The Mobilescape 5000 is the market's first wireless handheld payment processing solution that enables you to process both credit cards and paper checks. A key component of the Mobilescape 5000 is a patented optical scanner that is able to read the check's "MICR" (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) number line as the check is swiped by hand.
It's important to keep in mind that swiping a check with the Mobilescape 5000 is a little different than fixed-speed check readers that you might find in a supermarket or department store. With those units, a motor pulls the check through for you, but the Mobilescape's optical reader relies on you to pull the check through the slot.
The benefit is that without the bulky, heavy motor and scanner, the Mobilescape is light, portable, and can be used anywhere there is a cellular network signal. However, it can take a little practice to get the hang of a successful check swipe.
The Mobilescape 5000 can compensate for a certain amount of "jerkiness" and speed variations during the swipe, but don't be discouraged if you don't get a check to read on your first try! With just a little practice, you'll get the vast majority of your swipes to work on the very first time.
This is the MICR line that must be pulled past the optical reader for the check to be successfully scanned and converted.
No need to fill out amount-leave blank.
No need for customer to sign-leave blank. The signature can extend below the line and interfere with MICR scan.
We've made a few short videos of the right way to swipe a check, as well as some of the common mistakes that might prevent a check from being read correctly. Take a look at the following videos, which should answer most of your questions. If you are still having problems, please contact us at ms.support@mobilescape.com.
The right way to swipe a check
Video 1. Double click on arrow in lower left-hand corner to play
1. Grip the top of the check and hold it facing you.
2. Insert about one inch of the check so that it rests on the bottom of the groove.
3. Keep the check level and slide it from right to left with a smooth even motion.
A common problem:scooping up at the end of the swipe/not swiping smoothly
Video 2. Double click on arrow in lower left-hand corner to play
A common mistake is "scooping" up the check at the end of the swipe or not swiping in a smooth even motion. Remember, the entire MICR line (the series of numbers at the bottom of the check) must be pulled past the red light of the optical reader in one smooth motion.
1. Keep the check level
2. Rest it on the bottom of the groove
3. Pull it all the way through the groove with a smooth, even motion
4. Do not pull up at the end of the swipe
A common problem:pulling the check through too fast or too slowly
Video 3. Double click on arrow in lower left-hand corner to play
Another mistake that might prevent you from successfully swiping a check is going too fast or too slow. Getting the speed of the swipe right is probably the biggest thing you'll work on, but remember that you can do it!
The above video gives you some examples of swiping the check too fast and too slowly. For an optimal speed, please look at video 1.
A common problem:incorrect check placement
Video 4. Double click on arrow in lower left-hand corner to play
This problem is not as common as the others, but sometimes happens. Although a credit card can be pulled through in either direction, the check must be pulled through the groove from right to left in order for the optical reader to process the MICR line.
Also, the check must always face you in order to process correctly. If you pull the check from the left, or if you see the back side of the check as your swipe it, it will not work.
1. Always pull the check from the right to the left
2. Always make sure you're looking at the check face when you swipe it
