MSRX6-BLE Setup
ATLAS supports the MSRX6-BLE magstripe reader over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and over USB. The same Read / Write / Clone / Erase operations are available on both paths.
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”- MSRX6-BLE magstripe reader (dual-mode)
- For Bluetooth: charged battery and Bluetooth enabled on your Android device
- For USB: a USB-OTG-capable Android device and a data USB cable
Tested Compatible Devices
Section titled “Tested Compatible Devices”| Device | Status | Link |
|---|---|---|
| MSRX6-BLE | Tested | physicalexploit.com |
Connecting over Bluetooth
Section titled “Connecting over Bluetooth”The MSRX6-BLE uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which does not require pairing in Android settings like Bluetooth Classic devices. ATLAS handles discovery and connection directly.
1. Power On the MSR
Section titled “1. Power On the MSR”Hold the power button until the LED indicates it’s ready (usually flashing blue).
2. Connect in ATLAS
Section titled “2. Connect in ATLAS”From Home Screen:
- Tap the MSR connection card
- Tap Scan for Devices
- Select your MSRX6-BLE from the list
- Wait for connection
From Connection Settings:
- Go to Settings → Connection Settings
- Under MSR Magstripe Devices, tap CONNECT
- Select your device from the scanner
The connection card turns green when connected.
Connecting over USB
Section titled “Connecting over USB”USB-OTG support lets you read and write magstripe cards without Bluetooth at all - useful when the device’s battery is dead or when you’re operating in an RF-quiet environment.
1. Cable In
Section titled “1. Cable In”Plug your MSRX6-BLE into the Android device with a data USB cable. On most modern Android phones and tablets a direct USB-C-to-USB-C cable works; older phones may need a USB-OTG adapter.
First time you plug in the MSRX6-BLE over USB
Android shows its USB permission dialog the first time you attach the cable. The product name in that dialog will look like garbled question marks - something like
???????4??????t???????. This is normal. The MSRX6-BLE ships a malformed product-name string in its USB descriptor, and Android renders it verbatim. It’s a hardware-level quirk of the device, not an ATLAS bug, and there is no third-party fix.Tick the checkbox that reads “Always open ATLAS when this USB device is connected”, then tap OK. Android records the preference, ATLAS auto-launches on every future attach, and you will not see the dialog again unless you uninstall and reinstall ATLAS.
2. Connect in ATLAS
Section titled “2. Connect in ATLAS”When your Transport Policy allows USB (the default Auto does), ATLAS auto-connects to the MSRX6-BLE on cable attach. The home connection card switches to the USB transport icon.
To pick a specific transport policy, go to Settings → Connection Settings → MSR Transport Policy and choose Auto, USB only, or Bluetooth only. The setting persists across launches.
Paired Devices vs Saved Devices
Section titled “Paired Devices vs Saved Devices”| Category | Source | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paired Devices | Android Bluetooth Settings | Devices the OS knows about from previous BLE connections. |
| Saved Devices | ATLAS Internal | Devices you’ve saved in ATLAS with custom names for quick reconnection. |
Saving a Device
Section titled “Saving a Device”- Connect to a device
- Long-press or tap save icon
- Enter a custom name (e.g., “Kit #1”, “Lab MSR”)
- The device moves from Paired to Saved
Reading Cards
Section titled “Reading Cards”Once connected:
- Go to Cards → Magstripe tab
- Tap Read
- Swipe a card through the reader
- Card data appears on screen
ATLAS reads all three tracks (Track 1, 2, and 3) when available.
Writing Cards
Section titled “Writing Cards”To write data to a blank magstripe card:
- Go to Cards → Magstripe tab
- Enter or load card data
- Set coercivity (HiCo or LoCo) to match your blank card
- Tap Write
- Swipe a blank card through the reader
- Verify write success
Coercivity
Section titled “Coercivity”| Mode | Use Case |
|---|---|
| HiCo (High Coercivity) | Most modern access cards, hotel keys. More durable. |
| LoCo (Low Coercivity) | Gift cards, older loyalty cards. |
ATLAS auto-detects coercivity when reading cards. For writing, select the mode that matches your blank card stock.
Supported Formats
Section titled “Supported Formats”| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO | Standard magnetic stripe format |
| AAMVA | Driver’s license format |
| CA DMV | California DMV format |
| Raw | Direct track data |
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Can’t find the MSR in scan?
- Make sure it’s powered on (LED blinking)
- Move closer to your Android device
- Check that Bluetooth is enabled
- Try power cycling the MSR
Connection drops?
- Stay within range (approximately 10 meters)
- ATLAS uses keep-alive to maintain connection, but extended idle time may cause disconnect
- Reconnect via home screen card
Read fails or partial data?
- Swipe at a consistent speed (not too fast, not too slow)
- Clean the read head with a cleaning card
- Try swiping in the other direction
Write verification fails?
- Use high-quality blank cards
- Ensure coercivity setting matches your blank card
- Check that the card isn’t damaged
Battery
Section titled “Battery”The MSRX6-BLE has a built-in rechargeable battery. Charge via USB when the LED indicates low battery.