This article explains how to send configuration commands to an Elo magnetic stripe reader (MSR) using the MagTek USB MSR Demo application.

Requirements

• Compatible Elo magnetic stripe reader
• Windows computer
• MagTek USB Swipe & Insert Reader application

Send Commands to the MSR

1. Download and install the MagTek USB Swipe & Insert Reader application. The installation creates a desktop shortcut named MagTek USB MSR.
2. Connect the MSR to the computer.
3. Double-click the MagTek USB MSR desktop shortcut to open the application.

4. Confirm that the application detects the connected MSR. The device will appear in either Keyboard mode or HID mode.

   

5. Send a command using one of the following methods:
   • Enter the command manually in the Send Msg field.
   • Select Load File to load a MagTek-supplied or user-created command file.

6. To send a command manually:

   1. Enter the command in the Send Msg field.
   2. Select Auto Add Length.
   3. Select Send.

   The following example sends a command that configures the MSR to read Tracks 1 and 2 only:

   

7. After sending the configuration command, send 02 to cycle power to the MSR and save the changes. The application will detect the device again after the power cycle.

Verify the Configuration

1. Enter the appropriate query command in the Send Msg field.
2. Select Auto Add Length, and then select Send.
3. Review the response returned by the MSR.

To check the enabled tracks on an encrypted MSR, send the following query command:

00 05

In the following example, the response shows DATA=05, which indicates that Tracks 1 and 2 are enabled:

MagTek Command Files

The MagTek application may include command files such as:

• Example Command File.txt
• Change To HID.txt
• Change To Keyboard.txt
• Keyboard configuration files for different languages

Keywords

Elo MSR, MagTek USB MSR, magnetic stripe reader, MSR commands, Keyboard mode, HID mode, Auto Add Length, Track 1, Track 2