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PC-Linked Smart
Card Readers
 
Smart Card/
Fingerprint Readers
 
Smart Card Readers with PIN-pad
 
Contactless Readers
 
PC-Linked Readers
with Mass Storage
 
 
  1. What interface do the PC-linked smart card readers support?
  2. What is the difference between ACR30 and ACR38 smart card readers, aside from interface?
  3. Where can I get an updated list of card types supported by ACR30 and ACR38?
  4. What kinds of smart card connectors are used in PC-linked smart card readers? How long do they last?
  5. What operating systems do PC-linked smart card readers support?
  6. What kind of support is available in terms of application development?
  7. I get no response from my USB Reader
  8. I get no response from my ACR30S/SP reader
  9. ACR38's green LED keeps blinking while ACR30's doesn't. Is this normal?
  10. How can I tell if my system is using PC/SC or Proprietary drivers?
  11. Given a smart card, how can I determine under which type it belongs?
  12. Can ANY smart card application access the ACR30/38?
  13. My ACR30S reader is not listed in Windows Device Manager.
  14. My applications cannot detect the ACR30/38 reader.
  15. What is the difference among ACR38, ACR38F, ACR38K, ACR38DT, ACR38ET and ACR38T in terms of reader function?
  16. How do I install/uninstall the ACR30/ACR38 series PC/SC drivers to my system?
  17. How do I connect the ACR30 and ACR38 series reader to the PC?
  18. What is CCID?
  19. How do I insert the smart card in the ACR30/38 series readers?
  20. Can I attach the ACS readers while the computer is running?
  21. I can't install ACR series readers thru Windows Update in Windows 2000 / XP?
  22. What are the supported memory-based smart card types for ACR30U?
  23. What are the supported memory-based smart card types for ACR38U?
  24. What is the difference between ACR30S and ACR30SP readers?
  25. What programming language can access the ACR30/38 reader series?
  26. I installed the ACR30/38 series reader on my PC, but the driver is not suitable for my operating system. I am using XP 64 version.
  27. Can I use my ACR30/38 reader to edit the phone book on my GSM SIM card?
  28. I wonder if there are any "Standard Applications" available for my ACR30/38 reader?
  29. How can I manually, completely remove all traces of PC/SC drivers from my system in Windows 2000 / XP? Please show the steps for both serial and USB drivers.
  30. How to install ACR38 PC/SC driver in Windows XP when Internet is connected?
  31. How can I activate my smart card service in Windows 2000 / XP?
  32. How to uninstall and reinstall the scbase component in Windows 2000 / XP?
  33. How can I manually, completely remove all traces of PC/SC drivers from my system in Windows 98SE / ME? Please show the steps for both serial and USB drivers.
  34. How can I manually, completely remove all traces of PC/SC drivers from my system in Windows NT? Please show the steps.
  35. Do PC-linked smart card readers support Linux?
  36. What version of Linux OS can the ACR30/ACR38 series support?
  37. How can I install the smart card service in Linux OS?
  38. How to uninstall and reinstall the scbase component on Linux OS?
  39. How do I install the ACR30/ACR38 series PC/SC drivers to my system in Linux?
  40. How do I uninstall the ACR30/ACR38 series PC/SC drivers from my system in Linux?
  41. Do PC-linked smart card readers support Mac OS?
  42. What version of Mac OS is supported by ACR30 and ACR38

What interface do the PC-linked smart card readers support?
The ACR38 is only available with USB interface. The ACR30 is available in both USB and Serial interfaces.

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What is the difference between ACR30 and ACR38 readers, aside from interface?
ACR38 supports ATMEL AT88SCxxxx memory cards while ACR30 supports SLE4406 memory card. The more popular memory cards SLE4418, SLE4428, SLE4432, SLE4442, IIC types 1 and 2, are supported by both readers. On a programming perspective, both ACR30 and ACR38 run on the Proprietary and PC/SC API's.

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Where can I get an updated list of card types supported by ACR30 and ACR38?
The card types supported by both the ACR30 and ACR38 are indicated in their respective product manuals, available for download on our website.

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What kinds of smart card connectors are used in PC-linked smart card readers? How long do they last?
The readers use contact and sliding connectors. Both connectors are guaranteed up to a minimum of 100K insertion cycles. Landing connectors, which are guaranteed up to a minimum of 200K insertion cycles, can also be used for ACR30 and ACR38 readers, upon special request.

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What operating systems do PC-linked smart card readers support?
At the moment, drivers are available for Windows 98SE, NT, ME, 2000 and XP.

For ACR38, beta drivers are available for MAC OS X 10.1 - 10.3 and any Linux distribution with Kernel 2.4.x and 2.6.x. ACR30U can support any Linux distribution with Kernel 2.4.x only and ACR30S can support any Linux distribution.

Only PC/SC driver is available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

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What kind of support is available in terms of application development?
ACS provides comprehensive sample codes that demonstrate various commands used to interact with the reader and smart card. Demo programs, as well as additional utility software are also provided, to make application development as easy as possible. All these are available in the SDK CD-ROM. Technical support is also available via email at info@acs.com.hk

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I get no response from my USB Reader
Both PC/SC and ACS Proprietary USB drivers will work for the following Operating systems: Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and XP. Only the PC/SC driver will work for Windows NT. The USB reader will not run under: DOS and Windows 95.

Please check if your USB port is functioning properly. It is possible that there is a physical damage with your USB port. Connecting any USB device to the PC will make Windows prompt the New Hardware Found wizard.

Make sure you installed the correct USB driver. Go to Windows Device Manager and look at the Smart card reader icon. There should be an entry labeled ¡§ACR38 Smart Card Reader¡¨ or ¡§ACS USB Smart Card Reader¡¨ or ¡§ACR30 USB Smart Card Reader (Proprietary Mode)¡¨.

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I get no response from my ACR30S/SP reader
Serial Reader may not be connected properly. The ACR30S/SP has 3 connectors: the 2 PS/2 connectors should be connected to your PS/2 ports of the computer and your PS/2 peripherals (mouse or keyboard) respectively. The serial connector should be connected to your RS232 port.

Your serial cable may be too long. Please do not use extended serial cable for the reader.

You may have specified the wrong port. The ACR30S can only be connected to: COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4.

Please use software provided by ACS first to test the reader. If they work, then you can use other software utilities to test.

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ACR38's green LED keeps blinking, while ACR30's doesn't. Is this normal?
Yes.

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How can I tell if my system is using PC/SC or Proprietary drivers?
If no smart card application is active, and you insert an MCU card into the reader, and the green LED automatically lights up, then your reader is running on PC/SC driver.

For USB readers, just go to Windows Device Manager. It will tell you which mode (Proprietary or PC/SC) your USB driver is under.

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Given a smart card, how can I determine under which type it belongs?
There is no way to distinguish among memory card types. However, you can tell if a card is an MCU card if you get a valid ATR string upon card reset.

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Can ANY smart card application access the ACR30/38?
YES, if your system has PC/SC installed, and if that software is PC/SC compliant. Otherwise, only programs that access the ACS Proprietary DLL can control the ACR30/38.

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My ACR30S reader is not listed in Windows Device Manager.
Serial Readers are not Plug-and-Play devices, and therefore will not show up in your Windows Device Manager. Only USB readers (ACR30U) and Serial Plug-and-Play (ACR30SP) will be listed in the Device Manager.

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My applications cannot detect the ACR30/38 reader.
Applications written in PC/SC will work only if the appropriate driver is installed; likewise for ACS Proprietary driver.

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What is the difference among ACR38, ACR38F, ACR38K, ACR38DT, ACR38ET and ACR38T in terms of reader function?
The ACR38 smart card reader/writer is ideal for use in network security, electronic payment systems, electronic identifications as well as other advanced smart card applications. ACR38 has an optional built-in Security Access Module (SAM) slot that supports various high security applications.

ACR38F Floppy Bay Smart Card Reader is the ideal solution for easy integration of a smart card reader into the desktop environment. It is also ideal for electronic commerce, home banking or e-purse facilities, secure computer access or any of a multitude of other applications.

The ACR38K Multimedia Keyboard offers you with specialized keyboard setting, accessing every function in just one key-press, plus a classy multimedia controller. This package also comes with a card reader that enables you to easily implement smart card-based systems. Combined with versatile smart card reader/writer, using the ACR38 module, the keyboard is transformed into a highly powerful component for security, e-commerce, and other applications.

The ACR38T SIMTracker II is a stylish plug-in (SIM-sized) smart card reader/writer. It is a highly portable smart card PC peripheral, as it plugs into the USB port and requires no additional cable or wiring. It is ideal for Internet Banking, Payment Systems and Network Security.

The ACR38DT Contactless/Contact DualKey is an extension of ACR38T. It has full ACR38T functionalities with contactless value-added feature. It is ideal for electronic commerce, physical access control, home banking or e-purse facilities, secure computer access, transportation and GSM application tool.

The ACR38ET DualKey2 is an extension of ACR38T. It has full ACR38T functionalities with contactless value-added feature. With ACR38ET DualKey2, you can safeguard the access to PCs, desktops, Intranet & Extranet networks, physical doors, safes, databanks, etc with supreme confidence. With that power, ACR38ET is astonishingly simple ¡V having innate contactless card functionalities and requiring simply a SIM-sized smart card for contact card functionalities.

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How do I install/uninstall the ACR30/ACR38 series PC/SC drivers to my system?
The install/uninstall steps are included in the user installation guides available for download from our website.

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How do I connect the ACR30 and ACR38 series reader to the PC?
The ACR30 serial device has 3 connectors: the 2 PS/2 connectors should be connected to your PS/2 ports (mouse or keyboard) and the serial connector should be connected to your RS232 port. Please follow illustration.
                               

For the USB device, connect it into an available USB port.

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What is CCID?
CCID stands for Chip/Smart Card Interface Devices. Chip Card Interface Device (CCID) specification is an approach to smart card reader communication and it defines a standard communication protocol for smart card readers that connect to a computer via USB, allowing the same host-side driver to communicate with any CCID-compliant smart card reader.

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How do I insert the smart card in the ACR30/38 series readers?
For the ACR38 and ACR30 readers, insert your smart card (contact disc face upward) into the device.

For the SIM-sized smart card readers (ACR38T, ACR38DT, ACR38ET), always make sure that the chip side of the card is facing down during insertion.

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Can I attach the ACS readers while the computer is running?
Yes.

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I can't install ACR series readers thru Windows Update in Windows 2000 / XP?
ACR30 does not support Microsoft Windows Update.

Installation steps for the ACR38 series using Microsoft Windows Update are included in the user installation guides available for download from our website.

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What are the supported memory-based smart card types for ACR30U?
The supported card types for ACR30U are:
'104' type EEPROM non-reloadable token counter cards, including: Gemplus GPM103, Siemens SLE 4406, Siemens SLE4436 and SLE5536 (firmware 2.10 onwards)

Cards following the I2C bus protocol (free memory cards) with memory capacity up to 16 Kbit and minimum 4 bytes page write capability, including: Atmel AT24C01/02/04/08/16, Gemplus GFM2K, GFM4K, SGS-Thomson ST14C02C, 14C04C

Siemens SLE4432/4442 intelligent 256 bytes EEPROM with write protect function: SLE 4432, SLE 4442

Siemens SLE 4418/4428 intelligent 1K bytes EEPROM with write-protect function: SLE 4418, SLE 4428

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What are the supported memory-based smart card types for ACR38U?
The supported card types for ACR38U are:
Cards following the I2Cbus protocol (free memory cards) with maximum 128 bytes page with capability, including: Atmel AT24C01/02/04/08/16/32/64/128/256/512/1024

Cards with secure memory IC with password and authentication, including: Atmel AT88SC153, AT88SC1608

Cards with intelligent 1k bytes EEPROM with write-protect function, including: Infineon SLE4418, SLE4428

Cards with intelligent 256 bytes EEPROM with write-protect function, including: Infineon SLE4432, SLE4442

Cards with ¡¥104¡¦ type EEPROM non-reloadable token counter cards, including: Infineon SLE4406, SLE4436 and SLE5536 (support from firmware 1.10 onwards)

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What is the difference between ACR30S and ACR30SP readers?
ACR30S is not a Plug-and-Play device and therefore will not be displayed in your Windows Device Manager. ACR30SP is a Serial Plug-and-Play device, which will be listed in the Device Manager.

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What programming language can access the ACR30/38 reader series?
Any language that can access dynamic libraries (DLL) can control the ACR30/38 readers. PC/SC also has it own DLL's that can access ACR30/38 readers. Some of the programming languages that can access the ACR30/38 reader series are MS Visual Basic, Visual C++, VB.NET, Borland Delphi and C#.

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I installed the ACR30/38 series reader on my PC, but the driver is not suitable for my operating system. I am using XP 64 version.
Drivers specifically for XP 64 are now available for download on the website.

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Can I use my ACR30/38 reader to edit the phone book on my GSM SIM card?
Yes, you can edit the phonebook on GSM SIM cards with readers such as ACR38T, ACR38ET, ACR38DT, etc.

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I wonder if there are any "Standard Applications" available for my ACR30/38 reader?
Standard applications available for the ACR30/38 readers are mentioned in their respective technical specification manuals available for download from our website. Common applications include electronic commerce, home banking, e-purse facilities, etc.

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How can I manually, completely remove all traces of PC/SC drivers from my system in Windows 2000 / XP? Please show the steps for both serial and USB drivers.

- For Windows 2000 ACR30 Serial Non PnP Reader
  1. Click "Start" then select "Run"
  2. Type in "Regedit" then Click "OK"
  3. In the registry editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\
  4. Find "ACRSERC0x" or similar and delete it
  5. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  6. Go to %WINNT%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS
  7. Find and delete "acrserc.sys" and it's done.
- For Windows XP ACR30 Serial Non PnP Reader, manual removal of drivers is not recommended.

- For Windows 2000/XP ACR30 USB and Serial PnP Reader
  1. Right-click on "My Computer"
  2. Select "Hardware"
  3. Click on "Device Manager"
  4. Find the SmartCardReader group and expand it
  5. Locate the reader with ACR/ACS name on it and highlight it
  6. Click "Uninstall" icon located at the top of Device Manager
  7. Confirm to uninstall the device
  8. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  9. Find %WINNT%\INF in the directory tree
  10. Right-click on it and select "Search"
  11. In the Containing Text edit box, type in ACS0150 (for Serial PNP) or VID_072F (for USB)
  12. Click "Search Now"
  13. Delete all inf files appearing on the right panel
  14. Go to %WINNT%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS
  15. Find and delete "acrsercp.sys" (serial PnP) or "acrusbxp.sys" (USB)
  16. Done!

- For Windows 2000 / XP ACR38 USB Reader
  1. Right-click on "My Computer"
  2. Select "Hardware"
  3. Click on "Device Manager"
  4. Find the SmartCardReader group and expand it
  5. Locate the reader with ACR/ACS name on it and highlight it
  6. Click "Uninstall" icon located at the top of Device Manager
  7. Confirm to uninstall the device
  8. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  9. Find %WINNT%\INF in the directory tree
  10. Right-click on it and select "Search"
  11. In the Containing Text edit box, type in VID_072F
  12. Click "Search Now"
  13. Delete all inf files appearing on the right panel
  14. Go to %WINNT%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS
  15. Find and delete "a38usbxp.sys"
  16. Done!

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How to install ACR38 PC/SC driver in Windows XP when Internet is connected?
If your PC is connected to the Internet, Windows will automatically install the ACR38 PC/SC drivers.

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How can I activate my smart card service in Windows 2000 / XP?
If you choose to install the PC/SC driver, the Smart Card Resource Manager will be the central program that implements the PC/SC platform. It is built into Windows 2000 and Windows XP but has to be installed in other Microsoft operating systems. It has to be up and running to be able to successfully run smart card applications based on the PC/SC platform.

Please activate its Smart Card Service. Just do these steps:
  1. Go to Control Panel
  2. Open Administrative Tools
  3. Open Services
  4. Open Smart Card Services
  5. Then set it to Start Automatically

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How to uninstall and reinstall the scbase component on Windows 2000 / XP?
In fact, Windows 2000 and Windows XP already have smart card based components. It is not necessary to install again. If you do so, it will cause some errors in the PC/SC reader installation.
  1. Click "Start"
  2. Select "Run"
  3. Type in "Regsvr32 %windir%\system32\scardssp.dll"
  4. Click "Enter"
  5. Type in "Scardsvr reinstall"
  6. Click "Enter"

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How can I manually, completely remove all traces of PC/SC drivers from my system in Windows 98SE / ME? Please show the steps for both serial and USB drivers.

- For Windows 98SE / ME ACR30 Serial Non PnP Reader
  1. Click "Start"
  2. Select "Run"
  3. Type in "Regedit"
  4. Click "OK"
  5. In the registry editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD
  6. Find "ACRSERC" and delete it
  7. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  8. Go to %WINDIR%\SYSTEM
  9. Find and delete "acrserc.vxd"
  10. Done!
- For Windows 98SE / ME ACR30 Serial PnP Reader
  1. Click "Start"
  2. Select "Run"
  3. Type in "Regedit"
  4. Click "OK"
  5. In the registry editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum\Serenum
  6. Find "ACS0150" or similar and delete it
  7. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  8. Go to %WINDIR%\Inf
  9. Find an inf file having "acrsercp.inf" as its filename and delete it
  10. Go to %WINDIR%\SYSTEM
  11. Find and delete "acrsercp.vxd"
  12. Done!
- For Windows 98SE / ME ACR30 USB Reader
  1. Click "Start"
  2. Select "Run"
  3. Type in "Regedit"
  4. Click "OK"
  5. In the registry editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum\USB
  6. Find "VID_072F&PID_0001" and delete it
  7. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  8. Go to %WINDIR%\Inf
  9. Find an inf file having "acrusbxp.inf" or "acrusbcp.inf" as its filename and delete it
  10. Go to %WINDIR%\SYSTEM
  11. Find and delete "acrusb98.sys"
  12. Done!
- For Windows 98SE / ME ACR38 USB Reader
  1. Click "Start"
  2. Select "Run"
  3. Type in "Regedit"
  4. Click "OK"
  5. In the registry editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum\USB
  6. Find "VID_072F&PID_9000" and delete it
  7. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  8. Go to %WINDIR%\Inf
  9. Find an inf that contains "VID_072F&PID_9000" and delete it
  10. Go to %WINDIR%\SYSTEM
  11. Find and delete "a38usb98.sys"
  12. Done!

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How can I manually, completely remove all traces of PC/SC drivers from my system in Windows NT? Please show the steps.

- For Windows NT Serial Non PnP Reader (Also PnP model)
  1. Click "Start"
  2. Select "Run"
  3. Type in "Regedit"
  4. Click "OK"
  5. In the registry editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\
  6. Find "ACRSERC0x" or similar and delete it
  7. Open "Windows Explorer (File Manager)"
  8. Go to %WINNT%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS
  9. Find and delete "acrserc.sys"
  10. Done!

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Do PC-linked smart card readers support Linux?
Beta drivers are available for Linux.
Only PC/SC driver is available for Linux.

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What version of Linux OS can the ACR30/ACR38 series support?
ACR30U can support any Linux distribution with Kernel 2.4.x only. ACR30S can support any Linux distribution. ACR38U can support any Linux distribution with Kernel 2.4.x and 2.6.x.

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How can I install the smart card service in Linux OS?
Linux smart card service implementation is provided by PCSCLITE. The software package can be downloaded at http://alioth.debian.org/projects/pcsclite/

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How to uninstall and reinstall the scbase component on Linux OS?
Please read the readme file included in the PCSCLITE package for more information about the installation of the component. Automatic uninstallation of the component is not yet provided at the moment.

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How do I install the ACR30/ACR38 series PC/SC drivers to my system in Linux?
There is no installer provided for Linux driver. For detailed installation procedure, please read the README file included in driver package.

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How do I uninstall the ACR30/ACR38 series PC/SC drivers from my system in Linux?
There is no automatic driver uninstallation tool provided at the moment.

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Do PC-linked smart card readers support Mac OS?
Beta drivers are available for Mac OS.
Only PC/SC driver is available for Mac OS.

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What version of Mac OS is supported by ACR30 and ACR38?
ACR30U supports OSX 10.1, but this version has been obsolete. ACR30S is not supported on any Mac OSX. ACR38 is supported on Mac OSX 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3. Please note that 2 different drivers have to be used with (10.1) and (10.2, 10.3). However, the driver has loading problem with OSX 10.4.

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