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Compact black magnetic stripe reader with side cable, about four inches long

UNITECH

UNITECH MS246 credit card reader USB 3-track bi-directional

SKU CH-4RA8-EX4AZ MPN MS246

Compact USB magnetic stripe reader reads three tracks bi-directionally and withstands one million swipes

  • Interface typeUSB-KB, USB-HID
  • Max read speed5 to 50 IPS
  • Track1, 2 & 3
  • Card formatISO 7811, AAMVA
  • Media thicknessCard Thickness: 0.015 in to 0.045 in Slot Width: 0.05 in (1.
  • Head duty cycle (passes)Magnetic Head Life: 1,000,000 passes minimum Rail and Cover
  • Reads three tracks in one swipe for complete card data
  • Swipes either direction for faster checkout flow
  • Handles scratched and worn cards without errors
  • Survives over 1,000,000 swipes for long service life
  • Compact 1.18" x 1.38" x 3.94" body fits tight counters

Compact USB magstripe reader for point-of-sale use

The UNITECH MS246 is a magnetic stripe reader that connects through USB-KB or USB-HID and reads up to three tracks in either swipe direction. It is built for indoor environments such as retail counters, restaurants, gyms, libraries and offices where a small footprint matters. No software setup is required on Windows or Mac systems, and OPOS driver support is available for legacy Windows versions.

USB keyboard and HID interfaces limit host

The reader draws power from the USB port at five volts with a maximum operating current of about 70 milliamps and one milliamp per track while reading. Swipe speed must stay between five and fifty inches per second, and the slot accepts cards from .015 to .045 inches thick. Operation is rated from 32 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity up to 95 percent non-condensing.

Three-track bi-directional read

The magnetic head and rail assembly are each rated for a minimum of 1000000 passes, and the unit handles high-jitter, scratched or worn cards. A three-colour LED and beeper signal read status, while threaded inserts and hook-and-loop pads allow flexible mounting. The six-foot cable exits the side for routing in tight spaces.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Magnetic Stripe Card Readers, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $44.99
Cheaper than about 80% of the 48 comparable items (median $64.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameUNITECH AMERICA
Model nameMS246
Part numberMS246
Product typeMagStripe Reader
Product colorBlack
Performance
Max read speed5 to 50 IPS
Ports & slots
Interface typeUSB-KB, USB-HID
Size & build
Media thicknessCard Thickness: 0.015 in to 0.045 in
Slot Width: 0.05 in (1.37 mm)
Product dimensions1.18 in × 1.38 in × 3.94 in
Product weight0.43 lb (0.2 kg)
Shipping weight0.16 kg
Package size124 × 94 × 48 mm
Environment & compliance
Operating temperature range32 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 55 degrees Celsius)
Humidity rangeMaximum 95% non-condensing
Storage temperature range-22 to 159 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 to 70 degrees Celsius)
More details
Track1, 2 & 3
Card formatISO 7811, AAMVA
Head duty cycle (passes)Magnetic Head Life: 1,000,000 passes minimum
Rail and Cover Life: 1,000,000 passes minimum
Indoor outdoor ruggednessIndoor

Questions about this item

Should I choose the USB-KB or USB-HID version for my point-of-sale software?

The MS246 supports both USB-KB and USB-HID interfaces in one unit, so you do not need to pick a separate version; it will appear as a keyboard or HID device depending on your application settings.

What does the 5 to 50 IPS read speed mean when I am swiping cards at the counter?

You can swipe a card as slowly as five inches per second or as quickly as fifty inches per second and the reader will still capture all three tracks reliably.

How does the USB interface limit cable length or power for this reader?

The unit draws 5 VDC at up to 70 mA from the USB port and ships with a six-foot cable, so it stays within standard USB power and length limits without an external supply.

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