Introduction

IDMS v7.12.1.9 features the ability to encode and verify magstripe data using the external IDTech EzWriter IDWA-33XXXX magstripe encoder and reader. The EzWriter supports ISO, AAMVA, User Custom, and Raw-Data card formats. The EzWriter features encoding and verification for up to three magstripe tracks from a single card swipe.


How to configure the IDTech IDWA

Required Parts and Software

  1. IDTech EzWriter IDWA-33XXXX
  2. IDMS v7.12.1.9 or later
  3. Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10

Preparation

  1. Unpack the IDWA device
  2. Insert the 2.1mm power jack into the pigtail of the connection cable
  3. Insert the connection cable into an available USB port on the PC
    Note: At this stage the PC will automatically install a serial USB driver. Please choose a permanent USB port to mitigate re-configuration of USB Serial Driver and IDMS.

Configure the USB Serial Driver for IDMS

  1. Open Device Manager (Start > Control Panel > Hardware & Sound > Device Manager)
  2. Expand Ports (COM & LPT)
  3. Select the USB Serial Port device and make note of the assigned COM port
  4. Right-click the USB Serial Port device and select Properties
  5. Select the Port Settings tab, then Advanced...
  6. Set the Latency Timer (msec) value to 1
  7. Click OK to save the setting, then close the USB Serial Port Properties and Device Manager.

Configure the IDMS Encode COM Port and Device Setting

  1. Open IDMS then select Utilities > Setup > Environments > Edit on the current environment
  2. Find the section titled [Encode]
  3. Set Port=COM(X) where (X) is the assigned COM Port in above step 3
  4. Set Device=0


Configure the Coercivity

Note: The parameter that controls the IDWA Coercivity is named HiCo. If using Low-Co cards set it to 0. If using Hi-Co set it to 1, or if the HiCo paramter is not found, the default is Hi-Co. You may need to add the HiCo parameter to [Encode] if you do not find it.

  1. Open IDMS then select Utilities > Setup > Environments > Edit on the current environment
  2. Find the section titled [Encode]
  3. Set HiCo=0 for Low-Co, or HiCo=1 for Hi-Co.
  4. Use the included IDTech Hi-Co or Low-Co magnetic test cards to test the IDMS Encode function before putting the EzWriter IDWA into production


Example [Encode] section with Hi-Co setting


 

[Encode]
Port=COM7
Device=0
HiCo=1

  

How to use the IDtech IDWA

After installing and configuring the IDTech IDWA device you may now use it with IDMS.


Encode a Magstripe in IDMS

Click Encode and the EzWriter LED will change from Green to Amber which signals it is ready for magstripe encoding. The EzWriter will use the same [Facility] magstripe encoding configuration used by the ID card printer. To review the magstripe encode configuration open Utilities > Facility Code and select the Facility.


(Example Custom Encoding for illustration purpose only)


Verify a Magstripe in IDMS

Click Read Mag and the EzWriter LED will change from Green to Amber which signals it is ready for magstripe verification. then swipe a magstripe card through the EzWriter. A window will appear with the contents of the magstripe tracks.


(Example of the Read Mag window)


This concludes the installation, configuration, and usage instructions for the IDTech EzWriter IDWA-33XXXX. More information specific to the care, operation, and support of the EzWriter may be found in the User Manual included in the EzWriter box.