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Credit card reader links to IBM PC
Credit card reader links to IBM PC Datastripe of the UK has built a credit card reader that is compatible with the IBM PC. The PC 180 clips onto the back of the IBM PC keyboard. Operated manually, the swipe reader lets data on a standard cedit card be entered directly onto the personal computer. The microprocessor base for the PC 180 is an Intel 8085. There are 2k of ROM and 2k of RAM. As Chris Bale of Datastripe put it, 'it doesn't take much intelligence to read a credit card.' When a credit card is placecl in the reader, the device flags an address on the IBM I/O bus to say that it has read a card. The IBM carries out continuous polling to see if such a signal has been given. Then a software subroutine picks up the card data, which has been put in ASCII code by the reader's
Clip-on credit card reader for IBM PC SBC. The IBM PC checks that the data it has received corresponds to a technically valid credit card. The PC 180 can read all three track formats (IATA, ABA and
THRIFT) used on magnetic stripe cards, says Datastripe. The full length of all three tracks, or specific information from any particular track, can be selected for entry onto the computer. The card reader can also cope with extended magnetic stripes, up to 200 mm at 8 bit/mm. It is therefore suitable for automated ticket/boarding p a s s formats. Another current application is automatic form filling for car rentals. 'The market for our range of products using magnetic stripe technology is growing all the time as more uses are found for "credit"type cards and magnetic-stripe documents in general,' said Bale. 'A single unit is £550 and substantial quantity discounts are available. Because of the cost and the ease with which the unit can be integrated with the personal computer, we anticipate volume sales quickly being generated.'
Studies of Dutch wreck use P2000C to measure, record and process Excavations of the Amsterdam, a Dutch ship wrecked of the coast of Hastings, UK, are being monitored with a P2000C microcomputer. Made by Philips in Austria, the device records and processes measurements in situ. Horizontal steel girders are placed over the ship's stern. These carry the underwater survey points from which measurements on objects within the wreck are obtained. The P2000C calculates the position of the objects relative to the wreck. Software for the excavation was written by project programmer Nick Rule. In its original smaller version the program package ran on an Apple computer for calculations relating to another wreck, the Mary Rose, about two years ago. The Amsterdam project uses a configuration of the P2000C system with two 640k floppy disc drivers (96 track/in). FORTRANcompiler, Microsoft BASICand CP/M. The P2012 also has two serial interfaces for taking in the measurements. CPU functions and terminal han-
vol 8 no 6 july~august 1984
dling are done separately by the system's two Z80A processors (64k and 32k respectively). The P2000C for the Amsterdam excavations was supplied on loan. 'Philips has an interest in the project because of its own Dutch roots,' said John Mills, Managing Director of UK supplier Kingsway
Data Systems. 'A robust, reliable and portable machine was needed, that could withstand rough weather conditions and handling by nonexpert operators. Also the P2000C does not need any external storage or processors, but is completely selfcontained.'
Micro helps wreck salvage
377
Clip-on credit card reader for IBM PC SBC. The IBM PC checks that the data it has received corresponds to a technically valid credit card. The PC 180 can read all three track formats (IATA, ABA and
THRIFT) used on magnetic stripe cards, says Datastripe. The full length of all three tracks, or specific information from any particular track, can be selected for entry onto the computer. The card reader can also cope with extended magnetic stripes, up to 200 mm at 8 bit/mm. It is therefore suitable for automated ticket/boarding p a s s formats. Another current application is automatic form filling for car rentals. 'The market for our range of products using magnetic stripe technology is growing all the time as more uses are found for "credit"type cards and magnetic-stripe documents in general,' said Bale. 'A single unit is £550 and substantial quantity discounts are available. Because of the cost and the ease with which the unit can be integrated with the personal computer, we anticipate volume sales quickly being generated.'
Studies of Dutch wreck use P2000C to measure, record and process Excavations of the Amsterdam, a Dutch ship wrecked of the coast of Hastings, UK, are being monitored with a P2000C microcomputer. Made by Philips in Austria, the device records and processes measurements in situ. Horizontal steel girders are placed over the ship's stern. These carry the underwater survey points from which measurements on objects within the wreck are obtained. The P2000C calculates the position of the objects relative to the wreck. Software for the excavation was written by project programmer Nick Rule. In its original smaller version the program package ran on an Apple computer for calculations relating to another wreck, the Mary Rose, about two years ago. The Amsterdam project uses a configuration of the P2000C system with two 640k floppy disc drivers (96 track/in). FORTRANcompiler, Microsoft BASICand CP/M. The P2012 also has two serial interfaces for taking in the measurements. CPU functions and terminal han-
vol 8 no 6 july~august 1984
dling are done separately by the system's two Z80A processors (64k and 32k respectively). The P2000C for the Amsterdam excavations was supplied on loan. 'Philips has an interest in the project because of its own Dutch roots,' said John Mills, Managing Director of UK supplier Kingsway
Data Systems. 'A robust, reliable and portable machine was needed, that could withstand rough weather conditions and handling by nonexpert operators. Also the P2000C does not need any external storage or processors, but is completely selfcontained.'
Micro helps wreck salvage
377