Serial NO. : I005035-EN
Date of Editing : 2023-08-30
Questions : Model Identification Method for SOYAL Card Readers, How to Determine Card Reading Frequencies of Card Readers?
Introduction :
(2) Identification of Card Reader Model
(3) How to Determine Card Reader's Card Frequency/Encryption Status?
(1) Basic Explanation
SOYAL card readers have different firmware and product specifications for different models of card readers. The methods for adding cards and configuring card reader parameters vary. When you want to consult the card reader manual and set parameters, please make sure to first confirm your card reader model.
(2) Identification of Reader Model
Card readers can be divided into H/E series, and the reading heads are divided into K/U series. You can quickly determine your card reader model in the following two ways:
A. Label Sticker Identification
Identifying the card reader model through label stickers is the most accurate method. There are two possible places where serial number stickers might be located:
à Bottom of the casing: Usually installed by distributors when setting up the card reader, attached to the bottom of the reader.
à Side of the mainboard connector: Applied during the factory production of the card reader. If there is no sticker on the casing, you will need to remove the card reader and refer to the internal sticker.
The upper row AR-XXX represents the card reader model; the lower row with three English letters XXX + the digits 00000000 represents the card reader serial number. If you're unsure which distributor your organization is associated with, you can provide the card reader serial number (e.g., AOK04400374) through the official Line channel. Customer service will assist you in finding the distributor's contact information or provide information about other reputable distributors.
B. Visual Identification
You can directly refer to the official website >> All Series Card Reader Models for the appearance of the card reader.
*If you don't find a matching card reader model on the official website, the product might have been discontinued. Please use method B, the label sticker approach, to identify the model.
*If your card reader has an LCD screen but the number of LEDs on the left and right of the screen differs from the current count on the official website, please refer to the text at the bottom of the linked page >> Controller LAN Model Explanation to confirm the correct model.
(3) How to Determine Card Reader's Card Frequency/Encryption Status?
Card reader card sensing frequencies can be divided into three types: EM (125KHz), Mifare (13.56MHz), and dual-frequency (EM+Mifare). E series card readers support Mifare single frequency/EM single frequency/+Mifare+EM dual frequency; H series only support Mifare single frequency/EM single frequency.
| Frequency＼Model | H Series | E Series Keypad Type | E Series Screen Type |
| EM (125KHz) / ID Card | V | V | V |
| Mifare DESFire(13.56MHz) | V | V | V |
| dual-frequency(125KHz+13.56MHz) | X | V | V |
| Common Card Reader Models | AR-721H | AR-725-E、AR-331-E | AR-727-E、AR-837-E/EE |
In Taiwan/Asia, card readers commonly use the Mifare (13.56MHz) frequency, while EM (125KHz) frequency is more common in Europe and the Americas. Before conducting tests, you can start by using an EasyCard or a YoYo Card to swipe and determine the frequency your card reader supports and the type of card it is compatible with. Please refer to the following flowchart:
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*According to the process diagram, if your card reader is encrypted, you will need to first purchase the card from the original distributor. This is because only the issuing card manufacturer knows your encryption key. If you are unable to locate the original distributor, you can refer to the following links:
a. How to take over a site with applied SOR encryption?
b. Finding a nearby distributor.
-Frequency Determination for E-Series Card Readers
Method 1: Check the Backplane Module
Image 1 Image 2
*The red box indicates the Mifare module. Card readers with this module can read Mifare frequency cards. Please confirm encryption by using an EasyCard.
*The blue box represents the coil for reading EM frequency cards.
*If both are present, it means that the card reader is a dual-frequency reader. Currently, the E-series supports MF single-frequency/EM single-frequency/+MF+EM dual-frequency. The H-series only supports MF single-frequency/EM single-frequency.
Method 2: Check the Card Swipe Screen Display
If there's an "m" in the bottom right corner, the swiped card is of Mifare frequency, indicating that the card reader supports Mifare.
If there's no "m" in the bottom right corner, the swiped card is of EM frequency, indicating that the card reader supports EM.
*Since card readers with screens might be dual-frequency readers that support both Mifare and EM frequencies, you can only verify which frequency of card you can purchase and use.
--Frequency Determination for H-Series Card Readers
Taking the most common AR-721-H card reader as an example, if there is a coil on the outer periphery, it is a single-frequency Mifare card reader. If there is no coil, then it's a Mifare card reader.
* The H-series only supports MF single-frequency/EM single-frequency.
(4) Checklist for Inspection
| Confirmation | Item | Check Content |
| ☐ | 1. | Quickly Determine Card Machine Model: A - Label Sticker B - Visual Identification |
| ☐ | 2. | Refer to Flowchart to Determine Card Machine Frequency |
| ☐ | 3. | E Series Card Machine Frequency Determination: A - Check Back Panel Module B - Card Swipe Screen Display |
| ☐ | 4. | H Series Card Machine Frequency Determination: A - Inspect for Copper Coil Presence for Determination |