Encoder Strip
Encoder Strip Id Card Encoding Options As you plan your identification card program, you will discover that there are options to fit every budget and high-tech solutions to address even the most adva...
Encoder Strip
Id Card Encoding Options
As you plan your identification card program, you will discover that there are options to fit every budget and high-tech solutions to address even the most advanced encryption requirements. Below is a brief overview of the data transfer and communication devices available for today's cards. Some printers are field upgradeable with these options while others must have the modules installed at the factory. Talk to an ID badge production specialist to find out how to upgrade your system.
Magnetic Stripe
The familiar black strips of plastic on the back of your credit cards and driver's license contain important information that can be retrieved by passing through a simple reading device. This type of magnetic data recording and retrieval system is ideal for high volume, low cost member reward cards, gift cards, and IDs. Base level security access can be programmed in for office environments, resorts, health clubs, and event coordination. Virtually all ID printers on the market offer mag stripe encoding as an option - even the low volume desktop models. This inexpensive solution is perfect for small businesses and is generally the first step up from simple bar coding.
RFID - Proximity
Radio frequency identification devices have become increasingly popular since mass production and miniaturization first made them cost effective. Each tiny tag contains an integrated circuit for data storage, and an antenna. RFID transponders are usually passive (meaning they do not contain a battery) and are activated by an outside source (the scanner). A transceiver is then used to decode the data on the chip. These cards can be read at a distance making it unnecessary to swipe them through a reader to retrieve the encoded information.
RFID proximity cards are an excellent solution for high traffic areas where keeping the flow moving and avoiding bottlenecks is vital. Public transit is the obvious application for this technology, but many other environments can benefit from issuing these fast and efficient entry devices. You will want to select a printer with reverse thermal transfer printing to create these cards so you won't damage the embedded antenna. Proximity devices can also be programmed to work in conjunction with smart card encoding to create a “contactless” unit.
Smart Card
These pocket sized integrated circuit devices are the pinnacle of technological sophistication in the ID industry. They are the ideal vehicle for handling sensitive information since the encryption level can be set quite high. Memory cards offer data storage capacity light years beyond what can fit on a magnetic stripe, and microprocessor cards can carry on two-way communication with a computer terminal. This solution provides multiple forms of secure identity authentication either in person or through an electronic network.
Government agencies use this type of card to meet stringent regulations and precautions regarding access to restricted locations and information. Healthcare industries and other businesses have been quick to follow suit. Privacy and data security are of paramount importance in a world where information leaks can result in lawsuits (or worse). If you choose to upgrade to a smart card enabled encoding module, be sure to invest in rigid card holders to protect these devices from damage during regular use.
About the Author
Check out ID Superstore for low prices on id cards and id card printers. Also save money on identification supplies such as badge lanyards.
Tips to Encode the Secret Code
Not only children even the grown-ups are fascinated by invisible ink and like to use secret code. In this article you will find how to encode the secret code.
Ciphering or encoding means making a piece of writing incomprehensible to those who are not in on the secret. Deciphering or decoding is the reverse process. A code is a table of words, abbreviations, numbers, or other symbols which can be substituted for words. You can even combine different symbols according to your needs.
Most people already know some simple codes. Perhaps you're familiar with the code which is created by reversing the alphabet Z is substituted for A, Y for B, and so on. Or there is the code that simply uses numbers instead of letters, starting at any letter of the alphabet and going backward or forward.
You can make such simple codes more difficult if you combine them. For example, you might replace the first and last letters of a word by the letters immediately following them in the alphabet. It is a good idea to break up long words into two parts when using this code.
We are waiting for you XF BRF XAITINH GOS ZOV
In addition, you could also encode the result with an alphabet of numbers.
Typewriter Code
If you know how to touch type with all ten fingers, you can construct a code by typing from a different basic position. For example, instead of resting your left fingers on asdf and the right on jkl, shift them a line up on the keyboard to qwer and uiop. Thus, when you type
wait for us
it comes out:
2q85 r94 7w.
Strip Writing
You do not need a key to read or write this remarkable code. All that is necessary is a rod or a stick. However, you have to be careful that the sender's and receiver's sticks are exactly the same size. For this purpose, two pieces of the same broomstick are ideal.
If you are the one who is sending the message, wrap a strip of paper around the rod so that the edges touch each other, and fasten the ends with thumbtacks. Then, write the message along the rod, turning it a bit after each line. To send the message, simply take off the strip and roll it up. Anyone intercepting the message will rack his brains trying to figure it out. But the intended receiver merely has to wrap the strip around his half of the stick, and he can read the message without any trouble.
Chessboard Code
The accompanying illustration gives a key for a code that substitutes two numbers for every letter. The letter "I" has been omitted because it can be confused with the number 1, and you may substitute "x" or any other letter of your choice. First find the letter you want, then the number in the column to the left, and finally the number in the row at the top. Always write the number from the left column first. In this code, the words MEET ME AT THE SEASHORE would read: 82656594 8265 6194 947365 9365619373849265.
To make it harder for outsiders to break the code, you can divide the numbers into random groups. The receiver will know that each pair of numbers represents one letter. In this case, a comma was placed between two words:
8 265/6594, 8 265 61-9 4 947 3-65/, 936 5619/ 373 84 92 65. The other signs are there just to confuse the outsiders.
Another such code uses two letters for each letter of the message. Use any consonants at the left; put the vowels at the top. Using this key, VACATION would come out RABABIBAGORIFOFI. The same sorts of complications to prevent interception of the message can be used here as with the other example.
About the Author
Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for
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