15.6″ 3-TRACK MSR

Ideal Use Cases

The MicroTouch MSR-156-A1 is a 15.6-inch 3-track magnetic stripe reader for systems that require USB connectivity and bi-directional card reading. Its supported formats include ISO 7811, CA old DMV, AAMVA, and Trade Show Card. It can read high- or low-coercivity magnetic stripes rated from 300 to 4000oe, making it suitable for workflows that use multiple supported card formats. The reader supports Windows 10 and Android operating systems and mounts directly to the MicroTouch DT-150P-A1.

Why Choose This Model

This model reads three magnetic tracks with defined recording densities. Tracks 1 and 3 operate at 210 bpi, while Track 2 supports 75 or 210 bpi. Cards can be swiped in either direction, reducing the need to orient the swipe from one particular side. Two supported emulation modes provide integration choices: Keyboard Emulation mode and Uniform defined HID Device mode, identified as HID MSR. The USB interface, +5VDC power requirement, and direct mounting design establish a clearly specified connection and installation path.

Installation and Integration

The MSR-156-A1 is designed to mount directly to the DT-150P-A1. The package includes the MSR and two screws required for the stated mounting arrangement. Its interface is USB, and the specified power supply is +5VDC with a tolerance of +/-5%. Typical power consumption is listed at 50 mA maximum. Host systems can use either Keyboard Emulation mode or HID MSR mode, depending on the selected configuration and supported workflow. Compatibility is specified for Windows 10 and Android.

The housing is black, allowing it to match the stated product configuration without requiring a separate housing option. The supported card size is listed as 3.375 x 2.125 inches. Before integration, the host configuration should be matched to the chosen emulation mode, operating system, USB interface, and DT-150P-A1 mounting requirement.

Performance Highlights

Bi-directional swipe support enables the reader to process a card in either swipe direction. The supplied swipe-speed specification lists a range of 5-55 for an ISO standard card, 5-50 for jitter, and 5-50 for low amplitude. No measurement units are provided for these ranges in the source specifications. Magnetic stripe support covers both high- and low-coercivity media from 300 to 4000oe.

Track coverage is explicitly defined rather than represented as a general card-reading capability. Tracks 1 and 3 support 210 bpi, and Track 2 supports both 75 and 210 bpi. Supported data formats include ISO 7811 alongside CA old DMV, AAMVA, and Trade Show Card formats. This combination identifies the precise card standards and magnetic media range supported by the unit.

What Makes It Different

The MSR-156-A1 combines three-track reading, two swipe directions, two emulation modes, and direct DT-150P-A1 mounting in one specified configuration. Its format support extends beyond ISO 7811 to include CA old DMV, AAMVA, and Trade Show Card data. The ability to read magnetic stripes across the stated 300-4000oe range further defines its supported media compatibility.

Physical specifications list dimensions of 245 x 300 x 385 mm. Net weight is 0.078 kg, while gross weight is 2.086 kg. These values are presented as supplied and distinguish the installed reader’s listed net weight from the listed gross package weight. USB connectivity and a maximum typical consumption of 50 mA complete the core interface and power specifications.

Final Assessment

The MicroTouch MSR-156-A1 is a focused choice for a DT-150P-A1 installation requiring a black, USB-connected, bi-directional 3-track magnetic stripe reader. It supports Windows 10 and Android, Keyboard Emulation and HID MSR modes, and multiple defined card formats. With the MSR and two mounting screws included, the package provides the stated components for direct attachment. Its documented track densities, coercivity range, interface, voltage, card size, and mounting compatibility give integrators concrete requirements for evaluating it against an intended system.