Adafruit Magstripe Reader - PS/2 Interface - 2 Tracks (1&2)

Decode what's hidden on your credit cards, or use it for an access system. This mag-stripe card reader efficiently decodes the two most common tracks used, Track 1 and Track 2. Small and easy to use, it is microcontroller-friendly, featuring a PS/2 interface that mimics a keyboard, making it perfect as a 'pass-through' or 'keyboard wedge' device for point-of-sale terminals.

PS/2 is convenient as it uses a single connector for both power and data, operating with just two data pins. When a card is swiped, the raw data is decoded, parity-checked, and outputted as if typed on a keyboard. With a bi-directional magnetic head, swiping in either direction is supported, with data emitted in the correct order.

Compatible with nearly all microcontrollers with existing PS/2 keyboard examples, it integrates seamlessly. Arduino users have successfully tried it with PJRC's PS2_Keyboard library; on an Uno, digital pins 2 and 3 are used. To simplify wiring, our PS/2 adapter cable is recommended. Swipe any magnetic card, and data appears in the serial terminal.

This reader focuses on reading and decoding the first two tracks of standard magnetic-stripe cards. While it cannot write to cards or be modified to do so, it serves as an effective option when a three-track reader is unnecessary. Wikipedia's article on magnetic stripe cards can guide in decision-making between two-track and three-track readers.