Magtek MT-215232 Product manual

MODEL MT-215232
RS-232 INSERTION READER
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Manual Part Number 99821504 Rev 6
APRIL 2003
REGISTERED TO ISO 9001:2000
20725 South Annalee Avenue
Carson, CA 90746
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Technical Support: [phone]
www.magtek.com

Copyright©1996-2003
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
2 5/3/96 Previous versions not assigned Rev Numbers
3 4/28/98 Changed Warranty to 90 days. Added Tech Support
Phone Number.
4 01/01/01 Added MagTek Web address. Changed copyright
date. Changed Warranty to one year. Added Agency
Approvals.
5 07/29/02 Sec 1: First paragraph, adds AAMVA and CDL reads
Trk 2 only; Configurations, deletes all current P/Ns
and adds 2 new P/Ns; Specs, replaces Sprague with
TI; Changes output driver OFF value from 30 to 50 V,
Changed weight from 6 to 5 oz, Table 1-2, editorial.
Sec 2: Switch Setting SWA, Table 2-1, added 150 to
Baud Rate. Sec 3: Table 3-3 broken into 2 tables for
clarity, Clarified signals and power and connectors,
Clarified LED connections and indicators, Clarified
user drivers. Sec 4: removed.
6 08 Apr 03 Front Matter: added ISO line to logo, changed Tech
Support phone number, changed to new warranty,
changed warranty from 90 days to 1 year..
ii

LIMITED WARRANTY
MagTek, Inc. warrants that the Product described in this document is free of defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase where the date of purchase is defined as
the date of shipment from MagTek. During this warranty period, MagTek shall, at their option, repair or
replace without charge for either parts or labor, any failure, malfunction, defect or nonconformity which
prevents the product from performing in accordance with MagTek’s published technical specifications
and manuals.
This warranty does not apply to wear of the magnetic read head. This warranty shall not apply if the
product is modified, tampered with, or subject to abnormal working conditions. This warranty does not
apply when the malfunction results from the use of the Product in conjunction with ancillary or peripheral
equipment where it is determined by MagTek that there is no fault in the Product itself.
Notification by the Customer to MagTek of any condition described above should be directed to the
Customer’s MagTek Sales Representative or to MagTek’s Help Desk at [phone]. If the Product is
to be returned from the Customer to MagTek, a returned material authorization (RMA) will be issued by
MagTek. The Customer shall be responsible for shipping charges to MagTek, (20801 S. Annalee Ave.,
Carson, CA 90746). Carson, California. MagTek shall be responsible for shipping charges back to the
Customer.
Repair or replacement as provided under this warranty is the exclusive remedy. This warranty is in lieu
of all other warranties, express or implied.
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 requirements was performed by an independent laboratory. The unit under
test was found compliant to Class A.
UL/CSA
This product is recognized per Underwriter Laboratories and Canadian Underwriter Laboratories 1950.
iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
FEATURES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
MODES OF OPERATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Unbuffered Mode ..................................................................................................................................2
Buffered Mode ......................................................................................................................................2
CONFIGURATIONS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
SPECIFICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
PIN LIST AND I/O SIGNALS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
MOUNTING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
SWITCH SETTINGS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Switch SWA ..........................................................................................................................................9
Switch SWB ........................................................................................................................................10
SECTION 3. COMMANDS, FORMATS, TIMING-----------------------------------------------------------------------13
HOST TO READER COMMANDS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
READER TO HOST FORMATS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Successful Card Read ........................................................................................................................14
Unsuccessful Card Read ....................................................................................................................15
No Card Read .....................................................................................................................................16
INTERFACE WIRE LIST FOR MT-215232 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------17
Control Signals....................................................................................................................................17
Power and Connector Mating .............................................................................................................17
LED Connections................................................................................................................................19
TIMING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
INDICATORS -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
USER DRIVERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1-1. RS-232 Insertion Reader ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------vi
Figure 1-2. Dimensions---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Figure 2-1. Switches and Connector ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Figure 2-2. Mounting Dimensions-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Figure 3-1. Successful Card Read------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Figure 3-2. Unsuccessful Card Read --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
Figure 3-3. No Card Read ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16
Figure 3-4. Transmission Timing--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
TABLES
Table 1-1. Specifications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Table 1-2. J2 Connector Signals --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Table 2-1. Baud Rate Setting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Table 2-2. Parity Setting-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Table 3-1. Commands and Responses - I and R Commands -------------------------------------------------------13
Table 3-2. Commands and Responses – Auxiliary Driver Commands --------------------------------------------13
Table 3-3. D9 Without Control Signals-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Table 3-4. D25 Without Control Signals -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
Table 3-5. D9 With Control Signals-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
Table 3-6. D25 With Control Signals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
v

Figure 1-1. RS-232 Insertion Reader
vi

SECTION 1. FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Model MT-215232 Insertion Reader is a magnetic stripe card reader, which reads single or
dual tracks of alphanumeric or numeric data in formats established by the credit card industry.
For AAMVA and CDL, the Reader reads track 2 only.
The Reader is compatible with the PC AT/PS2 series of personal computers or any computer
with an RS-232 interface. The MT-215 will read cards that meet the standards defined by ISO
7810, 7811-1, 7811-2, 7811-3, 7811-4, 7811-5, and 7811-6.
A card is inserted all the way into the reader and withdrawn with a steady motion. A read
attempt is made during insertion and removal of the card.
Two blocks of eight switches each select the RS-232 protocol including baud rate, parity, and
framing characters. The switches also select buffered and unbuffered modes of operation and
enable command selection from the Host to the Reader.
FEATURES
Major features of the Insertion Reader are as follows:
• Hardware compatible with PC or any computer with an RS-232 interface.
• Switch selectable buffered or unbuffered modes of operation
• Switch selectable baud rate
• Switch selectable parity
• On/off switches for STX (Start of Text), ETX (End of Text), and ESC (ESCAPE) framing
characters.
• On/off switch for CR (Carriage Return)
• Magnetic stripe read during insertion and removal of card
• ASCII message format
• Two auxiliary drivers for Reader status, or to actuate devices such as solenoids, or relays
1

MT-215232 Insertion Reader
MODES OF OPERATION
The Reader can operate in either unbuffered or buffered mode. The descriptions are as follows:
Unbuffered Mode
When a card is inserted and removed, a read attempt is made during both insertion and removal.
Upon removal of the card if the read is successful, data (including the two sentinel characters) is
sent to the Host. The data is transmitted immediately and not retained in the Reader.
When operating in the unbuffered mode, the Reader does not need to received commands from
the Host in order to transmit data or status characters; however, the Reader does respond to an
“Inquiry Command” by sending status characters. The inquiry command that requests the
transmission of status characters is the ESCAPE (ESC) character followed by the ASCII
character “I”.
The Reader must be turned off before selecting the operating mode. Refer to Section 2 for
switch settings.
Note
The insertion and removal of the card must be done in a
continuous motion. If not, the Reader may not read the encoded
data properly. In that case, the Reader responds by either
transmitting the ASCII character “E” representing an error, or by
not transmitting any character, which indicates that the Reader
has not detected data and the card was not completely inserted.
Buffered Mode
When a card is inserted and removed, a read attempt is made during both insertion and removal.
Upon removal of the card if the read is successful, data (including the two sentinel characters) is
stored in a memory buffer on the Reader and is not transmitted until the Reader receives an
“Inquiry Command” from the Host. This command is the ESCAPE character followed by the
ASCII “I”. The Reader cannot read another card until the buffer is cleared. To clear the buffer,
the Host must transmit the ESCAPE character followed by The ASCII “R”.
The Reader must be turned off before selecting the operating mode. Refer to Section 2 for
switch settings
2

Section 1. Features and Specifications
Note
The insertion and removal of the card must be done in a
continuous motion. If not, the Reader may not read the encoded
data properly. In that case, the Reader responds to an inquiry
command by either transmitting the ASCII character “E””
representing an error, or by just transmitting status characters,
which indicates that the Reader has not detected any data and the
card was not completely inserted.
CONFIGURATIONS
The following list includes part numbers and available track configurations:
Part Number Read Bezel
Multiple Tracks 21065127
21065132
Tracks 1, 2
Tracks 1, 2
No Bezel
Flat Face Bezel
3

MT-215232 Insertion Reader
SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1-1 lists the specifications for the RS-232 Insertion Reader.
Table 1-1. Specifications
OPERATING
Reference Standards ANSI/ISO
Power Input +5V DC - Requires +4.75 V DC to +5.25 V DC @ 0.045 A
Power Consumption 0.225 WATTS
Auxiliary Drivers 1 and 2 Open Collector outputs, capable of driving visual indicators, solenoids,
relays, etc. Outputs driven by Texas Instruments ULN 2003AN. Any
use of these drivers must meet the following: ON = 0.8V @ 0.2 amps
max. OFF = 50.0V max. (See Texas Instruments Data Sheet for
parameters.)
Interface Signal RS-232E
Message Format ASCII (7 Data Bits + Parity Bit)
Track Card Speed TRK 1 or 3: 3 to 50 IPS (127 cm) at 210 BPI.
TRK 2: 3 to 50 IPS (127 cm) at 75 BPI
MTBF Electronics: 120,000 hours
Head: 1,000,000 passes (500,000 insertion cycles)
MECHANICAL
Dimensions (with Bezel)
Length
Width
Height
Bezel Thickness
4.58 “ (11.63cm)
4” (10.16 cm)
3” (7.62 cm)
0.31” (0.79 cm)
Weight 5.42 oz. (154 g.)
ENVIRONMENTAL
Temperature
Operating 0oC to 70oC (32oF to 158oF)
Storage -40oC to 80oC (-40oF to 176oF)
Humidity
Operating 10% to 90% noncondensing
Storage 0% to 100% noncondensing
Altitude
Operating 0-10,000 ft. (0-3,048 m.)
Storage 0-50,000 ft. (0-15,240 m.)
4

Section 1. Features and Specifications
Figure 1-2. Dimensions
5

MT-215232 Insertion Reader
PIN LIST AND I/O SIGNALS
Table 1-2 lists the pin numbers, signals, and descriptions for connector J2 on the Reader. See
Section 3 for the Interface Wire List for the MT215232.
Table 1-2. J2 Connector Signals
Pin
Number
Signal Description
1,2 +5v
Either one or both pins can be connected to a +5V power supply. See Specifications,
Section 1 for ratings.
3,4 GND
Either one or both pins can be used as circuit ground.
5 DSR
Data Set Ready, RS-232E signal. Indicates to the Reader that the Host is active.
6
Used for factory testing only.
7 DTR
Data Terminal Ready, RS-232 signal. Indicates to the Host that the Reader is active.
8* AUX 1
Auxiliary driver 1. Operated by commands from the Host.
9 CTS
Clear to sent, RS-232C signal. Signal from the Host to the Reader allowing data to be
transmitted.
10* AUX 2
Auxiliary driver 2. Operated by commands from the Host.
11 RTS
Request to send, RS-232E signal. The Reader transmits the signal to the Host
indicating the Reader is ready to transmit data.
12 CARD
PRESENT Used for factory testing only.
13 RD
Received data, RS-232E signal. Reader receives data sent from the Host.
14***
REAR
SENSOR
BLOCKED
Indicates the presence of a card when it is fully inserted in the reader.
15 TD
Transmitted data, RS-232E signal. Transmits data from the Reader to the Host.
16*** BUSY
Used for factory testing only.
17** N/C
In previous versions of the Reader this pin was used for -12V.
18*** READY
Indicates the unit is ready to accept a card.
19** N/C
In previous versions of the Reader this pin was used for +12V.
20*** ERROR
Indicates an unsuccessful read attempt. This signal remains active for 2.0 seconds.
*These signals are open collector outputs, capable of driving visual indicators, solenoids, relays, etc. The
outputs are driven by a Texas Instruments ULN 2003AN. Any use of these drivers must meet the
following specifications: ON = 0.8V @0.2 amps max. OFF = 50.0V max.
**The 5V to +12V/-12V conversion is now being done on the processor board. Pins 17 and 19 (which
formerly transmitted the +12V/-12V) now have no connection so that the new version of the Reader can
be used interchangeably with the old version of the Reader.
***See Section 3 for details and mating connectors.
6

7
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION
The installation consists of mounting the Reader, connecting the cable, and settings the switches.
Other considerations such as commands, responses, formats and timing are given in Section 3.
The switches and the connector are shown in Figure 2-1. The pin list for the connector is
presented in Section 1 under Specifications. The illustration in Section 1 also shows clearance
dimensions of the Reader.
Figure 2-1. Switches and Connector
MOUNTING
Figure 2-2 shows dimensions for mounting considerations.

MT-215232 Insertion Reader
Figure 2-2. Mounting Dimensions
8

Section 2. Installation
SWITCH SETTINGS
The switch positions and orientations are shown in Figure 2-1. The switches must be set while
power is off to ensure that the switch settings are properly loaded. As shown in the illustration
and designated on the printed circuit board, the switches are SWA and SWB. Set the switches as
described below.
Switch SWA
On SWA switches 1, 2and 3set the baud rate. This is the rate at which data is transmitted and
received between the Reader and the Host. The switch settings are shown in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1. Baud Rate Setting
BAUD RATE SWA1 SWA2 SWA3
150 ON ON ON
300 OFF ON ON
600 ON OFF ON
1200 OFF OFF ON
2400 ON ON OFF
4800 OFF ON OFF
9600 ON OFF OFF
19200 OFF OFF OFF
On SWA switches 4and 5set the parity as shown in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2. Parity Setting
PARITY SENT SWA4 SWA5 RECEIVED
PARITY CHECK
ODD ON ON ODD
EVEN OFF ON EVEN
ONE (MARK ) ON OFF IGNORED
ZERO (SPACE) OFF OFF IGNORED
SWA6:
Sets the Start of Text (STX) framing character. This character is optional. Set SW6 to ON if
STX is required and to OFF if it is not.
9

MT-215232 Insertion Reader
SWA7:
Sets the ESCAPE character. This character is optional. Set SW7 to ON if ESCAPE is
implemented and OFF if it is not.
SWA8:
Sets the End of Text (ETX) framing character. This character is optional. Set SW8 to ON if
ETX is implemented and OFF if it is not.
Switch SWB
SWB1:
Sets the Carriage Return (CR). This character is optional. Set SWB1 to ON if CR is to be
implemented and OFF if it is not.
SWB2:
Sets the operating mode of Buffered or Unbuffered. Set SWB2 to ON for Buffered or OFF for
Unbuffered.
SWB3:
Two open collector auxiliary drivers are available to the user. The status of these drivers is
reported by the bytes of information following the transmitted card data. If the drivers are not
used, these status bytes may be suppressed by setting the switch to OFF. The status bytes are
transmitted if the switch is set to ON.
SWB4:
Factory set to ON for “I” and “R”, OFF for “+” and “-” See Section 3, Operation, under Host to
Reader Commands.
SWB5:
Factory set to OFF (must not be changed).
10

Section 2. Installation
SWB6:
Factory set to OFF (for the most reliable operation should not be changed). Reader will read
upon insertion and withdrawal. If set to the ON position, the Reader will read on Insert only.
Data is transmitted upon contact of the rear sensor.
SWB7:
Set to the ON position to jumper the control signals RTS-CTS. Set to OFF is these signals are
implemented by the Host.
SWB8:
Set to the ON position to jumper the control signals DSR-DTR. Set to OFF is these signals are
implemented by the Host.
Notes:
1. In previous versions of the Reader, a switch was used to enable reading either a 5-bit
data format or a 7-bit data format. In this version the function of reading a 7- or 5-bit
format is performed automatically by the firmware.
2. Switches that are factory set must be set in the position indicated when used by the
customer. The Reader is one of a series of products using the same microcontroller. The
factory set switches make the microcontroller function properly in the Reader.
11

MT-215232 Insertion Reader
12

13
SECTION 3. COMMANDS, FORMATS, TIMING
This section includes commands from the Host to the Reader, Reader to Host message formats,
transmission timing, and possible uses of drivers.
HOST TO READER COMMANDS
All commands transmitted from the Host to the Reader must be preceded by the ASCII “ESCAPE”
character. These command messages may contain other framing characters, which are ignored by the
Reader. Table 3-1 describes I and R commands, a switch selectable option for the ASCII command
character and the Reader response to the Host. Table 3-2 describes the second character commands
Table 3-1. Commands and Responses - I and R Commands
HOST COMMANDS READER RESPONSES
ASCII “ESCAPE”
CHARACTER
(1B hex)
SWITCH SELECTABLE ASCII
CHARACTER - SWB4
ON OFF
<ESC> I + Inquiry command causes the
Reader to transmit data, error, or
status message.
<ESC> R - Release command causes the
Reader to clear its memory buffer of
any data present. This command
works only in the Buffered mode.
Table 3-2. Commands and Responses – Auxiliary Driver Commands
ASCII “ESCAPE”
CHARACTER
(1B hex)
ASCII SECOND
CHARACTER
READER RESPONSES
<ESC> 0 Deactivates both user drivers 1 and
2.
<ESC> 1 Activates user driver 1.
<ESC> 2 Activates user driver 2.
<ESC> 3 Deactivates user driver 1.
<ESC> 4 Deactivates user driver 2
READER TO HOST FORMATS
The following diagrams represent the formats of the data transmitted after a successful card read, an
unsuccessful card read, and no card read which is the response if the Host inquires and the buffer is
empty.

MT-215232 Insertion Reader
Successful Card Read
<STX> <ESC> SS CARD
DATA
ES USER DRIVER
STATUS
CARD SENSOR
STATUS
<CR> <ETX>
EndofText
Character,
(03Hex)
Optional.
SetSWA#8
toON
Carriage Return
Character(ODHex)
Optional. Set SWB #1
toON.
ASCII “0” = No Card is in the Reader
ASCII “1” = Card present in the Reader
ASCII”0” = Drivers 1 and 2 OFF
ASCII”1”=Driver1ON
ASCII”2”=Driver2ON
ASCII”3” = Drivers 1 and 2 ON
SetSWB#3ON
End Sentinel Character ASCII “?”
Card Data in ASCII Track Order
i.e., Tk 1 and 2 for a Tk 1 and 2 device, or
Tk 2 and 3 for a Tk 2 and 3 device
Start Sentinel Character
ASCII “%” for Track 1
ASCII “;” for Tracks 2 and 3
Escape character, optional
(1B hex), set SWA #7 to ON
Start of Text Character, optional (02 hex),
Set SWA #6 to ON
Notes: 1. Optional characters are used to frame the data.
2. The LRC character is not transmitted.
3. The optional Hex characters are shown with the parity bit as zero (“0”).
Figure 3-1. Successful Card Read
14