Topre MCRW
 | |
| Part number |
9E0650 (Keyboard) CA0200 (Numpad) |
|---|---|
| Branding | Topre |
| Manufacturer | Topre |
| Layouts | 81-key (keyboard), 24-key (numpad) |
| Keyswitches | Topre Switches |
| Interface | Proprietary 8-pin Mini-DIN |
| Weight | 994g (keyboard), 452g (numpad) |
| Years of production | 1990s |
Contents
Introduction
The Topre MCRW machines are standalone magnetic card reader and writer units. There are three known MCRW models, the 1000, 2000 and 5000. All three models come with an 81-key compact keyboard with Topre capacitive switches. The MCRW-5000 also comes with a 24-key numeric keypad. These machines were sold in Japan in the 1990s, but have since been discontinued. Standalone card reader and writer units are perhaps largely obsolete now as it is generally much cheaper to buy a USB card reader/writer component and use it in conjunction with a standard PC.
MCRW-1000/2000
Keyboard
The keyboard that comes with the MCRW-1000/2000 uses an 8-pin Mini-DIN connector to connect to the left side of the reader/writer unit, which is strange given that the connector on the board exits from the right, meaning the cable has to pass back in front of the main unit to connect. It is one of the smaller Topre keyboards by width, at only 320mm; it is roughly the same width as a μTRON. Other interesting features are an internal speaker, metal wire-frame height adjustable feet, key stoppers under all blank keycaps and the up and down arrows to the left of the spacebar, one of the longest spacebars on any Topre keyboard at roughly 8 units and an embedded numpad in blue font. The case is held together by 6 screws, with the seam separating the top and bottom halves being quite a bit wider than on a Realforce.
It has LED lock keys (all red in colour) for 英数 (alphanumeric), カナ (kana/katakana), NUM, and CAPS.
The keys along the top, from left to right are:
- クリア (Clear)
- 編集 (Edit)
- 書込み (Writing)
- 読取り (Reading)
- 再発行 (Reissue)
- 自動 ナンバリング (Automatic Numbering)
MCRW-5000
Keyboard
The 81-key keyboard that comes with the MCRW-5000 is essentially the same as the one that comes with the MCRW-1000/2000. It shares the same model number and physical layout, but has some slight cosmetic and functional differences. The majority of the top row for instance is replaced with the familiar function keys, F1 through to F8. There is also a 'Feed' key and an 'Esc' key. The legend changes are likely a result of the fact that the MCRW-5000 has a functional screen for navigating the various functions, negating the need for descriptive keycaps. The only other cosmetic differences are the presence of the 桁設定 (Digit setting) key and a green LED for the 英数 (alphanumeric) key.
Numpad
The MCRW-5000 also came with a 24-key numpad which can be used to navigate most of the menu options of the MCRW-5000. Like the keyboard, it has F1 through to F8, arrow keys and an 'Esc' key. The enclosure is held shut without screws, and can be opened by levering the top edge with a knife or screwdriver. The cable from the unit must be plugged directly into the numpad to use it, with the keyboard then daisy chained to another 8-pin connector on the numpad.
Gallery
- Topre MCRW-1000
- Topre MCRW-5000
External links
Topre — Image of MCRW-1000(DEAD!)Topre — Image of MCRW-2000(DEAD!)- (Wayback Machine) Topre — MCRW-1000 PDF product brochure (Japanese only)
Topre — MCRW-2000 PDF product brochure(DEAD!)
