The Yale Connects Events module enables you to check-in event registrants by swiping their Yale IDs in a magstripe reader. Follow the instructions below on what magstripe reader to purchase, how to configure the hardware, how to check-in event registrants, and how to create an easy-to-swipe stand for your reader.
Purchase a Magstripe Reader
We recommend purchasing the following magstripe reader, which can be used to check users into events in both Yale Connect and in Yale's Cardswipr application.
MagTek 21040145 SureSwipe Dual-Head Triple-Track Magnetic Stripe Card Reader
Link to Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/MagTek-21040145-SureSwipe-Magnetic-Interface/dp/B00EUMXPC4
Program the Magstripe Reader
The software to program the magstripe reader is only accessible via Windows. Therefore, you must program the software on a PC (not an Apple device).
Yale IDs contain two datapoints on the magstripes. To use the magstripe reader to check-in event registrants, you must program the readers to scan Track 1 of the magstripe.
If you purchased the recommended magstripe reader above, follow the below instructions to program the reader to scan Track 1.
First, enter this link in your web browser: https://www.magtek.com/Content/SoftwarePackages/99510026.exe
The magstripe software will immediately begin downloading. Once it has downloaded, launch the program and select Next to begin installation.
Tip: You might be thinking "Wow, this looks old," and you are right, it does have the look and feel of software from the '90s.
Select No, don't install the source code, and select Next.
Select Install.
When the software is done installing, search for it among your apps. The program is called USBMSR Demo. Select the software to launch the application.
After you have launched the software, plug the magstripe reader into your computer's USB port.
After plugging in the reader, make sure to check off Auto Add Length.
Finally, you will enter a series of four codes into the orange Send Message (Hex) field, selecting the Send Msg button after entering each code.
The first code you need to type is: 010301. Once you have typed this, select Send Msg.
The second code you need to type is: 02. Once you have typed this, select Send Msg.
The third code you need to type is: 010403. Once you have typed this, select Send Msg.
The fourth code you need to type is: 02. Once you have typed this, select Send Msg.
After entering this code, your magstripe reader should now read Track 1 of Yale ID card magstripes. You can close the software.
Tip: Create a test event in your Yale Connect group to test the magstripe reader for checking in event registrants. Follow the instructions below for checking in event registrants using the magstripe reader.
Check-in Event Registrants
To check-in event registrants using the magstripe on their Yale IDs, start by opening the Dashboard and going to the Events module. Select the name of your event to open it.
Select Check-in Attendees in the top right.
Select Track Attendance with a Computer.
Plug in the magstripe reader. After it has been plugged in, the attendance tracker will say Ready to Scan.
Have registrants swipe their Yale IDs. After each user swipes, their name will appear and confirm that they are checked in.
When Enable RSVP at the door is unchecked, users who are not registered to the event will not be checked into the event when they swipe their Yale ID. If your event allows unregistered users to check into the event, then check the Enable RSVP at the door checkbox.
Create a Magstripe Reader Stand
If you would like to create an angled stand to adhere your magstripe reader to (as shown in the image below), download the following .stl file for the 3D printout.
