS2 will
need to be configured as a “Keyboardless Wedge” (see “Device” in
the “Scanner Configuration Manager” section.