Overview
The CardPointe Desktop card reader (ID TECH VP3350) is a USB card reader that allows you to accept magnetic stripe (MSR), chip (EMV), and contactless (NFC) payments from your application.
This Guide provides information for setting up, using, and troubleshooting your CardPointe Desktop card reader, either the ID TECH VP3350 or the ID TECH Augusta.
For information on using the CardPointe Desktop card reader with the CardPointe Virtual Terminal, see the Card Reader + Virtual Terminal Guide.
For information on integrating the CardPointe Desktop card reader and SDK with an application, see the CardPointe Desktop SDK Developer Guide.
The ID TECH Augusta has reached its end of life, and is no longer available to order.
The ID TECH VP3350 replaces the Augusta and includes the same features and functionality, as well as the addition of contactless EMV (NFC).
Requirements
- Your merchant account must be boarded to the First Data Rapid Connect processor.
- You must use a CardPointe Desktop card reader pre-provisioned and provided by us for use with your merchant account. The card reader is preconfigured with the required settings for compatibility with the CardPointe Desktop SDK solution.
Modifications to the device and devices obtained from other vendors are not supported.
Inspecting Your Device
You should 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 indicators. 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 status LEDs remain solid red.
If the device shows any signs of tampering, contact CardPointe Support for assistance.
Using Your CardPointe Desktop Card Reader
The CardPointe Desktop card reader makes accepting credit cards quick and easy.
The device operates in keyboard mode, allowing it to read a card and output the data to your application as though you manually enter the data using a USB keyboard.
Simply tap, insert, or swipe a card, and the device will capture the data and send it to your application automatically.
The device uses LED illumination and audio signals to indicate a successful or unsuccessful card read. See Understanding the LED Status Indicators below for detailed information.
Understanding the LED Status Indicators
VP3350 LED indicators
The VP3350 includes a speaker and four tri-color (red/green/yellow) LEDs, located on the face of the device, to provide status information.
| Device State | LED 1 | LED 2 | LED 3 | LED 4 | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Ready | green (blinking) | off | off | off | One (1) short beep |
| Transaction Started | green (steady) | off | off | off | None |
| Transaction Successful | green (blinking) | green (blinking) | green (blinking) | green (blinking) | One (1) long beep |
| Transaction Failed | off | off | off | off | Two (2) short beeps |
| Unit Tampered | red (blinking) | red (blinking) | red (blinking) | red (blinking) | Continual beep |
| Device Deactivated | yellow (blinking) | yellow (blinking) | yellow (blinking) | yellow (blinking) | Continual beep |
| Power Off / Low Power Mode | off | off | off | off | None |
Augusta - EMV Slot LED
The Augusta's EMV card slot includes a blue LED that tells the user when to insert or remove a card.
| Color | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Solid | Insert Card |
| Blue | Flashing (1s interval) | Remove Card |
Augusta - Tri-Color MSR Slot LED
The Augusta includes a tri-color (red/green/blue) LED located near the MSR slot to provide additional status information.
| Color | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Solid | Device is idle and ready for use |
| Blue | Flashing (500ms interval) | Device ready for MSR or EMV card |
| Blue | Flashing (1s interval) | Remove card |
| Green | Solid | Card seated |
| Green | Solid (2s) | EMV transaction successful |
| Red | Solid (2s) | One of the following:
|
| Red | Solid (until card removed) | Read or transaction unsuccessful, remove card |
| Red | Solid | Device tamper detected |
Troubleshooting Your Device
The following topics provide additional information for troubleshooting issues with your CardPointe Desktop card reader. Contact CardPointe Support for additional support.