This may a duplicate, but I cannot find any solid information.
On the store page for the xMagic, it lists some of the differences between the gen1a and the gen2 version of the chip:
pros and cons
• 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 special programmer like a proxmark3. some readers actively detect gen1a and reject reads.
• gen2 pros; can program in the field using 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
So my question is:
For Gen1a:
In anecdotal experience, how often does a reader detect and deny a Gen1a chip?
For Gen2:
How does the chip become locked out? What does “improperly programmed” mean. How do you avoid it?
Are there guides on “unlocking” it to recover the chip?
The gen2 sounds ideal but I don’t really understand how to avoid improper programming, or what that exactly means.
Not often, in my experience. The best thing you could do is play around with some cards and readers–our card pack contains both. Then you’ll know whether the readers you are interested in are compatible. If you’re interested for hotel reasons then it’ll be a craps shoot. From what I’ve seen, no one is having trouble with the flexUG4 in that regard.
An interruption in writing can brick it. Say you’re writing it in public and someone bumps the phone holding your arm. Or, you write the wrong value to the wrong bit. These things don’t really have guard rails. If you let a tool like MCT do the heavy lifting and are careful about writing it, you’ll be fine.
Any who, I can’t stress a test cards enough. Be familiar with the things you are putting inside your body
I have a bunch of test cards I ordered, but I dont have a specific reader for the xMagic beyond hotels at this moment, I have plans for future use just not now.
I have been using the test cards but haven’t encountered an issue with writing yet, but I wasnt sure if that was because the card has a better antenna or if it just wouldn’t be an issue.
I’ve had in order
FlexM1gen2 xM1 gen1a xMagic gen1a
FkexUG4
My FlexM1 gets a lot of use, and ive had it for years.
My UG4 is more recent, it is a great option, not only will it do Mifare Classic, but also Ultralight, and in my experience these are the 2 most common for hotels
