Magtek MICRSafe Product manual

MICRSAFE
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Manual Part Number: 99875466-3
OCTOBER 2010
REGISTERED TO ISO 9001:2008
1710 Apollo Court
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Technical Support: [phone]
www.magtek.com

ii
Copyright©2002-2010
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
Date
Notes
1.01
Mar 3, 2010
Initial Release
2.01
Aug 27, 2010
Updated images; change AC to DC; updated
command information
3.01
Oct 20, 2010
Noted configuration 8.3; In troubleshooting
guide changed18 “Return MICRSAFE to
MagTek” to “Return MICRSAFE for service”;
Removed 08 from troubleshooting guide

iii
LIMITED WARRANTY
MagTek warrants that the products sold 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 “Buyer”
(the original purchaser, unless that entity resells the product as authorized by MagTek, in which event this
warranty shall apply only to the first repurchaser).
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, negligence, or
modification of the product not authorized by MagTek. 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 without
authorization by MagTek.
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. Buyers may obtain an RMA number by contacting Technical Support at [phone].
EACH BUYER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS MAGTEK PRODUCT IS
OFFERED AS IS. 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.
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,
SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID TO MAGTEK UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT. IN NO EVENT WILL MAGTEK BE LIABLE TO THE BUYER 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 THIS
PRODUCT.
MAGTEK MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT, 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 PRODUCT, 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.

iv
FCC WARNING STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and was found to comply with the limits for a 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 with 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 from 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 la classe B prescrites dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
ministère des Communications du Canada.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numériqué de la classe B est conformé à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
CE STANDARDS
Testing for compliance with CE requirements was performed by an independent laboratory. The unit under test
was found compliant with standards established for Class B devices.
UL/CSA
This product is recognized per Underwriter Laboratories and Canadian Underwriter Laboratories 1950.
RoHS STATEMENT
When ordered as RoHS compliant, this product meets the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Reduction
of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) European Directive 2002/95/EC. The marking is clearly recognizable, either as
written words like “Pb-free”, “lead-free”, or as another clear symbol ( ).

v
Contents
SECTION 1. OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................1
FEATURES ...............................................................................................................................................2
ACCESSORIES.........................................................................................................................................2
SOFTWARE DRIVERS REQUIRED.........................................................................................................2
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS....................................................................................................................3
SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................................................3
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................................5
REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................................................................5
PROCEDURE............................................................................................................................................5
USB DRIVER INSTALLATION (WINDOWS)............................................................................................6
SECTION 3. OPERATION ...........................................................................................................................7
CHECK READING PROCEDURE.............................................................................................................7
CARD SWIPE PROCEDURE....................................................................................................................7
LED INDICATORS ....................................................................................................................................8
SECTION 4. LEGACY COMMANDS...........................................................................................................9
INSTA-CHANGE CHECKS.......................................................................................................................9
MICRBASE SETUP PROGRAM FOR WINDOWS...................................................................................9
COMMAND FORMAT .............................................................................................................................10
SWB - SWITCH B COMMAND...............................................................................................................11
SWB PARAMETERS ..............................................................................................................................12
Control Characters and MICR Data....................................................................................................12
Control Characters and Card Data......................................................................................................12
Communication Modes .......................................................................................................................12
Send Data After Error..........................................................................................................................13
Send Status After Data .......................................................................................................................13
SWC - SWITCH C COMMAND...............................................................................................................14
SWC PARAMETERS..............................................................................................................................15
CMC-7 Character Set..........................................................................................................................15
Invalid Command Response...............................................................................................................15
Data Header........................................................................................................................................16
Card Data Message............................................................................................................................16
HW - HARDWARE COMMAND..............................................................................................................16
HW PARAMETERS.................................................................................................................................17
Disable/Enable Tracks........................................................................................................................17
ID Card Decoding................................................................................................................................17
EMF Detect.........................................................................................................................................17
FC - FORMAT CHANGE COMMAND.....................................................................................................18
VR - VERSION COMMAND....................................................................................................................18
SA - SAVE COMMAND...........................................................................................................................18
RS - RESET COMMAND ........................................................................................................................18
DM – DISABLE MICR COMMAND..........................................................................................................19
EM – ENABLE MICR COMMAND...........................................................................................................19
KS – ENABLE KEYSTROKE COMMAND...............................................................................................19
SLP – SLEEP MODE COMMAND ..........................................................................................................19
RD – ENABLE AUXILIARY PORT COMMAND ......................................................................................19
CHKCNT – CHECK COUNT COMMAND...............................................................................................20
SECTION 5. USB COMMUNICATIONS ....................................................................................................21
HOST APPLICATIONS ...........................................................................................................................21
CARD AND MICR DATA.........................................................................................................................22
PROGRAMMABLE CONFIGURATION OPTIONS.................................................................................22
LOW LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS.........................................................................................................22
HID USAGES ..........................................................................................................................................23
REPORT DESCRIPTOR.........................................................................................................................23
COMMANDS...........................................................................................................................................24
COMMAND PROCESSING.....................................................................................................................25
COMMAND NUMBER.............................................................................................................................25
DATA LENGTH .......................................................................................................................................25

vi
DATA.......................................................................................................................................................25
RESULT CODE.......................................................................................................................................26
GET AND SET PROPERTY COMMANDS.............................................................................................26
SOFTWARE ID PROPERTY ..................................................................................................................27
SERIAL NUM PROPERTY......................................................................................................................28
POLLING INTERVAL PROPERTY .........................................................................................................29
TRACK DATA SEND FLAGS PROPERTY.............................................................................................29
ASCII TO KEYPRESS CONVERSION TYPE PROPERTY ....................................................................30
ACTIVE KEYMAP PROPERTY...............................................................................................................32
CONVERT FROM CHAR A PROPERTY................................................................................................33
CONVERT TO STRING A PROPERTY..................................................................................................34
CONVERT FROM CHAR B PROPERTY................................................................................................34
CONVERT TO STRING B PROPERTY..................................................................................................35
RESET DEVICE COMMAND..................................................................................................................36
GET KEYMAP ITEM COMMAND............................................................................................................37
SET KEYMAP ITEM COMMAND............................................................................................................38
SAVE CUSTOM KEYMAP COMMAND ..................................................................................................40
SEND LEGACY COMMAND COMMAND...............................................................................................40
SECTION 6. ENCRYPTION.......................................................................................................................43
APPENDIX A. FORMAT LIST....................................................................................................................45
APPENDIX B. CHECK READING...............................................................................................................49
E13-B CHARACTER SET.......................................................................................................................49
CMC-7 CHARACTER SET......................................................................................................................49
CHECK LAYOUTS..................................................................................................................................50
MICR FIELDS..........................................................................................................................................51
1-Transit Field.....................................................................................................................................51
2-On-Us Field......................................................................................................................................51
3-Amount Field....................................................................................................................................52
4-Auxiliary On-Us Field .......................................................................................................................52
APPENDIX C. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE...........................................................................................53
REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................................................................53
SET-UP ...................................................................................................................................................53
00 CHECK LED...............................................................................................................................53
01 CHECK THE POWER TO THE MICRSAFE..............................................................................54
02 READ A CHECK.........................................................................................................................54
03 DID PC RECEIVE DATA?..........................................................................................................54
04 ANALYZE DATA.........................................................................................................................54
05 VERIFY PARAMETERS.............................................................................................................55
06 READ ERROR............................................................................................................................55
07 MISSING CHARACTERS ..........................................................................................................55
09 INCORRECT FORMAT..............................................................................................................56
10 PATH IS OBSTRUCTED............................................................................................................56
11 MOTOR SENSOR IS BLOCKED ...............................................................................................57
12 EMF NOISE/INTERFERENCE...................................................................................................57
13 DATA SENSOR IS BLOCKED...................................................................................................57
14 NO MICR DATA DETECTED.....................................................................................................58
15 CABLE PROBLEM.....................................................................................................................58
16 NO PROBLEM FOUND..............................................................................................................58
17 READ INSTA-CHANGE CHECK................................................................................................58
18 RETURN MICRSAFE FOR SERVICE .......................................................................................59
APPENDIX D. ASCII CODES.....................................................................................................................61
APPENDIX E. USAGE ID DEFINITIONS...................................................................................................63
APPENDIX F. MODIFIER BYTE DEFINITIONS........................................................................................71

vii
FIGURES and TABLES
Figure 1-1. MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR...................................................................................................viii
Table 1-1. Specifications ..............................................................................................................................3
Figure 3-1. Check Orientation.......................................................................................................................7
Table 3-1. LED indicators .............................................................................................................................8
Table 4-2. SWB Command.........................................................................................................................11
Table 4-3. Control Characters ....................................................................................................................12
Table 4-4. Error and Status Codes.............................................................................................................13
Table 4-5. SWC Command ........................................................................................................................14
Table 4-6. HW Command...........................................................................................................................17
Table B-1. CMC-7 Nonnumeric Characters................................................................................................50
Figure B-1. Personal Checks......................................................................................................................50
Figure B-2. Business Checks .....................................................................................................................51
Figure C-1. Sensor Location.......................................................................................................................59
Table E-1. Keyboard/Keypad......................................................................................................................63
Table F-1. Modifier Byte..............................................................................................................................71

viii
Figure 1-1. MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR

1
SECTION 1. OVERVIEW
The MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR is both a MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) Check
Reader and an MSR (Magnetic Stripe Reader).
The MICRSafe, in a typical application, reads the magnetic data encoded on the bottom of
checks or on 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 MICRSafe improves accuracy and speed because there is no manual data entry;
therefore there are no keying errors or unwanted delays.
The MICRSafe has three interface capabilities. First, the MICRSafe can communicate with the
Host system using a standard USB interface. The driver will emulate a serial port on the host
PC. All data is transmitted as ASCII characters (See Appendix D). This is MICRSafe VCOM
unit.
Second, the MICRSafe can emulate a USB keyboard. This device is compatible with PCs or
hosts that support USB keyboards. The Reader emulates a USB Human Interface Device (HID)
United States keyboard or optionally all international keyboards using ALT ASCII code keypad
key combinations or customizable key maps. This allows host applications designed to acquire
card data from keyboard input to seamlessly acquire the card data from the reader. This is
MICRSafe HID unit.
Caution
If another keyboard is connected to the same host as this device and a
key is pressed on the other keyboard while this device is transmitting,
then the data transmitted by this device may get corrupted.
Because of potential “data interleave” issues associated with the USB Keyboard interface,
MagTek recommends that this product should only be used if the application requires data to be
provided via the keyboard input.
Third, the MICRSafe can communicate with a device other than the host, for instance a POS
terminal, through an auxiliary RS-232 interface. All data is transmitted as ASCII characters (See
Appendix D). The MICRSafe has the capability of supporting some hardware handshaking
signals. (See Section 4, Legacy Commands.) Depending on POS connection port, a ‘Mini DIN 9
Pin’ or a ‘DB9’ cable can be used to connect. Communication in this mode is one-way only,
outputting data from the MICRSafe to POS terminal. Baudrate is always set to 9600 bps.

MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR
2
FEATURES
•This device incorporates a MICR Reader with a 3-Track MagneSafe MSR.
•The three track MSR autodiscriminates different card formats: ISO (International Standards
Organization), CDL (California Drivers License), or AAMVA (American Association of
Motor Vehicle Administrators).
•Small footprint.
•Automatic parsing of MICR fields: transit, account, etc.
•Extensive list of formats to transmit MICR data.
•Optional error/status reporting for check reading.
•Optional TDES DUKPT encryption of MICR and Card data.
•Reads E13-B and CMC-7 MICR fonts.
•Automatically goes into sleep mode when not in use; meets EnergyStar requirements.
•EMF noise detection
•Compatible with USB specification Revisions 2.0 and 1.1
•Compatible with HID specification Versions 2.0 and 1.1
•USB communications with the host may occur via a Virtual COM port or by HID/keyboard
emulation.
•Communications with third party systems may occur via an auxiliary RS-232 interface or
using standard Windows HID drivers. No third party device driver is required.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories available for the MICRSafe are as follows:
•Standard USB cable, Part Number 22553301
•Optional auxiliary RS-232 cable, Part Number 22517584 /22517509
•DC Power Adapter with Cable, 120VAC to 12 VDC, 1 Amp, Part Number 64300118
(64300121 for international customers)
•MICR Reader Cleaning Card, Part Number 96700006
•Sample Checks, Part Number 96530005
•MICRbase Setup Program, Part Number 22000021
SOFTWARE DRIVERS REQUIRED
If you are using the HID unit, the standard HID and Keyboard drivers that come with an
operating system are usually all that is needed. For example, the Windows operating system
provides all the drivers needed to communicate to the device, unless you requested that the
factory configure your MICRSafe device(s) to use a VCOM port. In that case, you would need to
download the VCOM driver from the MagTek website. This driver allows a USB device such as
the MICRSafe to appear as an additional COM port available to the PC, enabling application
software to access the USB device as if it were connected via a standard COM (RS-232) port.

Section 1. Overview
3
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Axelson, Jan. USB Complete, Everything You Need to Develop Custom USB Peripherals, 1999.
Lakeview Research, 2209 Winnebago St., Madison WI 53704, 396pp., http://www.lvr.com
MICRbase setup program for MICR readers Software and Operation P/N 99875102USB Human
Interface Device (HID) Class Specification Version 1.1
Universal Serial Bus (USB): HID Usage Tables Version 1.12 (1/21/2005)
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Specification, Version 1.1, Copyright©1998 by Compaq Computer
Corporation, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, NEC Corporation
USB Implementers Forum, Inc., www.usb.org
ANS X9.24-2004 Retail Financial Services Symmetric Key Management Part 1: Using
Symmetric Techniques
SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1-1 lists the specifications for the MICRSafe device:
Table 1-1. Specifications
OPERATING
Reference Standards
ISO/CDL/AAMVA
Power Input
120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Output Signal Levels
12 VDC, 200 mA (Idle), 600mA (Operating)
Check Read/Decode/Transit
Time
2 second
MICR fonts supported E13-B
CMC-7
MSR supported
Tracks 1, 2, and 3
MECHANICAL
Dimensions
Length 6.25”, Width 4.0”, Height 4.25”
Weight:
3.0 lbs. MSR and Adapter included
Cable length
6’
Connectors
USB Type B connector
Mini Din-9 male,
ENVIRONMENTAL
Temperature
Operating
0oC to 50oC (32oF to 122oF)
Storage
-30oC to 60oC (-22oF to 140oF)
Humidity
Operating
10% to 90% noncondensing
Storage
Up to 95% noncondensing

MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR
4

5
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION
The installation for the MICRSafe is as follows:
REQUIREMENTS
The following is required for the Installation:
•MICRSafe Device, Part Number 22551001 (VCOM) or 22551002(HID)
•Standard USB cable, Part Number 22553301
•Optional auxiliary RS-232 cable, Part Number 22517584
•DC Power Adapter with Cable, 120VAC to 12 VDC, 1 Amp, Part Number 64300118
(64300121 for international customers)
•MICRbase software, included in the CD Package Part Number 30037855, or can be
downloaded from: http://www.magtek.com/support/software/demo_programs/ under
‘MICRbase Setup Program’
•VCOM Driver for MICRSAFE, included in the CD Part Number 30037903 or can be
downloaded from: http://www.magtek.com/support/software/programming_tools/, under
‘MICRSafe VCOM’.
PROCEDURE
Perform the following steps:
1. Connect the interface cable’s USB A connector to the PC.
2. Connect the interface cable’s USB B connector to the MICRSafe.
3. Connect the DC power adapter’s jack to the plug on the MICRSafe.
4. Connect the DC power adapter’s plug to the wall outlet.
5. The first time the Reader is connected to the PC, Windows will need to install the USB
driver. See the instructions below.
6. The LED indicator on the MICRSafe should turn on to a steady green. The LED indicator is
located to the left of the slot where the check is first inserted for reading.
Caution
Do not place the MICRSafe within 6 inches of a computer
monitor or power supply. These devices may cause undesirable
interference with the check reading operation.

MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR
6
USB DRIVER INSTALLATION (WINDOWS)
On hosts with the Windows operating system, the first time the MICRSafe is plugged into a
specific USB port, Windows will open a dialog box which will guide you through the process of
installing a driver for the device; follow the instructions given in the dialog box. Windows will
install the driver that is used for HID keyboard devices; this driver is a basic component of all
modern versions of the Windows operating system. Sometimes, Windows will find all the files it
needs. Other times, Windows will need to know the location of the files it needs. If Windows
prompts for the file locations, insert the CD that was used to install Windows on your PC and
point Windows to the CD’s root directory. Windows should find all the files it needs there.
Once completed, the driver installation process described above will not recur unless the device
is subsequently plugged into a different USB port. After this installation, the device can
communicate with user’s application programs such as MICRbase (P/N 22000021) to read
checks, credit cards and setup configurations.

7
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 of the
MICRSafe 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 MICRSafe 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 MICRSafe 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 that have been enabled using the HW (Hardware) command
(Section 4, Legacy Commands

MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR
8
The MSR is capable of reading ISO, AAMVA, and CDL encoded cards. The MSR will
autodiscriminate all the card formats when the ID Card Decoding option is enabled using the HW
(Hardware) command (Section 4, Legacy Commands).
LED INDICATORS
Table 3-1 describes the LED indicator conditions for check and card reading operations. The
LED indicator for check reading is located to the left of the slot where the check is first inserted
for reading. The LED indicator for card reading is located on the upper left side of the MSR rail.
Table 3-1. LED indicators
LED INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION
OFF
Power off
SOLID GREEN
Ready to read check or card
OFF
→
SOLID RED
Check or card read error
OFF
→
SOLID GREEN
Good read
FLASH RED/GREEN
Data sensor blocked (motor does not run)*
FLASH RED
Motor sensor blocked (motor does not run)*
*Refer to Appendix C. Troubleshooting Guide.

9
SECTION 4. LEGACY COMMANDS
This section describes the use of commands and programmable options available for the
MICRSafe. Note
All options described below can be factory set as specified by the
user when ordering.
You may use either of two methods to execute the MICRSafe commands: Insta-Change checks
or the MICRbase Setup Program for Windows (see *NOTE below).
INSTA-CHANGE CHECKS
The first method is the use of Insta-Change checks, which is a more practical way of setting
up the MICRSafe 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 Insta-Change checks are run through the MICRSafe 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 MICRSafe as described in Section 2 and watch the LED indicator.
When the Insta-Change check is run through the MICRSafe and read successfully, the LED
indicator will blink green. If the LED indicator turns red, the read was not successful. If the
LED is blinking red and green, the Insta-Change check contains an invalid format. Try again
or use a different Insta-Change check.
MICRBASE SETUP PROGRAM FOR WINDOWS
The MICRbase program (P/N 22000021) allows the user to control all the programmable
options available in the MICRSafe. *NOTE: MICRbase version 8.3 or newer will work
with this device in either configuration. If the MICRSafe model used is a Keyboard
Emulation HID device, you may also program the device using the USB Swipe and Insert
Reader demo (version 1.08 or newer). For details on this usage see the USB
Communications section (section 5) of this manual.
The program provides a graphical, user-friendly interface that hides the complexities
involved in manually entering MICR commands. The user is no longer required to know the
specific commands or the detailed data associated with each command. However, the
program still allows manual entry of commands for advanced users, and it also displays data
from cards and checks that are read. If your MICRSafe is using a VCOM port,; the legacy
MICR commands found in this section may be sent to the device exactly as described below.
However, if your MICRSafe is using an HID interface, you must send the legacy MICR
commands to the device using the “Send Legacy Command”, details of which can be found
in the “USB Communications” section of this manual. For details and examples of how to
use MICRbase see P/N 99875102. For more detailed information also refer to the
Readme.txt file that comes with this program. You can download the MICRbase program
from the Internet at http://www.magtek.com/support/software/demo_programs/ under
‘MICRbase Setup Program’

MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR
10
COMMAND FORMAT
You must use the following format when entering the commands manually:
•[COMMAND][DATA]<CR>
where:
•[COMMAND] is a string of alpha characters (usually 2 or 3 bytes in length).
•[Data] is optional as described below for each command.
•<CR> is always required.
•All characters are ASCII.
•No spaces, brackets, or angle brackets required.
If your MICRSafe is using an HID Keyboard Emulation interface, then all legacy MICR
commands found in this section must be sent to the device using the “Send Legacy Command”
Command. Details of this command can be found in the “USB Communications” section of this
manual.

Section 4. Legacy Commands
11
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:
SWB01010101<CR> (with data)
or
SWB<CR> (without data)
When sending data, all 8 bits must be provided. The MICRSafe 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 MICRSafe 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>
0
1
1
1
1
1
Comm Mode-8 – All controls
0
0
0
1
0
1
Comm Mode-9- Data<ETX><LF>
0
1
0
0
1
0
Comm Mode-10- <STX>Data<CR>

MICRSafe with 3-Track MSR
12
SWB PARAMETERS
The SWB functions are listed in Table 4-2 above and are described below:
Control Characters and MICR Data
Control Characters may be added to MICR Data messages. The MICRSafe will insert
any control characters selected using this command into outgoing formatted MICR Data
messages in the following sequence:
<STX> <ESC> data <ETX> <CR> <LF>
The control characters, descriptions, and hex values are shown in Table 4-3.
Table 4-3. Control Characters
CONTROL
CHARACTER
DESCRIPTION
HEX VALUE
<STX>
Start of Text
02
<ESC>
Escape
1B
<ETX>
End of Text
03
<CR>
Carriage Return
0D
<LF>
Line Feed
0A
For example, if the <STX> and <CR> options are set to YES, a MICR Data message
from the MICRSafe will look like this:
MICR Data: <STX>data<CR>
Control Characters and Card Data
If the card reader’s head is set to security level 2, then the same control characters may
also be added to Card Data messages, but they are applied to each track individually. For
example, if the <STX> and <ETX> options are set to YES, a Card Data message from the
MICRSafe will look like this:
Card Data: <STX>[TK1 data]<ETX><STX>[TK2 data]<ETX><STX>[TK3
data]<ETX>
Please note again that card reader heads that are set to security level 1 and 3 do not support this control
characters.
Communication Modes
The selection of Comm modes is a quick way of selecting multiple Control Characters.
For instance, to send a carriage return/line feed pair after the data, you can specify Comm
Mode 3.