how to test magnetic strip card encoder!?

andymanis · 13 Oct 2009 at 09:09

the kitchen in my work have a magnetic strip swipe card encoder which has stopped working. I'm not sure if its the actual hardware or a problem with the software but the encoder is a grey block with no lights on and doesnt make any sounds so its impossible from looking at it to tell if its working. It plugs in via COM port.

Would anyone know how i can test if the device is working or any free/trial swipe card software i could get hold of to install and test it with the encoder. (the software in the kitchen is installed on the server and they do not have any copies of it so im unable to install that on my pc)

AtreuS · 13 Oct 2009 at 09:26

Do they use it for cloning credit cards or for staff clock-ins?

Does it not have any marking such as a manufacturer? they must have it got it from somewhere.

andymanis · 13 Oct 2009 at 09:29

its used to register new cards which are then loaded with money at swipe machines in the school.

Absolutely no markings on it, ive opened it up and there is a sticker which reads;

Model MR2 (1.05)
P/N MR2 - 20
S/N : F

so rather unhelpful really...

HazardO · 13 Oct 2009 at 09:30

You could try using hyperterminal to open the COM port it's connected to and swiping a card through to see if any data turns up in hyperterminal. Wild stab in the dark though.

andymanis · 13 Oct 2009 at 09:32

further below it actually says;

Connections MR2 V 1.05

and a sticker with 03051119 on it.

ive tried googling all of that but cant find any referance to a card encoder

J.B · 13 Oct 2009 at 09:47

Like Hazard0 said, try hyperterminal (or if your using anything > XP or Linux download Putty). Swipe a card through it and see if you get any data back over the COM port.

Can you play about with the program on the server? See if theres any test modes or anything.

If you want to test the COM port on the server you can get a null modem cable, short out pins 2 and 3 with a piece of solder or a paper clip, open HT (or other terminal prog) and start typing, if its working you should see the characters you type echoed back at you.