1. Connected Card Readers

The table is sortable. Sort by the desired column by clicking its header.

Operations are performed on selected readers. Select them by clicking the select checkbox, or anywhere on the line (except the detail button).

The checkbox at the upper left-hand side acts as Select/Deselect all

2. Reload readers (F5)

Refresh the list of connected readers using the Reload readers button.

3. Configure Selected Card Readers

Open the configuration dialog for the selected card readers using the Configure button. Card Reader Configuration.

4. Update Firmware on Selected Card Readers

Open the update firmware dialog for the selected card readers using the Update FW button.

5. Update Service Firmware on Selected Card Readers

Open the service update firmware dialog for the selected card readers using the Update Service FW button.

6. Card Reader Detail

Click Detail to display the card reader detail page.

On the card detail page, you perform the following actions:

• Copy to Clipboard – Copy the reader details to the clipboard or to a text file.

• Save to File – Save reader details to a text file.

• Download log – Download logs from the card reader and save to a text file. If the log file is empty, then check if debug mode is correctly set in the configuration.

Configuration Options

• Keep current protocol – Do not change the configured protocol or custom configuration.

• Select available protocol – Select a protocol from the list of available protocols. When you configure more than one type of card reader at once, this mode is not available. You can set the protocol number manually.
  

  

  
  
  

• Manually input protocol number – Manually set the protocol number.

• Upload custom configuration – Upload a binary file with the custom configuration.

USB Mode

Change the mode of the USB interface.

Enable sound

Debug mode

Values:

• Keep current setting – do not change the logging configuration

• Disabled – logging is disabled

• Warnings only – only log warning messages

• Full log – debug logging.

Disable further usage of Configuration Cards

Reset to defaults

Reload readers (F5)

Refresh the list of connected readers and clean the card reading log.

Card number and type

You can find the number and type of the last-placed card.

When using in KM mode, the card number also includes MFP data emitted from a loadable driver (in parenthesis).

Save Read Logs

Download a log of all cards numbers read by the card readers using the Save Read Logs button.

Log example

A step-by-step guide for advanced configuration

Step 1:

Select which reader you want the advanced configuration tested on in the next reading configuration dialog. This step can be omitted if no testing is required.

Step 2:

Select the card reader configuration either by:

1. Custom card reader configuration. See below for a custom configuration step-by-step.
   

   

2. Or by protocol selection from the list of protocols.
   

   

3. Or by manual protocol selection by protocol number.
   

   

4. Or set "No reading configuration"
   

   

Step 3:

Select device configuration.

May be left without any change if no changes are required. Items correspond to the options in the configuration dialog.

Step 4:

Save the configuration:

• Save the configuration to a file by clicking export configuration. The file can be later used in the Configuration > Configure dialog > Upload custom configuration.

• Alternatively, you can write the config on a configuration card, see below for step-by-step creation of configuration cards.

Step-by-step creation of configuration cards

See the "Card Reader Custom Configuration" document for details and limitations about the configuration cards usage. Please ask your sales representative for the document.

Step 1: Format an empty card.

Place a compatible card on the card reader and click FORMAT CARDS. This step is skipped if the card is already formatted.

Compatible cards are:

• Mifare DESFire EV1 8k

• Mifare DESFire EV2 8k

Step 2: Prepare reading configuration and device configuration (see above)

Step 3: Write the configuration onto a card

1. Select the reader you wish to write the config card on and place the formatted config card on it.

2. Select if you want to disable the further processing of the configuration cards. Generally, it is not safe to leave it on. However, for debug and testing purposes, it is better to leave it enabled.

3. Edit the card label. The label is initially generated based on the configuration settings, however, it can be changed to anything to suit customer needs. The label can be read back by an NFC-enabled mobile phone or tablet.

4. Click Write the configuration card

   

Step-by-step custom card reader configuration

Step 1:

Select the card readers you want the custom configuration tested on:

Step 2:

Make sure you have card readers selected.

1. Load a custom configuration text file, or

2. Edit the custom configuration in the text box, or

3. You can use the Edit as custom configuration button on the selection of protocols.

See the "Card Reader Custom Configuration" document for details about what can be used as a custom configuration. Please ask your sales representative for the document.

Step 3: Click Enable testing and upload

Place the card and check the result on the list below. If you are not satisfied with the result and want to modify the custom configuration, just edit it and repeat step 3 – click the upload button.

Using configuration card to configure Y Soft USB Card Reader

Supported Card Readers:

• Y Soft USB Card Reader 3 MF

• Y Soft USB Card Reader 3 MF+

• Y Soft USB Card Reader 3 MF&Legic

• Y Soft USB Card Reader 3 MF SAM

• Y Soft USB Card Reader 3 MFX

• Y Soft MFX Mobile Reader

• Y Soft MFX Ultimate Reader

Requirements:

• Firmware version 2.4.0 or higher

• HF technology must be enabled either by protocol selection or in custom card reader configuration (enabled by default, not needed for firmware 2.5.1 or newer)

• Configuration cards processing is enabled in device configuration (enabled by default)

• Configuration cards work only within 2 minutes from the device power-up or restart

To configure Y Soft USB Card Reader via a configuration card, perform the following steps:

1. Place the configuration card on a card reader.
   

   

   
   
   

2. Wait 15 seconds.

3. Card reader programming is indicated by blue LED color.
   

   

   
   
   

4. Successful programming is indicated by a green LED color and beep sound.

5. Remove the configuration card.

6. The USB reader will reboot and use a new configuration.

7. Check that MFD and card reader are working properly. Some MFDs might need restart after card reader programming.
   

   

A step-by-step guide for card testing

Card testing checklist:

1. Get at least two card samples of each card type or each series of cards used by the customer. Two samples are recommended to make sure the card is not damaged also it may be helpful in determining the card number conversion.
   

2. Verify that the cards are working with customer readers in a customer environment

3. If possible get card numbers as recorded in the customer's access or attendance system. This may be helpful in determining the proper card reader
   

4. If possible get the expected chip type from the customer

Testing equipment checklist:

1. A PC with Windows 7 and newer

2. The latest version of the Card Reader Tool application (Available at Y Soft Partner Portal)

3. Reader 3 MFX Reader

4. MFX Mobile Reader

5. Plastic spacer 20mm (3D printed) or non-metallic object (post-it notes etc.)

OR:

1. A PC with Windows 7 and newer

2. The latest version of the Card Reader Tool application (Available at Y Soft Partner Portal)

3. MFX Ultimate Reader

4. Plastic spacer 20mm (3D printed) or non-metallic object (post-it notes etc.)

If not using MFX Ultimate Reader, having the cards tested on both Reader 3 MFX Reader and MFX Mobile Reader is necessary in order to check whether the technology is not directly supported on the other reader.

Reader 3 MFX, MFX Mobile, and MFX Ultimate card readers have got the identical LF part (125kHz, 132kHz, 134.2KHz). The main difference is in the NFC/HF part (13.56MHz) supported technologies. See the following table:

*obsolete Legic chips not supported

Step 1:

Select the reader you wish to use as a testing reader. Only one reader can be used at a time.

1. Select reader

• Select the required reader from the drop-down menu and click the Continue button. When there is only one compatible reader then the reader will be already selected.

• You may refresh the list of connected readers using the Refresh list button on reader connect. List refresh may take a longer time.

2. No compatible reader detected

Card testing is available only on supported readers. Please connect one of them. If there is already a reader present try to disconnect it, reconnect it, and refresh the reader list.

3. Incompatible firmware

Firmware in the selected reader is not compatible with the used version of the YSoft Card Reader Tool. You can update it directly by clicking on the Update firmware button.

4. Incompatible tool

Firmware in the selected reader is not compatible with the used version of the YSoft Card Reader Tool. Firmware is newer so updating the YSoft Card Reader Tool is needed. The download is available on Y Soft Partner Portal.

Another way to solve version incompatibility is to downgrade reader firmware. This is however not recommended as the newer firmware generally contains bug fixes and new features. It may also not be available in some situations when the reader cannot be downgraded under its minimal firmware version.

Step 2:

After selecting, the reader is initialized to testing mode, please wait until initialization is complete.

Step 3:

Place the card on the reader. For the best results, keep the card approximately 20mm from the card reader. You may use the 3D printed spacer provided with the card testing kit or any other non-metallic object (post-it notes, paper box, etc.).

Reasons for placing the card at a distance are the following:

1. While it is ok for just simple authentication to place a card directly at a reader, it may not provide stable results for a complete card scan for some card technologies.

2. To verify that the card will be read without any problems at this distance.

20mm seems to be ok for the vast majority of cards however in some cases, namely, with some contactless Smart Cards or special key fobs, it may be necessary to place the card closer as those require more energy.

On the other hand, some cards (such as Cotag Active or Tiris) may require to be placed more than 20mm away

Step 4:

Click on Start testing to perform testing.

To return to reader selection and deactivating testing mode, click Cancel.

Step 5:

Keep the card on the reader without moving it.

Scanning of a card may take a longer time depending on the card type and data area presence and size. Scanning is performed multiple times to make sure the results are stable.

Once card types are known or could not be determined, the screen changes to the results screen.

Step 6:

Result screen description

1. Testing status

2. Multiple technologies tabs – If multiple chips or multiple ways of reading the card have been detected.

3. Scanned card properties – Card UIN and Card type.

4. Additional information – Additional information about the card such as underlying standard information, bit lengths where applicable, hardware/software versions, etc.

5. Data areas – List of data, keys or applications detected, or other information that can be used to create a card reading customization.

6. Compatible card readers and protocols – The protocols are listed in the order of preference. Single technology protocols are listed first, universal UIN protocols are listed next and remaining protocols that may also combine other technologies are after that.

7. Rerun the test – Run the same test again or test another card.

8. Return to reader selection – Select another reader, for example in case the result is inconclusive.

9. View Details – View complete card scan JSON file, it may contain more information than displayed on the result screen.

10. Save test Log – Save the archive with JSON file, cardscan information, and reader information for further analysis by customer support.

Card testing results

1. Unique card reader technology detected

The technology has been uniquely identified and it cannot be anything else. However, validation with numbers requested by the customer is highly recommended as they might require some sort of card number conversion.

If unsure then save the test log and contact customer support for further consultation. Please see sending card testing consultations guide below.

2. Inconclusive results

The detected technology is known to be used as an underlying technology for other technologies. Usually, the card number may be stored on the card's memory and special settings or security keys are required.

1. Try another reader. If you tested the card on MFX then do the testing again on MFX Mobile and vice versa. This step is necessary is to check whether the technology is not directly supported by the other reader.

2. If the results are still inconclusive then validation with numbers requested by the customer is required.

If the results are still inconclusive then save the test log from both readers and contact customer support for further consultation. Please see sending card testing consultations guide below.

3. Multiple cards or formats detected

Multiple chips or ways of reading the chip are detected.

1. The card may be a composite card (also called a hybrid card), which is made up of a high-frequency card and a low-frequency card composite.

2. Card transmits UIN in multiple formats.

In this case, after consultation with the customer, it is necessary to select the card with the expected result.

4. Unknown card technology or unstable results detected

Something has been detected however it cannot be safely or directly used for user identification. The technology may use random UIN, the card cannot be properly handled by the reader or the data read is unreliable.

If not using the MFX Ultimate reader, try the other reader. If you tested the card on MFX then do the testing again on MFX Mobile and vice versa. You may also try repositioning the card - closer or farther from the reader.

If the results are still unknown then save the test log from both readers and contact customer support for further consultation. Please see sending card testing consultations guide below.

5. No card detected

No card has been detected.

If not using the MFX Ultimate reader, try the other reader. If you tested the card on MFX then do the testing again on MFX Mobile and vice versa. You may also try repositioning the card - closer or farther from the reader.

If it does not help then please use the card testing service (Y Soft Partner Portal > Customer Support Services > Card Testing)

6. Unable to communicate with the card reader

There has been an error in communicating with the reader. Please try reconnecting the reader and restart testing again. It may be also necessary to restart the Card Reader Tool.

If the problem persists then please contact customer support.

Sending card testing consultations

You may enter the consultation request at Partner Portal > Customer Support Services

Consultation checklist:

1. For each card include testing logs from both MFX and MFX Mobile card readers or MFX Ultimate reader

2. For each card include hi-resolution photos from both sides so that any technology or card number marking is visible. You may blur other personal information if needed.

3. For each card include information about the expected type and a card number expected by the customer.

Quick tips: How to get the best card testing results

• For the most accurate results, we strongly recommend using both MXF and MXF Mobile readers or the MFX Ultimate reader. Some card technologies are only partially supported by one reader and the other has direct full support.

• If the card test results are unexpected or unstable, change the reading distance - some cards require a specific field strength to fully read all features. For the most common cards, we recommend a 20mm 3d printed spacer.

• Compare result card number with customer expectations. Some cards require conversions or custom configuration to provide the expected results.