ID Innovations Classic Line Series Magnetic Stripe Readers - Manual (Page 31)

Appendices
31
Appendix-E Troubleshooting and Error Beeps
Note: If you do not find a solution to your issue and you require further assistance please visit our Website at
www.idinnovations.com .
Troubleshooting
Problem: My computer beeps and some of my card data is missing.
Problem: My credit card software says that the card data is invalid.
Problem: It takes several swipes before the credit card readers read the card properly.
Cause: The Card Reader's transmit speed is too fast. If you are using a USB Adaptor (Non-ID Innovations) this is
a common problem because USB Adaptors are not prepared to handle the data as fast as the Card
Reader can transmit.
Solution: Slow down the Card Reader's transmit speed. Use Windows notepad to repeatedly swipe credit cards to
verify that the data is received the same, each time the card is read.
Problem: When I press the key sequence to get into configuration my credit card reader flashes the RED LED and
beeps 6 times.
Cause: You have a Value Line credit card reader that can only be configured using the Universal Programmers
Software.
Solution: Download the free software from our website (www.idinnovations.com) and use it to configure your reader.
Problem: The reader does not beep when powered on, and appears dead.
Cause: The Card Reader’s decoder chip is no longer functioning.
Solution: Contact technical support for repair.
- OR -
Cause: The connector from the card reader to the computer has a bent pin.
Solution: Attempt to straighten bent pin – Contact technical support for repair if unable to correct problem.
Problem: The card reader does not work with my credit card authorization software.
Cause: Data output format error.
Solution: Change the Termination String to be output after each track of data. You can do this quickly using the
Quick Keys sequence: <Left-Control> <2> <Right-Shift> and <Enter> with the PS2 Keyboard Wedge
versions of the card reader. If you have a USB Version of the reader you may use the Universal
Programmers Software to configure this option under F6.
Problem: My card will not read.
Cause: The magnetic read head is dirty.
Solution: Clean the magnetic head. Cleaning cards are available that will allow you to easily clean the magnetic
head.
- OR -
Cause: The Card Reader does not have the tracks enabled to read your card.
Solution: Reconfigure the reader to enable any disabled tracks.
- OR -
Cause: The Card Reader model that you are using is not the correct model for your card.
Solution: Call for assistance in selecting the appropriate reader for your requirements.
- OR -
Cause: Your card is not properly oriented in the reader.
Solution: Orient the card with the stripe facing the LED on the reader.
- OR -
Cause: The data format on your card is not an ANSI/ISO standard.
Solution: Call to see if a firmware update is available to read your card format.
- OR -
Cause: Your card has a damaged or unreadable stripe.
Solution: Your card needs to be reissued.
- OR -
Cause: The Card Reader is damaged or is no longer functioning properly.
Solution: Call technical support for assistance.
- OR -
Cause: Weak signal on card.
Solution: Swipe the card faster.
Problem: Some of the characters of my card data are garbled or incorrect.