MSRX6-BLE Setup
ATLAS supports the MSRX6-BLE magnetic stripe reader for reading and writing magstripe cards via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”- MSRX6-BLE magnetic stripe reader
- Charged battery or USB power
- Bluetooth enabled on your Android device
Pairing
Section titled “Pairing”The MSRX6-BLE uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which does not require pairing in Android settings like Bluetooth Classic devices. ATLAS handles discovery and connection directly.
1. Power On the MSR
Section titled “1. Power On the MSR”Hold the power button until the LED indicates it’s ready (usually flashing blue).
2. Connect in ATLAS
Section titled “2. Connect in ATLAS”From Home Screen:
- Tap the MSR connection card
- Tap Scan for Devices
- Select your MSRX6-BLE from the list
- Wait for connection
From Bluetooth Settings:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth Settings
- Under MSR Magstripe Devices, tap CONNECT
- Select your device from the scanner
The connection card turns green when connected.
Paired Devices vs Saved Devices
Section titled “Paired Devices vs Saved Devices”| Category | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paired Devices | Android Bluetooth Settings | Devices the OS knows about from previous BLE connections. |
| Saved Devices | ATLAS Internal | Devices you’ve saved in ATLAS with custom names for quick reconnection. |
Saving a Device
Section titled “Saving a Device”- Connect to a device
- Long-press or tap save icon
- Enter a custom name (e.g., “Kit #1”, “Lab MSR”)
- The device moves from Paired to Saved
Reading Cards
Section titled “Reading Cards”Once connected:
- Go to Cards → Magstripe tab
- Tap Read
- Swipe a card through the reader
- Card data appears on screen
ATLAS reads all three tracks (Track 1, 2, and 3) when available.
Writing Cards
Section titled “Writing Cards”To write data to a blank magstripe card:
- Go to Cards → Magstripe tab
- Enter or load card data
- Set coercivity (HiCo or LoCo) to match your blank card
- Tap Write
- Swipe a blank card through the reader
- Verify write success
Coercivity
Section titled “Coercivity”| Mode | Use Case |
|---|---|
| HiCo (High Coercivity) | Most modern access cards, hotel keys. More durable. |
| LoCo (Low Coercivity) | Gift cards, older loyalty cards. |
ATLAS auto-detects coercivity when reading cards. For writing, select the mode that matches your blank card stock.
Supported Formats
Section titled “Supported Formats”| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO | Standard magnetic stripe format |
| AAMVA | Driver’s license format |
| CA DMV | California DMV format |
| Raw | Direct track data |
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Can’t find the MSR in scan?
- Make sure it’s powered on (LED blinking)
- Move closer to your Android device
- Check that Bluetooth is enabled
- Try power cycling the MSR
Connection drops?
- Stay within range (approximately 10 meters)
- ATLAS uses keep-alive to maintain connection, but extended idle time may cause disconnect
- Reconnect via home screen card
Read fails or partial data?
- Swipe at a consistent speed (not too fast, not too slow)
- Clean the read head with a cleaning card
- Try swiping in the other direction
Write verification fails?
- Use high-quality blank cards
- Ensure coercivity setting matches your blank card
- Check that the card isn’t damaged
Battery
Section titled “Battery”The MSRX6-BLE has a built-in rechargeable battery. Charge via USB when the LED indicates low battery.