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Buyer's Guide for POS Card Readers
 How
Do Magnetic Card Readers Work?
Magnetic Card Readers use electronic technology to decipher the various
tracks contained on magnetic strips that are found on the back of credit,
debit, identification, and gift cards. These readers provide you customer and banking
information for complete Point of Sale transactions and take the error
out of inputting information by hand.
Which
Magnetic Card Reader Should I Buy?
There are a few important considerations when deciding on a magnetic card
reader for your POS system. These include readability, durability, interface,
track numbers, media types, and programmability.
Readability:
Magnetic card readers are designed for either high volume or standard
volume use.
 Standard
Volume Card Readers are fine quality card readers for normal point
of sale operations. Occasionally, these units require an additional pass
to read the card and have a shorter reading life than higher volume models.
However, they are economical, reliable, and a popular choice for most
POS systems.
Model to try: ID
TECH MiniMag Swipe Card Reader
 High
Volume Card Readers are equipped with components that give them
a longer read life and are usually constructed of metal. A longer reading
channel ensures a successful scan on the first pass. High volume performance
leads to higher volume prices, but these readers pay for themselves in
durability and performance. They are recommended for POS environments
with very high transaction volumes, such as a chain store.
Model to try: ID
TECH EasyMag Swipe Card Reader
Durability:
 You
need to consider factors such as the environment of intended use and frequency
of use when selecting a magnetic card reader. Is your POS counter in a
climate controlled area or outdoors? Is it operating in an unsecured self
service kiosk or only by employees? Outdoor or public use of magnetic
card readers warrants a metal constructed and/or weatherproof card reader.
Model to try: ID
TECH Omni Heavy Duty Card Reader
Interface:
Magnetic card readers are available with three different interface options:
USB, PS/2 Keyboard Wedge, and Serial. The two most commonly used are the
USB and PS/2, which send information back to the computer as if it were
typed on a keyboard. Card readers connected via serial interfaces may
require special software to interpret the data from the card reader. Most
models are available with a variety of interface choices- you will need
to select the part number with the proper interface for your POS set up.
Track Numbers:
Magnetic stripes on the back of cards can contain up to three different
"tracks" of programmed information. The number of tracks used
on a card depends on the type of card. Standard credit cards utilize Track
1 and Track 2, and Track 3 may be used by other types of cards. Since magnetic
card readers come in two track and three track versions, it is important
to verify whether or not information will be contained on any additional
types of cards you may be using with your POS system.
Media
Types:
All magnetic card reader units read magnetic stripes. Some manufacturers offer combination models
that feature barcode reading in addition to magnetic stripes, while there are also slot card readers
designed to read barcodes exclusively.
Membership cards, Employee cards, and Student ID cards are some examples of card types that might use
barcodes.
Models to try: Unitech
MS146 Card Reader
(reads barcode only)
ID TECH Omni Heavy Duty Card Reader (reads both magnetic and barcode
stripes.)
Programmability:
While all card readers
are designed to read either Track 1 & Track 2, or Track 1,2, & 3 data right
out of the box, most card readers can actually be programmed to divide,
rearrange, edit, and validate fields of magnetic card data. Programming
your card reader to change the way the data is viewed is important when
running software that requires delivery of the data in a certain format.
Keep in mind that using programming functionality of your card reader
is an advanced feature and may require manufacturer support.
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