POSline GM2250 Instruction manual

POSLINE
Código de Barras,
Punto de Venta y Seguridad
www.posline.com.mx
80058504-002 Rev. B R04/07
GM2250
Magnetic Stripe
Reader-Writer
USB-RS 232 Interface
Quickstart Manual
POSline
Código de Barra
Punto de Venta y Seguridad
www.posline.com.mx
80058504-002 Rev. B R04/07
GM2250
Magnetic Stripe
Reader-Writer
USB-RS 232 Interface
Quickstart Manual

8
8
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 communica-
tions. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user is required to correct the interference at his expense.
This reader complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this reader is subject to the
following conditions: this reader may not cause harmful interference and this reader must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
An independent laboratory performed testing for compliance to CE requirements. The unit under
test was found compliant to Class A.
POSline is a registered trademark.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Specification is Copyright by Compaq Computer Corporation,
Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, NEC Corporation. Windows, Excel, & Notepad are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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 communica-
tions. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user is required to correct the interference at his expense.
This reader complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this reader is subject to the
following conditions: this reader may not cause harmful interference and this reader must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
An independent laboratory performed testing for compliance to CE requirements. The unit under
test was found compliant to Class A.
POSline is a registered trademark of International Technologies & Systems Corporation.
Workshop and Value through Innovation are trademarks of International Technologies & Systems
Corporation.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Specification is Copyright by Compaq Computer Corporation,
Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, NEC Corporation. Windows, Excel, & Notepad are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright © 2006, International Technologies & Systems Corporation. All Rights Reserved
Refer to the installation instructions for GM2250 and for Workshop troubling
shooting information. The RS232 operation has little Windows setup; however,
review of the communication parameters may be necessary to insure the correct
baud rate, parity, etc.
Refer to the installation instructions for GM2250 and for Workshop troubling
shooting information. The RS232 operation has little Windows setup; however,
review of the communication parameters may be necessary to insure the correct
baud rate, parity, etc.

7
LIMITED WARRANTY
POSline warrants to the original purchaser for a period of 12 months from the
date of invoice that this product is in good working order and free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use and service. POSline’s obligation
under this warranty is limited to, at its option, replacing, repairing, or giving credit
for any product which has, within the warranty period, been returned to the factory
of origin, transportation charges and insurance prepaid, and which is, after ex-
amination, disclosed to POSline’s satisfaction to be thus defective. The expense
of removal and reinstallation of any item or items of equipment is not included
in this warranty. No person, firm, or corporation is authorized to assume for POS
line any other liabilities in connection with the sales of any product. In no event
shall POSline be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages to
Purchaser or any third party caused by any defective item of equipment, whether
that defect is warranted against or not. Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy
for defective equipment, which does not conform to the requirements of sales, is
to have such equipment replaced or repaired by POSline. For limited warranty
service during the warranty period, please contact POSline to obtain a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number & instructions for returning the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THERE ARE
NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
OTHER THAN THOSE HEREIN STATED. THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD AS
IS. IN NO EVENT SHALL POSline BE LIABLE FOR CLAIMS BASED
UPON BREACH OF EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF NEGLI-
GENCE OF ANY OTHER DAMAGES WHETHER DIRECT, IMMEDIATE,
FORESEEABLE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL OR FOR ANY EXPENSE
INCURRED BY REASON OF THE USE OR MISUSE, SALE OR FABRICA-
TIONS OF PRODUCTS WHICH DO NOT CONFORM TO THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT.
The information contained herein is provided to the user as a convenience. While
every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, POSline assumes no responsibil -
ity, for its use, nor for any infringements or patents or other rights of third parties
that may result from its use. POSline is not responsible for damages that might
occur because of errors or omissions, including any loss of profit or other com-
mercial damage. The specifications described herein were current at the time of
publication, but are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
7
LIMITED WARRANTY
POSline warrants to the original purchaser for a period of 12 months from the
date of invoice that this product is in good working order and free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use and service. POSline’s obligation
under this warranty is limited to, at its option, replacing, repairing, or giving credit
for any product which has, within the warranty period, been returned to the factory
of origin, transportation charges and insurance prepaid, and which is, after ex-
amination, disclosed to POSline’s satisfaction to be thus defective. The expense
of removal and reinstallation of any item or items of equipment is not included
in this warranty. No person, firm, or corporation is authorized to assume for ID
TECH any other liabilities in connection with the sales of any product. In no event
shall POSline be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages to
Purchaser or any third party caused by any defective item of equipment, whether
that defect is warranted against or not. Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy
for defective equipment, which does not conform to the requirements of sales, is
to have such equipment replaced or repaired by POSline. For limited warranty
service during the warranty period, please contact POSline to obtain a Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number & instructions for returning the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THERE ARE
NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
OTHER THAN THOSE HEREIN STATED. THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD AS
IS. IN NO EVENT SHALL POSline BE LIABLE FOR CLAIMS BASED
UPON BREACH OF EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF NEGLI-
GENCE OF ANY OTHER DAMAGES WHETHER DIRECT, IMMEDIATE,
FORESEEABLE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL OR FOR ANY EXPENSE
INCURRED BY REASON OF THE USE OR MISUSE, SALE OR FABRICA-
TIONS OF PRODUCTS WHICH DO NOT CONFORM TO THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT.
The information contained herein is provided to the user as a convenience. While
every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, POSline assumes no responsibil -
ity, for its use, nor for any infringements or patents or other rights of third parties
that may result from its use. POSline is not responsible for damages that might
occur because of errors or omissions, including any loss of profit or other com-
mercial damage. The specifications described herein were current at the time of
publication, but are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
MAINTENANCE
The GM2250 requires card slot cleaning on a regular interval. The interval
is approximate and should be after every 50,000 card swipes. Regular
cleaning insures oils and debris do not accumulate on the operating
components.
Over time, operation can cause a film to collect on the heads and other
surfaces. This film should be removed using “cleaning cards”. These are
available from magnetic stripe cleaning card sources. Cleaning cards are
about the same size as an ID1 (credit card) and have an absorbent surface
on one or both sides. The absorbent surface has an alcohol solvent that
should remove any film. The absorbent surface should be damp; the
surface should not be saturated.
Swipe the card five to ten times with the solvent side of the card toward the
read and write heads and then again five to ten times with the solvent side
opposite the heads.
The cleaning cards may not remove all the debris. In the case of debris
such as dust and card particles in the slot, use an aerosol can product
having clean compressed air. The clean air can be used to blow debris
from the slot. Direct the stream of air at a low angle into the slot and run
the nozzle along the slot. Direct the air in the direction of the card travel
and then in the opposite direction. Inspect the slot by looking down its
length with a good backlight to see if all debris are removed.
The metal housing can be cleaned with a mild detergent applied to a soft
cloth that is rung almost dry. Detergent should not be allowed to enter the
card slot.
Warning: There are no serviceable components inside the GM2250.
Opening the GM2250 voids the warranty. Tampering with the write head
or tachometer assemblies may change the GM2250 calibrations for ISO
standards operation.
MAINTENANCE
The GM2250 requires card slot cleaning on a regular interval. The interval
is approximate and should be after every 50,000 card swipes. Regular
cleaning insures oils and debris do not accumulate on the operating
components.
Over time, operation can cause a film to collect on the heads and other
surfaces. This film should be removed using “cleaning cards”. These are
available from magnetic stripe cleaning card sources. Cleaning cards are
about the same size as an ID1 (credit card) and have an absorbent surface
on one or both sides. The absorbent surface has an alcohol solvent that
should remove any film. The absorbent surface should be damp; the
surface should not be saturated.
Swipe the card five to ten times with the solvent side of the card toward the
read and write heads and then again five to ten times with the solvent side
opposite the heads.
The cleaning cards may not remove all the debris. In the case of debris
such as dust and card particles in the slot, use an aerosol can product
having clean compressed air. The clean air can be used to blow debris
from the slot. Direct the stream of air at a low angle into the slot and run
the nozzle along the slot. Direct the air in the direction of the card travel
and then in the opposite direction. Inspect the slot by looking down its
length with a good backlight to see if all debris are removed.
The metal housing can be cleaned with a mild detergent applied to a soft
cloth that is rung almost dry. Detergent should not be allowed to enter the
card slot.
Warning: There are no serviceable components inside the GM2250.
Opening the GM2250 voids the warranty. Tampering with the write head
or tachometer assemblies may change the GM2250 calibrations for ISO
standards operation.

61
1 6
INTRODUCTION
The Magnetic Stripe Reader & Writer (GM2250) is a personal computer peripher-
al device that reads and writes magnetic stripe cards that meet ISO 7811 standards
for a typical credit card. Cards are manually swiped through the slot to perform a
reading and/or writing operation. Data can be written and verified (read) with one
swipe. The GM2250 is designed to support several magnetic stripe track formats
defined by ISO Standard formats or by User (custom) data formats. All formats
use ISO data bit encoding (writing) and either 210 or 75 bits per inch (BPI) data
densities. The GM2250 can read and write both High coercivity and Low coer-
civity (Hi-Co & Lo-Co) magnetic stripes, depending on model.
The enclosure is a molded plastic or die cast housing that provides weight and sta-
bility for excellent performance. The RS232 communication interface is through
an attached six-foot cable. A separate power adaptor is required for the GM2250
for writing to cards.
This document provides basic information on see detailed information & instruc-
tions provided in the User Manual on the Workshop CD.
INTRODUCTION
The Magnetic Stripe Reader & Writer (GM2250) is a personal computer peripher-
al device that reads and writes magnetic stripe cards that meet ISO 7811 standards
for a typical credit card. Cards are manually swiped through the slot to perform a
reading and/or writing operation. Data can be written and verified (read) with one
swipe. The GM2250 is designed to support several magnetic stripe track formats
defined by ISO Standard formats or by User (custom) data formats. All formats
use ISO data bit encoding (writing) and either 210 or 75 bits per inch (BPI) data
densities. The GM2250 can read and write both High coercivity and Low coer-
civity (Hi-Co & Lo-Co) magnetic stripes, depending on model.
The enclosure is a molded plastic or die cast housing that provides weight and sta-
bility for excellent performance. The RS232 communication interface is through
an attached six-foot cable. A separate power adaptor is required for the GM2250
for writing to cards.
This document provides basic information on see detailed information & instruc-
tions provided in the User Manual on the Workshop CD.
USB
The USB interface uses PC compatible communication drivers, which
emulate a RS232 COM port operation through an USB serial connection.
This approach allows the application talk to the reader through a virtual COM
port. Drivers are required for USB operation. See the GM2250 User Manual
for more information on installing the drivers.
A 6.0’ cable with a Serial A Plug and a 2.1 mm power Jack molded into a
pigtail of the cable. The following is signal pin-out of the connector:
USB connector
PIN Signal Direction
1 USB +5V Not connected
2 -Data In/out
3 +Data In/out
4 Ground --
CASE Chassis ground Connected to cover
POWER JACK
Center pin +24VDC In
Ring Signal Ground1 --
Table 2, USB cable
Interface
The communication parameters (port settings) are fixed for USB operation.
The parameters are:
Baud rate: 9600
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bit: 1
USB
The USB interface uses PC compatible communication drivers, which
emulate a RS232 COM port operation through an USB serial connection.
This approach allows the application talk to the reader through a virtual COM
port. Drivers are required for USB operation. See the GM2250 User Manual
for more information on installing the drivers.
A 6.0’ cable with a Serial A Plug and a 2.1 mm power Jack molded into a
pigtail of the cable. The following is signal pin-out of the connector:
USB connector
PIN Signal Direction
1 USB +5V Not connected
2 -Data In/out
3 +Data In/out
4 Ground --
CASE Chassis ground Connected to cover
POWER JACK
Center pin +24VDC In
Ring Signal Ground1 --
Table 2, USB cable
Interface
The communication parameters (port settings) are fixed for USB operation.
The parameters are:
Baud rate: 9600
Data bits: 8
Parity: None

5
52
2
UNPACK THE GM2250
Open the shipping carton and inspect the contents for any shipping damage.
Remove and account for the contents of the shipping carton. The carton will
include:
- This Quick Start Manual
- MagStripe Reader – Writer Unit (Model number IDWA)
- CD, Workshop Software Application Utility
- Power Adaptor, 100-240VAC input, 24VDC @2.5A output
- One Hi-Co Sample & One Lo-Co Sample MagStripe Test Card
or a single Lo-co sample MagStripe Test card
Remove the plastic wrapping materials from the GM2250 and Power Adap-
tor. Remove the protective tab in the GM2250 slot.
The User Manual is on the enclosed CD. The User Manual has information
on the GM2250 and the Workshop software application. There is a Quick
Start section in the User Manual, which is a guide to basic reading and
writing operations. Getting Started, follow the information in the EzWriter-
readme.TXT file on the CD to install the GM2250 and WorkShop software.
UNPACK THE GM2250
Open the shipping carton and inspect the contents for any shipping damage.
Remove and account for the contents of the shipping carton. The carton will
include:
- This Quick Start Manual
- Model IDWA, MagStripe Reader – Writer Unit
- CD, Workshop Software Application Utility
- Power Adaptor, 100-240VAC input, 24VDC @2.5A output
- One Hi-Co Sample & One Lo-Co Sample MagStripe Test Card
or a single Lo-co sample MagStripe Test card
Remove the plastic wrapping materials from the GM2250 and Power Adap-
tor. Remove the protective tab in the GM2250 slot.
The User Manual is on the enclosed CD. The User Manual has information
on the GM2250 and the Workshop software application. There is a Quick
Start section in the User Manual, which is a guide to basic reading and
writing operations. Getting Started, follow the information in the GM2250-
readme.TXT file on the CD to install the GM2250 and WorkShop software.
Performance
Supports Formats ISO -7811 & AAMVA
Media Densities 75 bpi, 210 bpi
Media Coercivity 250 to 4200 Oersted
Media Speed
Read 5 - 55 ips
Write 5 - 35 ips
Jitter Read bit to bit < ±15%, Sub interval <
±30%
Write (encoding) Meets or exceeds ISO 7811 requirement
for new cards
Reading Low Amplitude > 30 % @210 bpi, >40%
@75 bpi
Durability
MTBF: 160,000 POH for a fully configured unit
Card Swipes: 1,000,000 swipes (with proper mainte
nance)
Agency Approvals
FCC Class A, CE Class A
Performance
Supports Formats ISO -7811 & AAMVA
Media Densities 75 bpi, 210 bpi
Media Coercivity 250 to 4200 Oersted
Media Speed
Read 5 - 55 ips
Write 5 - 35 ips
Jitter Read bit to bit < ±15%, Sub interval <
±30%
Write (encoding) Meets or exceeds ISO 7811 requirement
for new cards
Reading Low Amplitude > 30 % @210 bpi, >40%
@75 bpi
Durability
MTBF: 160,000 POH for a fully configured unit
Card Swipes: 1,000,000 swipes (with proper mainte
nance)
Agency Approvals
FCC Class A, CE Class A

WORKSHOP UTILITY
The GM2250 and the Workshop software provide the card reading & writing
functions most often needed for magnetic stripe use. These functions & operations
are available from a single Workshop window. A summary of Workshop Utility
functions:
Write Writes data to a card in the Card Type format
Read Reads card data and displays the data in Track boxes
Compare Compares multiple cards to a single reference card
Erase Erases the selected tracks of data on a card
Sequential Write Writes both fixed and/or sequential data to a card
Write from File Writes to each card the next record from a pre-formatted
data file
Read to File Reads a card & saves the card data as a record into a data
file
Database Write Writes cards from a database CSV file & Usage file
Card Type Provides card format selection based on Setup menu or
Standard
- ISO Selects 7811 ISO Standard card format
- AAMVA Selects AAMVA standard, based on ISO Standards
- USER Selects the card format from settings in Setup USER tab
- RAW Reads & writes data and displays in a Hexadecimal
format
Setup Provides selections & settings of “USER” or “RAW”
formats
- Leading Zero Sets number of leading zeros before the Start Sentinel
- BPI Setting Selects individual track data density (75 or 210 bits/inch)
- Set Coercivity Sets the writing coercivity to High or Low for all tracks
- Start Sentinel Selects the Start Sentinel character for the individual
tracks
- End Sentinel Selects the End Sentinel character for the individual
tracks
- Bits/Character Selects the number of bits per character for individual
tracks
- Parity Selects character parity bit logic for individual tracks
- Default Resets the parameters & settings to the standard norms
* Hi-co selection does not apply to a Lo-co only unit
WORKSHOP UTILITY
The GM2250 and the Workshop software provide the card reading & writing
functions most often needed for magnetic stripe use. These functions & operations
are available from a single Workshop window. A summary of Workshop Utility
functions:
Write Writes data to a card in the Card Type format
Read Reads card data and displays the data in Track boxes
Compare Compares multiple cards to a single reference card
Erase Erases the selected tracks of data on a card
Sequential Write Writes both fixed and/or sequential data to a card
Write from File Writes to each card the next record from a pre-formatted
data file
Read to File Reads a card & saves the card data as a record into a data
file
Database Write Writes cards from a database CSV file & Usage file
Card Type Provides card format selection based on Setup menu or
Standard
- ISO Selects 7811 ISO Standard card format
- AAMVA Selects AAMVA standard, based on ISO Standards
- USER Selects the card format from settings in Setup USER tab
- RAW Reads & writes data and displays in a Hexadecimal
format
Setup Provides selections & settings of “USER” or “RAW”
formats
- Leading Zero Sets number of leading zeros before the Start Sentinel
- BPI Setting Selects individual track data density (75 or 210 bits/inch)
- Set Coercivity Sets the writing coercivity to High or Low for all tracks
- Start Sentinel Selects the Start Sentinel character for the individual
tracks
- End Sentinel Selects the End Sentinel character for the individual
tracks
- Bits/Character Selects the number of bits per character for individual
tracks
- Parity Selects character parity bit logic for individual tracks
- Default Resets the parameters & settings to the standard norms
* Hi-co selection does not apply to a Lo-co only unit
3
3
SPECIFICATIONS
Environmental
This product is to be used in an indoor environment.
Operating temperature: 0ºC to 50ºC, 5 to 95% relative humidity, non-
Condensing
Shipping: -40ºC to 70ºC, 5 to 95% relative humidity,
non-Condensing
Storage: -10ºC to 60ºC, 5 to 95% relative humidity,
non-Condensing
Electrical
Supply Voltage: +24VDC ±10%
Power Consummation: < 2 Amps, Triple track reading & writing high
coercivity
Power Adaptor: External switched power 24V/2.5 Amp regu
lated, 2.1mm power jack, center Positive.
RS232C Cable 6.0’ cable, DB-9 female con
nector with a 2.1 mm power jack in the DB-9
housing.
USB Cable: 6.0’ cable, Serial A Plug with a 2.1 mm power
jack in a pigtail extension to the cable.
Mechanical
Dimensions (H x W x L): 2.64” x 2.52” x 8.0” (6.7cm x 6.4cm x
20.32cm)
Weight: 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)
General Construction: Metal or plastic housing (zamak), beige
color
Media thickness: 0.007” to 0.045 or (0.020 to 0.065” special
order)
Media length: 3.38” maximum for reading after writing
operation
Cable Color: Beige/Black
4
4
SPECIFICATIONS
Environmental
This product is to be used in an indoor environment.
Operating temperature: 0ºC to 50ºC, 5 to 95% relative humidity, non-
Condensing
Shipping: -40ºC to 70ºC, 5 to 95% relative humidity,
non-Condensing
Storage: -10ºC to 60ºC, 5 to 95% relative humidity,
non-Condensing
Electrical
Supply Voltage: +24VDC ±10%
Power Consummation: < 2 Amps, Triple track reading & writing high
coercivity
Power Adaptor: External switched power 24V/2.5 Amp regu
lated, 2.1mm power jack, center Positive.
RS232C Cable 6.0’ cable, DB-9 female con
nector with a 2.1 mm power jack in the DB-9
housing.
USB Cable: 6.0’ cable, Serial A Plug with a 2.1 mm power
jack in a pigtail extension to the cable.
Mechanical
Dimensions (H x W x L): 2.64” x 2.52” x 8.0” (6.7cm x 6.4cm x
20.32cm)
Weight: 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)
General Construction: Metal or plastic housing (zamak), beige
color
Media thickness: 0.007” to 0.045 or (0.020 to 0.065” special
order)
Media length: 3.38” maximum for reading after writing
operation
Cable Color: Beige/Black