DESKO NEPTUN1 Keyboard with multiple Card Readers User Manual
DESKO GmbH Keyboard with multiple Card Readers Users Manual
DESKO >
Users Manual
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg1.png)
Technical Specification Page 1 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
Technical Specification
DESKO NEPTUN chrom®
DESKO GmbH
Gottlieb-Keim-Str. 56
95448 Bayreuth
GERMANY
Phone: +49 (0)921/79279-0
Fax: +49 (0)921/79279-14
E-mail: info@desko.com
Web: www.desko.com
Technical Support:
E-mail: support@desko.com | Phone: +49 (0) 921 79279-69 |
Website: www.desko.com/support
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg2.png)
Technical Specification Page 2 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
Table of Contents
DESKO Official Explanation of Abbreviations ............................................................ 3
1 Handling Rules & Package Content .................................................................... 4
1.1 Handling of the NEPTUN chrom ............................................................... 4
1.2 Package Content ...................................................................................... 4
2 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 5
3 Features of the NEPTUN chrom .......................................................................... 6
3.1 Ingress Protection 54 (IP54) ..................................................................... 6
3.1.1 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Reader ......................................... 6
3.1.2 Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) ............................................................... 7
3.1.3 Multicolor LED ...................................................................................... 7
3.1.4 Buzzer .................................................................................................. 7
3.1.5 Serial AUX Port (optional) ...................................................................... 8
3.1.6 Chip Card Module (optional) ................................................................. 8
3.1.7 NFC/RFID Reader (optional) .................................................................. 9
3.1.8 USB AUX Ports (optional) ....................................................................... 9
3.1.9 Integrated Pointing Device (optional) .................................................... 9
4 Installation and Setup ........................................................................................ 9
4.1 Software Setup ......................................................................................... 9
4.2 Hardware Setup ....................................................................................... 9
5 Software Integration ........................................................................................ 10
5.1 Virtual Serial Connection ........................................................................ 10
5.2 Connecting via HIDAPI ........................................................................... 10
5.3 Keyboard Emulation ............................................................................... 10
6 Hardware Integration ...................................................................................... 10
7 Usage of the NEPTUN chrom ........................................................................... 11
7.1 Usage of the OCR / MSR Reader ............................................................. 11
7.1.1 Reading an OCR Document ................................................................. 11
7.1.2 Reading an MSR Document ................................................................. 12
7.2 Using the Chip Card Reader ................................................................... 13
8 Service and Maintenance ................................................................................. 13
9 Warranty ......................................................................................................... 14
10 Support ........................................................................................................... 14
11 Technical Overview ......................................................................................... 15
11.1 Technical Data ....................................................................................... 15
11.2 Dimensions ........................................................................................... 15
11.3 Technical Drawing ................................................................................. 16
12 Regulation Information .................................................................................... 17
13 Supplier's Declaration of Conformity ............................................................... 18
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg3.png)
Technical Specification Page 3 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
DESKO Official Explanation of Abbreviations
1D Code
Linear or one-dimensional Barcode
2D Code
Two-dimensional Barcode
API
Application Programming Interface
BC
Barcode
BCR
Barcode Reader
DLL
Dynamic Link Library
DPI
Dots Per Inch
DUKPT
Derived Unique Key per Transaction
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization
IP
Ingress Protection
IR
Infrared
ISO
International Organization for Standardization
LED
Light Emitting Diode
MRZ
Machine-Readable Zone
MSR
Magnetic Stripe Reader
NFC
Near Field Communication
OCR
Optical Character Recognition
PCB
Printed Circuit Board
QIG
Quick Installation Guide
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification
RS232
Serial Interface
RTC
Real Time Clock
USB
Universal Serial Bus
SDK
Software Development Kit
UV
Ultraviolet Light
VCOM
Virtual COM Interface
VIS
Visible Light
VIZ
Visual Inspection Zone
WLAN
Wireless Local Area Network
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg4.png)
Technical Specification Page 4 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
1 Handling Rules & Package Content
1.1 Handling of the NEPTUN chrom
The NEPTUN chrom is designed to work in a rough environment and withstand light
shocks. Nevertheless, the device contains a precise opto-mechanical part.
Therefore, DESKO recommends the following handling rules:
• Do not drop the device.
• Prevent the device from heavy vibrations.
• The device is not waterproof, prevent the device from getting wet.
• Prevent the device from heavy dust.
1.2 Package Content
• NEPTUN chrom
• Quick Installation Guide with the log-in data for the NEPTUN chrom download
area. Within the download area you will find all relevant documents for the
NEPTUN chrom and necessary tools and drivers.
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg5.png)
Technical Specification Page 5 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
2 Introduction
This guide describes the usage of the
NEPTUN chrom
keyboard. Detailed information
on the respective configuration can be found in the Quick Installation Guide, which is
shipped with the device.
Please contact support@desko.com should you have not received a Quick Installation
Guide or need access to our download area.
The NEPTUN chrom is ideal for data gathering applications of OCR documents with a
machine-readable zone and magnetic stripe documents. Such applications are usually
found in the airline and airport environment, ticket- and border control or public
authority environment and many more.
Depending on the hardware configuration, the NEPTUN chrom is equipped with the
following standard features:
• Keyboard with 104/105 keys (keyboard layout available in various sorts of
country versions).
• 3-track magnetic stripe reader to read customer loyalty cards, employee cards
or credit cards.
• OCR passport reader with infrared light illumination, mounted in the same slot
as the magnetic reader.
• Protection against dust and water according to IP54 regulations.
Optionally the NEPTUN chrom can be equipped with the following features:
• Chip card reader for reading of contact-based chip cards
• RFID reader
• Serial AUX port to connect an external barcode reader or other serial devices
• 2x USB AUX Ports
• Pointing device (integrated mouse module)
• 3-track MSR module with encryption functionality and DUKPT key management
Should you not know the exact hardware configuration of your device or should you
need further information on the NEPTUN chrom, please contact our sales team at
sales@desko.com. Please always state the serial number of the device in your email.
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg6.png)
Technical Specification Page 6 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
3 Features of the NEPTUN chrom
3.1 Ingress Protection 54 (IP54)
The NEPTUN chrom is protected against dust and water according to IP54 regulations.
IP stands for ingress protection and is a rating code commonly used for security
equipment. It consists of two digits, which show the level of protection a device has
against dust and water.
The IP rating normally has two numbers:
➢ First digit: protection from solid objects or materials (dust)
➢ Second digit: protection from liquids (water)
The NEPTUN chrom keyboard has the following rating:
First digit = 5 : Protected against dust (no harmful deposit)
Second digit = 4 : Protection against splashing of water from any directions
Please note: The IP54 rating only applies to the standard version of the NEPTUN
chrom. If the keyboard is equipped with the following features, it is not protected
against water and dust:
• Chip card module
• Pointing device
• Serial AUX port
• USB AUX port
3.1.1 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Reader
The built-in OCR reader is able to scan and decode MRZ data of various documents.
The reader is equipped with an infrared illumination for reading ID cards and passport
documents.
The OCR reader can by default read and decode OCR data from the following
documents:
• Passport data from machine-readable passports, ID cards and driver licenses
according to ISO/IEC 7501-1, ICAO 9303 and ISO 18013
Light Source
Description
Wavelength
Comment
IR
infrared light
850 nm
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg7.png)
Technical Specification Page 7 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
• Personal OCR encoded travel documents e.g. visa, crew member cards
according to ICAO 9303
The standard OCR read rate higher than 99%.
3.1.2 Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR)
The integrated 3-track magnetic stripe reader is able to read and decode all magnetic
documents encoded according to ISO 7811/2-5. This functionality allows the
handling of documents such as CUTE sign-on cards, credit cards, frequent flyer cards,
employee cards and many more.
The device automatically recognizes each document type and decodes the information
accordingly.
3.1.3 Multicolor LED
Next to the standard keyboard LEDs (Num-, Scroll- and Caps-Lock), the NEPTUN
chrom is equipped with a multicolor status LED for user feedback (see picture below).
Picture1: Blue colored keyboard LEDs with multicolor status LED
The status LED displays the OCR and MSR scanner result with the following
indications:
Turned off = idle mode
Green = good read result (2 seconds)
Red = bad read result (blinking, 2 times)
3.1.4 Buzzer
The NEPTUN chrom is equipped with an internal buzzer for audible user feedback.
The buzzer volume can be adjusted by device configuration. See chapter 7 for further
details regarding firmware and device configuration.
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg8.png)
Technical Specification Page 8 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
The Buzzer has by default the following functionality:
Good read result: one short buzzer sound
Bad read result: three short buzzer sounds
3.1.5 Serial AUX Port (optional)
Optionally, the NEPTUN chrom can be equipped with a serial auxiliary device port,
realized in a SUBD 9pin male connector. This AUX port can be used to connect a
barcode reader. Every data send from the barcode reader will be sent unchanged to
the system.
If an application does expect any special protocol format, the barcode reader has to
be configured accordingly and has to support this protocol itself.
PIN Assignment for AUX Port (SUBD 9pin male):
PIN-1: NC PIN6: NC
PIN-2: RXD PIN7: RTS
PIN-3: TXD PIN8: CTS
PIN-4: NC PIN9: NC
PIN-5: GND
Picture 2: SUBD of NEPTUN chrom
3.1.6 Chip Card Module (optional)
The NEPTUN chrom can be equipped with an ISO 7816 compliant chip card reader.
The card reader module is designed for reading synchronous and asynchronous chip
cards with the following standards:
ISO 7816, 2-wire SLE 4432/42, 3-wire SLE 4418/28, I2C, SLE 4404.
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg9.png)
Technical Specification Page 9 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
3.1.7 NFC/RFID Reader (optional)
The NEPTUN chrom is available with an integrated NFC/RFID module. This module can
read RFID documents according to ISO 14443(A/B), e.g. RFID chip of a biometric
passport.
3.1.8 USB AUX Ports (optional)
The NEPTUN chrom can be equipped with two additional USB ports realized in USB-A
connectors.
It has to be considered that, in case of USB bus powered devices, these two USB AUX
ports and the NEPTUN chrom have to share the power, which is provided by the USB
port of the workstation. According to the USB 2.0 specification, one USB port has to
provide 500 mA. In chapter 11 the power consumption of the NEPTUN chrom is listed.
3.1.9 Integrated Pointing Device (optional)
The NEPTUN chrom can be equipped with an integrated pointing device. It consists of
a trackpoint and two mouse buttons, located below the space key.
4 Installation and Setup
4.1 Software Setup
Information about the software (including documentation), driver and SDK can be
found in the DESKO download area. The link and login data for the download area can
be found in the Quick Installation Guide, which is shipped with the device, or contact
support@desko.com.
4.2 Hardware Setup
Connect the NEPTUN chrom via USB cable with your PC.
The NEPTUN chrom is executing a self-test. A short buzzer sound indicates that the
device completely booted and is ready for use.
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bga.png)
Technical Specification Page 10 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
5 Software Integration
Software integration of the NEPTUN chrom is done via the host connection. Usually
this is established by a virtual COM port connection via the USB host port.
Alternatively, a DESKO swipe reader API (HIDAPI) or a keyboard emulation is also
available.
DESKO is able to provide appropriate software packages for the operating systems
Microsoft Windows, Linux and Android.
Please contact support@desko.com for further information.
5.1 Virtual Serial Connection
For using the DESKO NEPTUN chrom via a virtual serial port, it is necessary to install
the DESKO VCOM software package. Please refer to the Quick Installation Guide, which
is shipped with the device, for more information.
This software generates a virtual COM port on the system, which can be used as a
standard COM port. As soon as the generated virtual COM port is opened by an
application, the NEPTUN chrom is ready for operation. In this status, the OCR and MSR
data will be sent to the generated virtual COM port. Please refer to the Quick
Installation Guide for the protocol description.
5.2 Connecting via HIDAPI
To get access to all features of the NEPTUN chrom (besides the standard keyboard
features) it needs to be addressed via the HIDAPI. This HIDAPI is included in the device
SDK, which provides drivers for several operating systems as well as libraries and
sample applications for C/C++, Java and .Net.
5.3 Keyboard Emulation
Optionally the scanned OCR and MSR data can be sent as keyboard data to the system.
In this case, no additional software has to be installed on the system.
6 Hardware Integration
The standard host connection is established via the USB interface. The NEPTUN chrom
is USB-bus powered and does not need an additional power supply.
Optionally an auxiliary RS232 port is available for connecting an additional serial
device (e.g. a barcode scanner).
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bgb.png)
Technical Specification Page 11 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
7 Usage of the NEPTUN chrom
As soon as the NEPTUN chrom is connected to a PC, the device is ready to read OCR
and MSR data from various documents.
The NEPTUN chrom provides the OCR and MSR scan functionality in only one slot. To
read a document, the medium (e.g. credit card) should be pulled through the swipe
slot with moderate and constant speed. It is possible to swipe in both directions.
7.1 Usage of the OCR / MSR Reader
7.1.1 Reading an OCR Document
The implemented OCR scanner supports a bidirectional swipe. To read an OCR
document, the medium (e.g. passport) should be pulled through the swipe slot with
moderate and constant speed.
Please note that the OCR information always has to face towards you in order to be
read.
Picture 3: position of machine-readable zone
Depending on the read result, the buzzer and the multicolor LED give a respective
feedback (see chapters 3.1.3 and 3.1.4).
MRZ
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bgc.png)
Technical Specification Page 12 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
7.1.2 Reading an MSR Document
The integrated 3-track bidirectional magnetic stripe reader is able to read all
magnetic stripe data encoded according to ISO 7811/2-5. This functionality allows
the handling of documents such as CUTE sign-on cards and all credit, frequent flyer
and employee travel cards.
Please note that the magnetic stripe always has to face towards you in order to be
read.
Depending on the read result, the buzzer and the multicolor LED give a respective
feedback (see chapters 3.1.3 and 3.1.4).
magnetic stripe
Picture 4: Position of magnetic stripe card
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bgd.png)
Technical Specification Page 13 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
7.2 Using the Chip Card Reader
The chip card reader module of the NEPTUN chrom is able to read ISO 7816 compliant
chip cards. For using the chip card reader it is necessarry to install an appropriate
software packet. Please refer to the Quick Installation Guide, which is shipped with
the hardware or contact our support team at support@desko.com.
When inserting a card, the contacts must be facing towards you, as shown in the
picture below.
Picture 5: Location of the chip card reader and direction of the chip card contacts
8 Service and Maintenance
In general, DESKO products are maintenance free. However, should you require any
technical assistance, please contact our support team at support@desko.com.
For maintenance regarding firmware upgrade, it is required to install a dedicated
DESKO software package. This can be obtained upon request and contains all
necessary drivers, tools and documentation to perform following actions:
• Display detailed information about firmware version and device configuration
• Update firmware and device configuration
Please contact our support team, should you require the DESKO software package.
contacts of chip card
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bge.png)
Technical Specification Page 14 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
9 Warranty
Please note that due to improper usage (see section 1.1) or after opening the device,
warranty cannot be claimed anymore. Warranty excludes normal wear and tear.
10 Support
Please check if the NEPTUN chrom is properly connected to your PC and, if needed,
the software is installed. If this is the case and the device still does not work, please
contact our support team:
Technical Support
E-mail: support@desko.com
Website: www.desko.com/support
Phone: +49 (0) 921 79279-69
(available during German office hours)
In order to give you an immediate and reliable support please always include the
following information within your support inquiry:
✓ Name of the product
✓ Serial number of the product
(The serial number can be found on the backside
of the device. It is an eleven-digit number, always starting with 20. Example:
201546 00589)
✓ Used firmware, configuration and software version
✓ Detailed issue description
✓ Corresponding logfiles (VCOM with log level 4: C:\hid2ser.log and C:\Windows\hid2ser.ini
(see also VCOM manual). Device updater: C:\%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\DESKO
GmbH\DeviceUpdater)
✓ Contact details of the person responsible at your company
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bgf.png)
Technical Specification Page 15 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
11 Technical Overview
11.1 Technical Data
Supply Voltage: 5 V DC +/- 5 % (USB bus-powered)
Supply Current: Icc = max. 300mA
Data Output: USB
Storage Temperature: -10 °C – +60 °C
Operating Temperature: 0 °C – 50 °C
Ingress Protection: IP54
Humidity: <80 % (R.H. non condensing)
Reliability MTBF = 180.000 hours
Cable Length: 2.20 m (86.61 inch)
RF / EMI Compliance: CE and FCC
11.2 Dimensions
Weight: Approx. 1400 g (3 lb)
Width: 200 mm (7.87 inches)
Length: 385 mm (15.16 inches)
Height: Back 43 mm (1.69 inches)
Front 18 mm (0.71 inches)
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg10.png)
Technical Specification Page 16 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
11.3 Technical Drawing
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg11.png)
Technical Specification Page 17 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
12 Regulation Information
This device complies with FCC §15.105 (b):
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions
suivantes :
(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by DESKO GmbH
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
![](/img.php?id=3894491&img=bg12.png)
Technical Specification Page 18 of 18
DESKO NEPTUN chrom Doc # 7 001 160 101 Doc.-Rev: 2018-06-06
13 Supplier's Declaration of Conformity
Unique Identifier: NEPTUN chrom®
Party issuing Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
DESKO GmbH
Gottlieb-Keim-Str. 56
95448 Bayreuth
GERMANY
Phone: +49 (0)921/79279-0
Web: www.desko.com
Responsible Party – U.S. Contact Information
DESKO LC
1800 Pembrook Drive
Suite 300
Orlando FL 32810
United States
FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.