This information provides guidelines for selecting and using a card reader with the Attendance Tracking ("A-Track") system that is compatible with the university's ISUCard. Intended for technically proficient users, those unfamiliar with these technical nuances should seek assistance from their local IT team.
Disclaimer: The information provided is without any guarantees. Support from IT Services and Web Development Services for card readers is strictly limited to their use with the A-Track system.
While A-Track doesn't mandate the use of a card reader, incorporating one can enhance the speed and efficiency of the check-in/out processes for larger groups of attendees. For recording attendance at functions where security is important, it's recommended to have a proctor present to review the card and swipe/tap the card for the attendee.
Compatible card readers operate as Human Interface Device (HID) Keyboards. Essentially, when a card is swiped or tapped, the reader interprets the card's data and emulates a keyboard typing the information. When using your reader with A-Track, ensure that the web application is in the foreground and that the cursor is in the "Check In" field. Applications like Notepad, Word, or Excel, which accept text inputs, can serve as effective testing grounds for card readers.
A-Track is compatible solely with USB HID Keyboard/Keystroke devices. Readers that function via RS232, Raw Data, Serial, COM, or those necessitating SDK integration are not supported and will not function directly with A-Track.
Proximity Card Readers
These readers function using low-frequency radio-frequency identification, which reads an RFID chip embedded in all ISUCards issued after 2009. It's crucial to note that the ProxID, a unique identifier linked with the physical card, differs from the owner's University ID. On newer cards, the ProxID is printed in the lower right corner on the back of the card. When tested, this ProxID is zero-padded to 7 digits and should be preceded by the university’s facility code (FAC), which is 0048. For instance, an ISUCard with a ProxID of 123456 should be output as 0048-123456.
If your card differs from this format, it will require an initial configuration (see Configuring pcProx Readers for ISU Cards) before it can be used with A-Track. Once set up, these devices retain their settings and can be used with any computer with an available USB-A interface.
The following device has been tested and is known to be compatible with A-Track. Please ensure you procure this specific model:
| CDW Name: | rf IDEAS pcProx RF proximity reader - USB |
|---|---|
| CDW Part: | 1119635 |
| CyBuy Price: | $149.02 (as of 10 Sep 2023) |
| Manufacturer: | rf IDEAS |
| Mfg Name: | Wave ID Solo Keystroke HID Prox Black USB Reader |
| Mfg Part: | RDR-6081AKU |
| Interface: | Keystroke HID |
| Frequency: | 125 kHz |
| Connector: | USB-A |
Other proximity card readers may be compatible, but we can only vouch for compatibility and offer support for the above-listed model with A-Track.
Magnetic Stripe Readers (MSR)
While a majority of 3-track MSR readers will work with A-Track without any additional configuration, their use is discouraged. The card's magnetic stripe’s susceptibility to physical degradation, accidental data erasure, and overall reduced reliability compared to proximity chips make them a less favorable choice.
These readers function by reporting the information from the magnetic stripe found on the reverse side of the ISUCard. The information encoded contains the university prefix (600957), ISU ID number, card version, and the checksum digit printed on the front of the card as well as other information that is disregarded by A-Track. When tested, an ISUCard with 600957 123456789 1 2 printed on the front, should report the first line as ;60095712345678912=0…0? (Any digits present between the = and ? characters, or information on any subsequent lines, are meaningless to A-Track.)
For those choosing to use these readers, we've identified and tested a particular device that ensures compatibility with A-Track. Please ensure you procure this specific model:
| CDW Name: | ID TECH Omni 3237 Heavy Duty Slot Reader - magnetic card reader - USB |
|---|---|
| CDW Part: | 624802 |
| CyBuy Price: | $137.20 (as of 10 Sep 2023) |
| Manufacturer: | ID TECH |
| Mfg Name: | ID TECH Omni Slot Reader for MagStripe |
| Mfg Part: | WCR3237-512U |
| Interface: | HID Keyboard Wedge |
| Type: | 3-track magnetic stripe reader |
| Connector: | USB-A |
Other 3-track magnetic stripe readers may be compatible, but we can only vouch for compatibility and offer support for the above-listed model with A-Track. It's noteworthy that while a previously recommend device, the "ID TECH MiniMag II" (CDW Part: 1164608), is still available and retains its compatibility with A-Track, the manufacturer has terminated its support.