Encoder Property Page

Magnetic Stripe

• Track: Specifies the magnetic stripe track that you want to connect to a data source. The magnetic stripe contains three tracks. Each track can contain either 7-bit alphanumeric characters or 5-bit numeric characters.

• Encoding: Specifies the type of encoding that you want to use, which defines the properties of the magnetic stripe, such as location, size, and data formats. Availability varies between types of magnetic stripes.

• Encoder Type: Specifies the RFID tag type. All tag types that are supported by the current printer are listed.

• Action: Specifies the action that the encoder will perform at print-time.

• Lock after writing data: Specifies that the encoder will lock after writing data to the Data Location.

Lock after writing data is available only when: the encoder type is EPC Gen 2; you have selected Lock Permanently for User Block on the Security page; and you have selected Lock modified blocks when specified in the User Memory Access Control Options dialog.

Data Location

The Data Location options specify what part of the transponder should be programmed at print-time and whether the programming will be protected from later reprogramming.

• Location: Specifies the location of the data to be encoded into the RFID object.

• Start Block: Specifies the block in the circuit where the printer will begin writing information. A block is a set of bits, typically eight. Some tag types reserve certain blocks, so it is necessary to specify the block at which the printer should begin. BarTender will suggest a starting block. You should change this only if you are thoroughly familiar with the specifications of your tag type.

• Write Protect Blocks: Enables you to ensure that the RFID object's data cannot be changed after the printer has programmed it. Not all tag types support this feature.

Data Format

• Data Type: Specifies the data format type. Whenever the data format type is changed, the available data sources are updated to match the required data for the selected type.

  For a list of all available data format types, refer to Available Data Format Types for RFID and Smart Card Objects.

Encoder Options: Click to open the printer driver's RFID Options dialog.

• Encoder Type: Specifies the smart card encoder type. All types that are supported by the current printer are listed.

• Action: Specifies the action that the encoder will perform at print-time.

Data Location

The options that are available in the Data Location section specify what part of the transponder should be programmed at print-time and whether the programming will be protected from later reprogramming.

• Location: Specifies the location of the data to be encoded into the smart card object.

• Start Block: Specifies the block in the circuit where the printer will begin writing information. A block is a set of bits, typically eight. Some smart card types reserve certain blocks, so it is necessary to specify the block at which the printer should begin. BarTender will suggest a starting block. You should change this only if you are thoroughly familiar with the specifications of your smart card type.

• Write Protect Blocks: Enables you to ensure that the smart card object's data cannot be changed after the printer has programmed it. Not all smart card types support this feature.

Data Format

• Data Type: Specifies the data format type. Whenever the data format type is changed, the available data sources are updated to match the required data for the selected type.

  For a list of all available data format types, refer to Available Data Format Types for RFID and Smart Card Objects.

Encoder Options: Click to open the printer driver's Smart Card Options dialog.