Overview

The ID TECH Augusta is a PCI PTS-validated desktop USB card reader. You can use the Augusta to quickly and securely accept EMV (chip) and MSR (magnetic stripe) card payments through the CardPointe Virtual Terminal.

Requirements

  • Your merchant account must be boarded to the First Data Rapid Connect platform. 

  • You must order an ID TECH Augusta device from CardConnect.

Configuring Virtual Terminal Settings

If you are already using a card reader device with the Virtual Terminal, then you can skip this step. No additional configuration is required to use your new device.

Before you can begin processing transactions on your Augusta device using the CardPointe Virtual Terminal, you must activate the USB Device Card Entry in the Virtual Terminal settings.

To activate and configure USB Device Card Entry:

  1. Log in to CardPointe and select the Administration page.
  2. Click the Virtual Terminal tab.
  3. Check the USB Device Card Entry checkbox.

Setting up Your Device

Simply connect the Augusta to an available USB port on your computer. The device illuminates when connected and ready to use.

Inspecting Your Device

CardConnect recommends that you inspect the device, upon receipt and regularly during use, for evidence of tampering. When inspecting the device, do the following:

  • Inspect the device for signs of physical damage or alterations.
  • Connect the device and check the LED indicator. A solid red LED indicates that the device has been tampered with.
  • Check the hardware version on the label, power on the device, and check that the firmware/hardware version conforms to the version purchased.
  • Check the EMV and MSR card slots to ensure that no overlay adapter or shim devices have been installed.

The device uses multiple tamper detection mechanisms that detect physical intrusion into the device and invoke a tamper event. A tamper event causes immediate erasure of all sensitive data and cryptographic keys. Once tampered, the device enters a non-operational state and the tri-color status LED remains solid red.

If the device shows any signs of tampering, contact CardPointe Support for assistance.

Understanding the LED Status Indicators

The Augusta includes two LED lights to provide user interface and status information.

EMV Slot LED

The EMV card slot includes a blue LED that tells the user when to insert or remove a card.

ColorActivityDescription
BlueSolidInsert Card
BlueFlashing (1s interval)
Remove Card

Tri-Color LED

A second tri-color (red/green/blue) LED located near the MSR slot provides additional status information.

ColorActivityDescription
BlueSolidDevice is idle and ready for use
BlueFlashing (500ms interval)
Device ready for MSR or EMV card
BlueFlashing (1s interval)
Remove card
GreenSolid
Card seated
GreenSolid (2s)
EMV transaction successful
RedSolid (2s)

One of the following:

  • MSR read unsuccessful
  • EMV read unsuccessful
  • Card seated incorrectly
RedSolid (until card removed)
Read or transaction unsuccessful, remove card
RedSolidDevice tamper detected

Processing Payments with the Virtual Terminal and Augusta

Once you have the necessary Virtual Terminal settings configured, and the device connected to your computer, you can now accept payments using the Virtual Terminal:

  1. Navigate to the Virtual Terminal page.
  2. If you have multiple merchant IDs, select the desired merchant ID from the location dropdown.
  3. Select Sale.
  4. Select Authorize and Capture.
  5. Enter the transaction details.
  6. Click Device/Terminal Card Entry.

  7. Select the EMV / Swipe (USB Device) method.
  8. Insert or swipe the card when prompted.
  9. The card data is tokenized and displayed in the card number field
  10. Confirm the transaction details and click Process Transaction to complete the sale.

    Ordering an Augusta Device

    Contact your sales partner or open a ticket in CardPointe to get the process started. For more information on Augusta devices, contact CardPointe Support.

    Troubleshooting Your Device

    The following topics provide additional information for troubleshooting issues with your device. Contact cardpointesupport@cardconnect.com for additional support.

    Can I use my own device?

    No, you must obtain your devices from CardConnect. Devices are pre-provisioned with the required settings for compatibility with our platform and services. CardConnect does not support modifications to the device configuration, or devices obtained from other vendors for use with this solution.

    My device has a solid red LED and has malfunctioned

    A solid red LED indicates that the device has been tampered with. See Inspecting Your Device for more information on inspecting the device for evidence of tampering.

    Contact CardPointe Support to report a tampered device.