What is Magnetic Stripe Encoding?
Magnetic stripe (Mag stripe) encoding is the process of storing updatable information/data onto a magnetic stripe implanted in the back of a plastic card. These cards work by storing data as a pattern of positive and negative magnetic stripe fields. This technology adds an additional layer of security and encryption to the data enclosed in the card, decreasing counterfeit and duplicated cards.
When the card is swiped on the intended external system, it is read, decoded and the information translated into a usable format, whether it be to gain access or to verify details. Data is usually stored on three separate tracks that each can hold a set number of characters. Each of the three tracks can be used for a different type of data, for example; name, ref number, date of birth.
Markets
- Corporate
- Education
- Healthcare
- Public Sector
- Retail
- Sports & Leisure
- Travel & Transport
- Food & Beverage
- Applications
- Physical Access
- Payment
- Data Storage
- Loyalty and Membership
- Logical Access
- Time and Attendance
Applications
- Physical Access
- Payment
- Data Storage
- Loyalty and Membership
- Logical Access
- Time and Attendance
There are two types of magnetic stripe encoding cards:
High Coercivity (HiCo): HiCo stripe cards have easily identifiable black magnetic stripes. They are more durable because their magnetic layer is denser and less likely to interference from magnets. HiCo cards are a better choice if your ID cards are frequently used and/or need a longer life and are generally not re-encoded or re-used. Ideal for payment cards.
Low Coercivity (LoCo): LoCo stripe cards have brown magnetic stripes. They are intended to be temporary cards that can easily be erased and re-encoded. Although these cards use less energy to encode, the encoding will last a shorter amount of time and is more susceptible to interference. Ideal for temporary access cards.
How to print and encode a mag stripe card with a Magicard printer.
If you have a Magicard printer fitted with the optional Magnetic Encoding module, you can print and encode the data on the rear of the card in one operation*. The printer encodes
the mag data by transporting the card, driven by the main drive motor, over the Magnetic Head. To encode a magnetic stripe card, the user can use their preferred card printing application or go directly via the Driver Interface.
*Please note – The Magnetic Encoding model must be specified at time of purchase, it cannot be added later.
You can see from the display if it is a Magnetic Encoding enabled printer;
- Duo = Duplex enabled
- M = Magnetic Encoding Enabled
- C = Contact / Contactless Enabled
You can use the menu option Mag Self Test to verify the integrity of the printers mag encoding operation.
If the test is successful, the blank card will be ejected. If the test is Not successful, the blank card will be ejected and a red error screen displayed with: Mag Verify Fail Code: 30:00
To ensure the encoding is compatible with your Card Readers, it has the ability to meet ISO STD 7811. The Printer is capable of encoding, both CR80 Hi-Co and Lo-Co Cards using the standard 3 Track format. To change between the two, there is a setting in the Printer Driver, Encoding Tab.
Basic Magnetic Encoding
All Magnetic Encoding data must be:
- typed using a True Type Font only
- in Black
- UPPER CASE
You can add your Magnetic Encoding data onto the front page of your document (in rastagraphic DTP package or notepad for example)
- All Tracks of the code must start with the track identifier ‘tilde’ ~ followed by the Track number: ~1
- Follow the track identifier with the Start Sentinel, then your data finally followed by the End Sentinel.
- Track 1 may be a combination of numbers and uppercase letters. Track 2 & 3 numbers only.
