AMS FAQ- OMC

Which operating systems do I have to use with my OMC Reader/Writer?

The Lasercard OMC Reader/Writer drivers are NT based. You must use Windows NT or Windows 2000 with the current Lasercard drivers.

Where can I get the Lasercard drivers?

Click on the link below and save it to your hard drive. The file is called lcard.exe. In Windows Explorer, double click on the file. Extract the files to a floppy diskette. The Setup programs will be ready to run from the diskette.

LaserCard Setup Files (0.99 MB)

What does “Drive L: is not accessible” mean when I try to read or write an OMC?

Possible Causes	Solutions
There is no OMC in the reader/writer	Insert an OMC into the reader/writer
The drive was not turned on before booting the PC.	Power down the PC, power up the drive then reboot the PC.
The SCSI cable is not connected properly.	Fully disconnect and reconnect the cable, being careful to insert it firmly. Then reboot the PC.
The SCSI cable is not connected to the SCSI board.	Fully disconnect and reconnect the cable to the SCSI board, making sure not to connect it to the Parallel Port. Then reboot the PC.
The SCSI interface board has not been installed properly in the PC.	Shut down the PC then reseat the SCSI board.
The SCSI interface board IRQ is conflicting with another adapter in the PC.	Shut down the PC and check the SCSI adapter IRQ settings. You may need to reserve this IRQ in the PC BIOS.
The reader/writer device driver has not been installed.	Install the device driver then reboot the PC.

OMC Reader/Writer will not accept a card.

Possible Causes	Solutions
Reader/writer has not been powered up.	Make certain power cord is plugged firmly into the back of the reader/writer and into an electric outlet. Make certain power switch on back of reader writer is turned on, and Power On indicator lamp is lit on front of unit.
The card has been inserted in the wrong direction.	Insert the card once more, making sure that it is inserted with the optical media face up with the wide artwork strip to the right.
There is a scratch on the surface of the card or the card is bent or warped.	Try inserting the card into the reader/writer several times. If unsuccessful, try a different OMC.
There is an OMC already in the drive.	Eject the card that is in the drive then insert the new one.
The reader/writer is out of alignment or has been damaged.	Turn the reader/writer off and do not use. The reader/writer must be serviced.

Which direction do I insert the cards?

Insert the OMC with the optical media face up and with the wide artwork strip to the right. Often, OMCs will have arrows printed on them pointing to the correct direction for insertion of the OMC into the reader/writer.

What should I do with OMCs after I read them?

The OMC has a working storage capacity of 2.8 MB. After an OMC has been read, carefully return it to its protective paper sleeve, and return it to the depot. The OMC can be written on and read until its storage capacity is filled.

How do I order cleaning cards?

There are two sources of supply for OMC cleaning cards:

Clean Team Company
3655 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 1-800-888-8380
www.cleanteam.com

Double Sided Credit Card Reader Cleaner
Part # CHCPB2 / 50 Cards per Box
Accepts VISA Payments

KIC Products
1528 Clearwater Lane
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Tel: 1-800-818-1932
www.kicproducts.com

Double Sided Cleaning Card for Credit Card / Magnetic Stripe Readers
Part # 1MAGPSF/ 50 Cards per Box
Accepts VISA Payments
GSA Contracts
Sells directly to the US DoD

How do I use a cleaning card?

Make sure the reader/writer is powered on and no OMCs are in the drive.
Remove the cleaning card from pouch.
Insert the cleaning card into the reader/writer. The card will shuttle a few times then eject itself from the drive.
Remove the card from the reader/writer. Re-insert the card, this time do not let go of the card. This will force the load rollers to work against the cleaning card removing the built up grease and oil. Remove the card from the drive after 3 to 4 seconds.
Dispose of the card.

Note: The Cleaning card is 97% saturated with Isopropyl Alcohol. Do not use near open flames.

How do I remove a cleaning card from my OMC reader/writer?

Push the eject button repeatedly. The card will come out eventually. If necessary, wait a couple of minutes until the alcohol on the cleaning card evaporates and then try the eject button again.

Note: Do not attempt to open the drive or pull the card out with tweezers or pliers.

Why are both the power and loaded lights lit when I turn on my reader/writer?

It is possible that there is an OMC in the drive. Press the Eject button to clear the drive.

On older models of the LC-305, the optical head has not been unlocked prior to powering up. If this is the case:

Turn the reader/writer off.
Unlock the optical head by turning the black knob on the back of the unit to the unlocked position.
Turn the power back on.

How should I clean an OMC?

Wipe the OMC with a clean, dry cloth. A clean shirtsleeve would suffice for this purpose. Be careful never to wipe the OMC with any material that would scratch or damage the finish of the optical media.

How do I prepare a Reader/Writer for shipping?

In the event that the reader/writer requires shipping:

Make certain there is no OMC in the reader/writer
Disconnect all power and interface cables.
Lift reader/writer and rock it gently from side to side until a low “clunk” is heard. This indicates the optical head is locked. There is nothing more required to be done to lock the optical head. Reinitiating power automatically unlocks the head.
(On older LC-305s, there is a knob located on the rear of the unit. An arrow on the knob points to either LOCK or UNLOCK when the knob is swiveled. This knob must be turned to the LOCK position prior to moving one of these models. As a further precaution, it is recommended to tape the knob into position after it has been placed into the lock position.)
Note: Never move or ship the reader/writer without locking the optical head.

If possible, use the original carton and packaging the reader/writer was shipped in. If this is not available, use a heavyweight carton as close to the size of the reader/writer as possible, and use sufficient packing materials to prevent the reader/writer from being jarred or damaged in transit.