$89.00

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 ISO14443A Mifare "magic" 1k gen1a emulator chip
• Emulates Mifare MF1ICS50 1k legacy chips with "Chinese Magic Backdoor" (CMB)
• 4 byte ID and all of sector 0 is writable using CMB commands
• 10 year data retention. Rated for 100k writes per memory block.
• Encased in 3mm by 13mm bioglass with non-toxic medical epoxy
• Pre-tested and pre-loaded in sterile injection assembly
• No "anti-migration" coating means easy removal/replacement

First ensure your source card or fob is a 4 byte "Classic" 1k card, not a new 7 byte "Mifare 1k" card. NXP released updated versions including Mifare Plus 1k and Mifare "Classic" 1k EV1, which have 7 byte UIDs. While new attacks on these chip types do exist, success is limited and you will not be able to copy the complete 7 byte ID number to the xM1 since it only supports 4 byte IDs.

Gen1 Tools

We've curated a couple tools from the internet. It requires Windows and an ACR122U reader. You can download this toolset from here.

Proxmark3

By far the most powerful tool is the Proxmark3 — an open source RFID diagnostics and security research tool. Here are some guides for cloning Mifare cards:

• RyscCorp: Cloning a 4 byte ID to a "Magic" gen1 chip
• Proxmark 3: Cloning a Mifare Classic 1k
• Proxmark Cheatsheet — Mifare section

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. 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.