Magnetic Stripe Encoding

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 Applications
• Corporate • Physical Access
• Education • Payment
• Healthcare • Data Storage
• Public Sector • Loyalty and Membership
• Retail • Logical Access
• Sports & Leisure • Time and Attendance
• Travel & Transport
• Food & Beverage

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
Customisable
Fields
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:
Data Entry
{
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.

This text will be printed

~1%THISWILLBEENCODED^9876543210?~2;0123456789?~3;0123456789?

Magicard Ltd - Headquarters and manufacturing centre Find your nearest

Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9XD, dealer here:
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1305 47 00 00
Email: info@magicard.com

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