This article explains how to configure keyboard mapping for an Elo Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) operating in Keyboard Emulation mode. Keyboard mapping allows card data to be interpreted correctly when using non-English keyboard layouts. Three configuration methods are available, with the EloMSR utility being the recommended option for most users.
ℹ Overview
Keyboard mapping changes how the MSR translates card data into keyboard characters. If your computer uses a language other than English, you may need to configure the MSR to match your keyboard layout.
Keyboard mapping changes how the MSR translates card data into keyboard characters. If your computer uses a language other than English, you may need to configure the MSR to match your keyboard layout.
When Should I Use Keyboard Mapping?
Configure keyboard mapping if:
- Your computer uses a non-English keyboard layout.
- Card data contains incorrect or unexpected characters after swiping.
- You are deploying systems outside the United States.
- You need to match the MSR to a regional keyboard layout.
⚠ Important
Keyboard mapping applies only to Keyboard Emulation mode. HID and USB-HID configurations do not require keyboard mapping.
Keyboard mapping applies only to Keyboard Emulation mode. HID and USB-HID configurations do not require keyboard mapping.
Available Configuration Methods
| Method | Description | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Method 1 | Use the EloMSR utility and load a predefined language script. | ✔ Yes |
| Method 2 | Load one of the prepared keyboard mapping scripts. | For advanced users |
| Method 3 | Manually program each ASCII character. | Engineering only |
Downloads
EloMSR Configuration Utility
📦 Download EloMSR Configuration Utility
https://downloads.elotouch.com/Downloads/Peripherals/Magtek-MSR/Configuration-Files/std_msr_config.zip
Keyboard Mapping Scripts
📦 Download Keyboard Mapping Scripts
https://downloads.elotouch.com/Downloads/Peripherals/Magtek-MSR/Configuration-Files/keyboard.zip
ASCII Programming Documentation
📦 Download ASCII Programming Documentation
https://downloads.elotouch.com/Downloads/Peripherals/Magtek-MSR/Configuration-Files/ASCII_Table.zip
Configure Keyboard Mapping Using EloMSR
- Download and extract std_msr_config.zip.
- Run EloMSR.exe.
- Connect the MagTek USB Magnetic Stripe Reader to the computer.
- Select the Send Commands tab.
- Click Load File.
-
The default script location is:
C:\Program Files\MagTek\MagTek USBMSR 1.07
- Select the language script that matches your keyboard layout.
- Click Open.
- Wait for the command to load and for the reader to automatically reset.
- Select the Read Cards tab.
- Swipe a test card to verify the keyboard mapping.
- The MSR is now configured for the selected keyboard layout.
Supported Language Scripts
The included keyboard mapping scripts support the following languages:
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
Troubleshooting
⚠ Troubleshooting
- Verify the correct language script was selected.
- Reconnect the MSR after loading a new configuration.
- Test using a known-good magnetic stripe card.
- If the output is still incorrect, verify the Windows keyboard layout matches the selected MSR mapping.
Related Articles
- How Do I Configure an Elo MagTek Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR)?
- How Do I Restore the Default Configuration on an Elo Magnetic Stripe Reader?
- How Do I Configure Track Settings on an Elo Magnetic Stripe Reader?
💡 Tip
For most deployments, use the predefined language scripts included with EloMSR rather than manually programming ASCII values. Predefined scripts are faster to deploy, easier to maintain, and help ensure consistent keyboard mapping across multiple systems.
For most deployments, use the predefined language scripts included with EloMSR rather than manually programming ASCII values. Predefined scripts are faster to deploy, easier to maintain, and help ensure consistent keyboard mapping across multiple systems.
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