User's Manual

User Manual and Technical Guide The O'Neil microFlash Series of Printers CardReader Commands • 81
inserted, or the probe is touched to a button. The button is read
automatically whenever the printer is awake and the button is sensed by
touching with the probe. The magnetic card is read when the printer is
awake and the card is moving. This data is stored in an internal buffer in
the printer and available to the host via RS-232 or IrDA. Data directly
from the smart card can be read by command from via RS-232 or IrDA
Magnetic Card Reader
Although insertion type card readers such as the one used on the reader
can read cards either upon insertion or withdrawal, the read rate is much
higher upon withdrawal with virtually all readers of this type (e.g. the gas
pump readers). This is because the card is unstable and the rate of
movement can change drastically when the card is first inserted. If the
reader is already awake, and more than one card could be inserted, the
application may choose to zero the buffer before prompting the insertion
of the card to assure the data is from the card about to be inserted, and not
a previously read card.
An application, then, may choose the following sequence if the operator
of the equipment is trained (i.e. not a “consumer” end user); this uses the
automatically generated LED/Buzzer status indicators
• Handheld prompts the user to insert, then remove card
• Operator inserts card (waking up the reader) and waits for green
LED, then removes card
• Handheld polls the 2tcr/2icr/4tcr waiting for data to be available
Or, if the operator is an “untrained consumer”, the application may
choose a more step-by-step approach and handle handheld screen
prompts and LED/Buzzer as required:
• Handheld prompts the user to insert their card
• User inserts the magnetic card into the card reader slot waking up the
reader
• Handheld polls the reader looking for the card to be inserted
• When the handheld sees the card is inserted, it prompts user to
remove card
• 2tcr automatically reads and buffers card data from any or all of
Tracks I, II, and III
• Handheld polls the reader looking for the card to be removed
• Handheld requests card data from reader