CA$266.00

The basic differences between the gen1a and gen2 have to do with how each chip type enables sector 0 to be written to. Sector 0 is where the chip ID lives, as well as some other information like manufacturer details and the MAD or Mifare Application Directory data. Normally sector 0 on Mifare 1kB chips is read-only and cannot be changed. Cloning a "real" Mifare 1kB chip to a magic Mifare chip requires copying all of the sector 0 data from the source chip to the magic chip. A gen1a magic Mifare chip allows sector 0 to be written to only after sending a special command to it. A gen2 magic Mifare chip uses the normal access bits and keys A and B to control access to sector 0, just like any other memory sector in the chip. For an in-depth explanation, please check out this post on our community forum.

Gen1a pros: Backdoor command disables all keys and access controls on all sectors. Every sector is writable regardless of key settings. Impossible to lock a sector out.

Gen1a cons: Can't send the backdoor command with Android apps, must use a special programmer like a Proxmark3. Some readers actively detect gen1a and reject reads.

Gen2 pros: Can program in the field using the Android MCT app for easy changing or programming while on the go. Much harder to detect by readers looking for magic chips.

Gen2 cons: It is possible to get locked out of sectors if improperly programmed.

13.56MHz Magic Mifare Classic 1k Gen1a Emulator

• Emulates Mifare MF1ICS50 1k chip with "Chinese Magic Backdoor" (CMB) or writeable sector 0
• 4 byte ID and all of sector 0 is writable using CMB commands
• Proxmark3 can clone Mifare Classic 1k badges, fobs, cards, etc. to xMagic
• 10 year data retention rated for 100k writes per memory block
• Pre-tested and pre-loaded in sterile injection assembly
• No "anti-migration" coating means easy removal/replacement

125kHz T5577 LF Chip Emulator

• Emulate common EM41xx, EM4200, HID, Indala (and more!) chips
• Proxmark3 can clone common 125kHz badges, fobs, cards, etc. to xMagic
• T5577 chip is preprogrammed in EM41xx mode with a 40 bit unique ID
• 10 year data retention rated for 100k writes per memory block

By far the most powerful tool you can use to work with RFID chips is the Proxmark3. It's an open source RFID diagnostics and security research tool. Its flexibility and ability to update the firmware to support the latest security tactics and tools means it's a great investment for anyone wanting to experiment with RFID.

Mifare S50 Classic 1kB cloning

The original 4 byte "Classic" 1k Mifare card has only 4 bytes for an ID, and uses the vulnerable version of Crypto1 protocol. NXP released a number of different updated versions of Mifare chips, including the Mifare Plus 1k and a Mifare "Classic" 1k EV1 chip. The memory structures of these new chips are identical to the original vulnerable "Classic" 1k chips but they have been updated with improved cryptographic algorithms and have 7 byte IDs not 4 byte IDs. While new attacks on these new chip types do exist, success is limited and you will not be able to copy the complete 7 byte ID number to the xMagic since the Mifare emulator chip inside only supports 4 byte IDs.

You can check the chip type in your 13.56MHz cards and fobs using the Proxmark3 or in some cases by scanning them with an NFC capable Android phone using the TagInfo app.

125kHz chip cloning

There are many types of 125kHz chips in use today that can be emulated by the T5577 chip in the xMagic. They have no security features, just different communication protocols. The T5577 chip is highly configurable so it may emulate many types of these communication protocols, making it a highly versatile chip! Currently supported types include: AWID, COTAG, EM, FDX-B, Gallagher, Guarall Prox II, HID Prox, Idteck, ioProx, Jablotron, Keri, Motorola, Nedap, NexWatch, Noralsy, PAC/Stanley, Paradox, Presco, Farpointe/Pyramid, Securakey, and Viking.

Passive RFID and NFC chips are magnetically coupled devices that power themselves and communicate data over a shared magnetic field the reader generates. This means their effective read range and performance depends entirely on how well the antenna coils of both the tag and reader couple with each other. This typically means the shape, size, and orientation of both antennas must be complimentary.

Unfortunately, most reader devices, including mobile phones, typically have antennas designed with thin PCB traces made into blocky rectangular shapes that lay along a flat plane. These antenna designs are great for coupling with and reading large flat labels and access cards which also share this antenna shape, but they have a hard time coupling to the very small cylindrical antenna coil inside our x-series chips. Most mobile phones and reader devices have a "sweet spot" or two that must be located and used each time to get consistent results. You should not expect your USB reader or mobile device to achieve the same read range with our x-series chips that you normally get with a label tag or card style tag.

You have questions! That's understandable. The short answer is; it's all good. If you're looking for more specific answers, we have an extensive FAQ page that deals with many of the most commonly asked questions regarding installation of our x-series transponders.