Card Reader Compatibility with Pharos Cloud

Last Updated: September 1, 2026

Introduction

A card reader works much like a keyboard. A keyboard accepts an input (keystrokes) and generates an output (text). A card reader accepts an input (a card) and generates an output (a card number).

What makes a card reader different is security. Printer OEMs do not allow any USB device to be connected to their devices. The device must be an approved reader. Without that restriction, a user could connect a keyboard, type in someone else's card number, and log in as any user in the organization.

The sections below list the card readers compatible with Pharos Cloud.

Pharos Card Readers

Pharos card readers are sold by Pharos and manufactured by rf IDEAS. They include:

Pharos Proximity Card Reader
- Prox Plus V2
- Prox Plus X3
- Prox Plus X3 with SIM
Pharos Mag Stripe Card Reader

Pharos card readers are compatible with Canon, HP, Lexmark, Ricoh, Toshiba, and Xerox devices. They also work on Konica Minolta devices, but Konica Minolta leads with its own card reader. To use a Pharos card reader on a Konica Minolta device, the customer must request an exception from Konica Minolta. See Konica Minolta under OEM Card Readers.

Pharos card readers are regularly tested with Pharos Cloud. The communication protocol to send card data to the printer is Keystroke.

Customer Support

Pharos provides customer support for these card readers. Pharos assists with configuring the card reader and troubleshooting issues as they arise. When the issue appears to be with the card reader rather than the customer's card, Pharos will work directly with the manufacturer, rf IDEAS, to resolve it.

Pre-Configuration

Pharos configures each card reader with the customer's profile before shipping. The customer can simply unpack the card reader and connect it to a printer. No customer configuration is needed.

OEM Card Readers

Pharos Cloud is compatible with select OEM card readers. These card readers are tested by Pharos.

Each model below is listed with its part number where applicable, followed by the communication protocol it uses to send card data to the printer: MFP24, CCID, Keystroke, or Keyboard Wedge.

Customer Support

Pharos can advise the customer on configuring these card readers and on troubleshooting issues as they arise. However, because the card reader is purchased from the OEM rather than Pharos, the customer is ultimately responsible for resolving card reader issues with the OEM.

HP

HP card readers are sold by HP and manufactured by rf IDEAS. They include:

HP Universal Card Reader (X3D03A) (MFP24)
HP HIP2 Keystroke Reader (Y7C05A) (Keystroke)
HP HID Mobile Access BLE MIFARE Card Reader (35H11A) (Keystroke)
HP LEGIC Card Reader (4QL32A) (MFP24)

HP card readers are compatible with HP devices. See the HP solution brief for more information.

Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta card readers are sold by Konica Minolta and manufactured by HID. They include:

HID Omnikey 5427 Card Reader (Keyboard Wedge)

Konica Minolta card readers are compatible with Konica Minolta devices. Konica Minolta will install the device drivers to enable the card reader.

Konica Minolta leads with its own card reader on its devices, so this is the standard path for Konica Minolta customers. To use a Pharos card reader instead, the customer must request an exception from Konica Minolta.

Lexmark

Lexmark card readers are sold by Lexmark and manufactured by HID or Elatec. They include:

HID Omnikey 5427 Card Reader (CCID, Keyboard Wedge)
Elatec TWN4 Card Reader (Keyboard Wedge)

Lexmark card readers are compatible with Lexmark devices. Lexmark will provide the device software to enable the card reader.

Card Reader Compatibility with Pharos Cloud