RFIDEAS Card Reader

Overview

This article provides guidance on the recommended card reader to purchase, its limitations, and the support provided.

Before you begin...

Front desks commonly use card readers for check-in processes, collect students' 900#, or for different events. If a card reader is needed for a different function or if compatibility with specific software is required, it is recommended to contact the vendor directly to confirm compatibility and avoid potential issues.

Based on research conducted by IT with different departments, the recommended product is RDR-7585AKU WAVE ID® Solo Playback MIFARE Black USB Reader, which is compatible with Windows systems. This device can be programmed to collect specific data from IDs and perform an action after the data is captured. Departments are strongly encouraged to work with the vendor to define these requirements and ensure the device meets their needs.

Once vendor confirmation is received and the purchase is approved by the department, a Hardware Request must be submitted. This process allows IT to verify the purchase and ensure it won't be flagged as an unauthorized purchase in the future.

Card reader programming on post-data-collection actions can be changed with limitations with the software "pcProxCardMan", which is provided by the vendor, but performing incorrect changes may damage the device and erase all existing programming. Basic instructions of the software will be provided in this article. A Software Request is required to install the software on your MSU Denver Windows device.

NOTE: IT does not provide any support for these devices. This includes, but is not limited to, programming changes, ensuring functionality across different OS, or ensuring compatibility with systems requiring integration.

Software instructions

  1. Navigate to "https://www.rfideas.com/support/tools/downloads".
  2. Scroll down until you see WAVEIDCardMan.
  3. Click WAVEIDCardMan.
    • A pop-up will appear asking for some basic information.
    • This is RF IDeas' EULA agreement.
  4. Enter your information.
    • Note: You will need to enter a valid email.
  5. The software should download automatically after agreeing to the EULA. 
  6. Open the downloaded .zip file.
  7. Extract the contents of the .zip file somewhere onto your computer.
  8. Run pcProxCardMan.
    1. At this point, you will need to contact IT to validate the installation on your MSU Denver computer.
    2. Agree to the license agreement pop-up.
    3. Select pcProx Card Manager for the components to install.
    4. Click Next.
    5. Click Install.
  9. Run pcProxCardMan.exe.
    1. A pop-up will appear telling you to set your preferences and click OK.
    2. A user preferences pane will appear; click OK.
  10. pcProx Card Manager is now successfully installed on your machine.

 

Configuring delimiters of the card reader...

  1. Plug in the RF IDeas card reader.
  2. Click Connect All.
    • This will connect the physical card reader to the configuration software.
  3. Open a blank text file in Notepad.
    • NOTE: The program will write out to whatever your mouse cursor has selected.
    • NOTE: Ensure that your cursor has selected a space in the .txt file.
  4. If you scan an ID, it will output all the data that the card reader grabs from the card.
  5. Under the Delimiters tab in the Playback (P.B.) section:
    • You can place hotkeys and other inputs into the delimiter sections; this will write out to whatever the cursor is on prior to it printing the ID card information.
    • For example, if we type <ENTER> into delimiter 1 and then scan an ID card, the software will print a new line before the information on the card.
      • ​​​​​​​NOTE: If it does not let you type the '<' or '>' character, hold "Shift" and press the key of your choice. 
    • DO NOT attempt to change what the card reader actually pulls from the ID card; if that needs to be changed, they will need to be sent back to the manufacturer.
  6. Make the necessary adjustments in the delimiters section and tailor them to the specifications provided by the user.
  7. Click Write Playback to save the program to the card reader.

Conclusion

After following these steps, you should be able to order a card reader and update its programming, if required. Please note that these are IT recommendations only, and there is no officially supported device or support provided for card readers.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact MSU Denver IT Support.

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