Thread: magnetic stripe card data

  1. #1
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    magnetic stripe card data

    I have a problem. I have a magnetic stripe card and I scanned it into my computer with a card reader, is it possible to change only part of the data and then write it out to a new card? If so, what programming language do I use, what software do I need and will it be difficult.

    If you are wondering why I need this information I can tell you that I am working on a school project.

  2. #2
    Algorithm Dissector iMalc's Avatar
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    I work for a company that used to make magstripe card readers, and I worked with software that encoded them. Of course nowdays almost everyone uses proximity cards instead, mostly Mifare.
    A Magstripe card consists of three tracks (of different lengths). You can read or modify any of the tracks, but you can only write the whole track at once, not just parts of it. To modify a portion of the data on one track you have to read that whole track in, modify some of it, and then write it back out.
    I've mainly only worked with the Neuron 891-A encoder (iirc), and it communicated over an ordinary COM port, defaulting to 9600 baud, meaning that you could integrate with it from any programming language. Whatever encoder you have may be different though. How does it connect to the PC?
    Will need more details to help further.
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