Topics Map > ATLAS Applications > ATLAS Exam Attendance

ATLAS Exam Attendance - Testing your card scanner

Learn how to set up and test the ID Tech Omni Card Reader: WCR3237-512U with a PC.

Your card scanner, regardless of make and model, will need to be programmed by the ATLAS Application Development team before use with ATLAS Exam Attendance. Your unit will be responsible for purchasing the card scanners from a distributor. Once they arrive, email ATLAS AppDev to schedule a time where we can pick up the scanners from your office. We require a minimum of three business days turnaround on programming the scanners for your unit.  

If your unit does not have the financial ability to purchase scanners, ATLAS Teaching and Learning have a small amount available to rent. Contact them at atlas-tlt@illinois.edu for further information on scanner rental. 

This tutorial is demonstrating card swiping with the "ID Tech Omni Card Reader: WCR3237-512U" (our recommended model) on a standard PC. 

**It's extremely important that you test your scanner on the actual machine you will be using the day of the exam. Since ATLAS Application development does not have 24-hour application support, we strongly recommend testing your scanner at least three business days before it's needed.**


begin by plugging the card scanner into the USB port on your machine

Begin by plugging the card scanner into your machine's USB port. 

card scanner with green indicator light on

Upon plugging your scanner in, you should hear a "beep" sound and also see a green indicator light on the device as pictured above. When the scanner is plugged in - your machine should begin automatically looking for the necessary drivers to operate the device. This will likely happen without any indication to you that it's happening. As such, sometimes it may take a few minutes, depending on what your machine (computer) is up to, for the drivers to install. 

an image of a blank notepad on a machine 

To test your scanner, open any notepad or Microsoft Word type of program. Since the scanner behaves exactly like a keyboard - a card swipe should produce the corresponding UIN. 


Swipe an iCard with the back of the card facing the shorter side of the device as in the video above. The audio is removed from the demonstration video above, but you should also here a "beep" sound upon scanning. 

Now take a look at your notepad to ensure the UIN has displayed correctly. 

If the UIN on the iCard and displaying on your machine are the same - you have successfully tested your card scanner. (Red bar added in the above photo)

View more tutorials on the ATLAS Exam Attendance - Homepage.


Keywordsexam, atlas, applications, security, testing, card scanner   Doc ID69540
OwnerTodd R.GroupUniversity of Illinois LAS
Created2016-12-16 12:33:17Updated2017-04-13 08:44:52
SitesUniversity of Illinois Liberal Arts and Sciences
Feedback  1   0