Some magnetic card readers merely emulate the input of credit card information using the keyboard. This means that the reader passes the card information on to the PC as keyboard input.
Examples:

• Cherry G81-7000/8000 Keyboard
• Semtek Manual Insert Card Reader USB
• MSR 210 USB from Uniform Industrial http://www.uicusa.com
• OMNI Combined Bar Code/Magnetic Stripe Reader from ID TECH http://www.idtechproducts.com
• SPECTRUM III MOIR Insert Magnetic Stripe Reader from ID TECH http://www.idtechproducts.com

The obvious problem with these readers lies in the fact that they cannot distinguish whether the keyboard originated from the user or was "entered" by the reader. To tell the program that the data it is receiving represents magnetic card information rather than regular keyboard input, the magnetic card information is preceded by a certain set of characters.

It must be possible to enter this specific sequence by means of a configuration tool for the reader that is provided by the manufacturer. Otherwise, it will not be possible to use the keyboard magnetic card reader in combination with SiteKiosk.

1. Keyboard layout

The data sent from the magnetic card reader will be detected before the Windows keyboard driver converts the keyboard entries into the corresponding national language. This is why you will also have to specify the language set for the keyboard.

2. Keyboard sequences (Header and Terminator)

As mentioned above, you will have to tell the magnetic card reader which keyboard sequence will precede and follow the card information.
Naturally, this information is also necessary for SiteKiosk to detect the corresponding data.

Make sure you enter the EXACT same keyboard sequence in the reader's configuration tool as well as in the settings for SiteKiosk.


2.1 Recommended keyboard sequences
Try and use combinations as rarely used as possible, e.g. circumflex "^", because the keyboard hook will block the keyboard entry for a few seconds provided that it matches the one entered here.
Thus, do not specify TAB, ENTER, BACKSPACE, ESC or other popular keys. We recommend that you use combinations like CIRCUMFLEX, ^CIRCUMFLEX, CTRL, ^CTRL, F9, ^F9 (same as ^+CTRL+F9) or CTRL, C, ^C, ^CTRL, F5, ^F5 (same as CTRL+ALT+F5).

The circumflex ^ stands for release key, i.e. the tool will register both when the key is pressed and when it is released.

2.2 Header (track 1)
This keyboard sequence will precede the information stored on the magnetic card. As a rule, the first data to be sent is the information stored on track1.
Use the buttons to the right to undo parts or all of the information you just entered.

2.3 Track 2
A distinction between the tracks is essential as the information required for the credit card transaction is stored on track1. This keyboard sequence follows track1 and, consequently, precedes track2.

2.4 Terminator (end of track)
This keyboard sequence concludes the transmission of the magnetic card information and, therefore, follows the transmitted information. The sequence indicates to the software that no further information will follow.