> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.security.gallagher.com/knowledge-hub/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.security.gallagher.com/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/credentials/encoding-solutions/encoder-3/encoder-3-overview.md). # Encoder 3 overview Understand Encoder 3 capabilities, supported hardware, limitations, and recommended encoding alternatives. Encoder 3 was developed for Channel Partners to bulk encode card technologies for the sites they maintain. It is a very old application, developed for encoding 125kHz and MIFARE Classic technologies. The software is presented as-is, without any upgrade or software fix capability. {% hint style="warning" %} Encoder 3 is classified as a **legacy product** due to the lack of compatible encoding hardware. Encoder 3 MIFARE Classic encoding relies on an obsolete USB encoder that has not been available for purchase for years. Gallagher actively supports moving to modern credentials that are not susceptible to simple cloning and hacking techniques. {% endhint %} ### Recommended alternatives 1. Utilise Photo-ID and Encoding on the site's own licence. 2. Utilise Gallagher Security's encoding services. 3. A Channel Partner could use Bureau Encoding to bulk encode cards on a dedicated Command Centre system. ### Encoder III - C196215 * Developed for encoding Tiris, Magnetic stripe, 125kHz and MIFARE Classic access cards. * Will only encode Gallagher information onto sector 15 of cards. No third-party data (Morpho, Salto or Aperio data). * Does not work with MIFARE Plus or DESFire technology cards. * Latest version is V 3.3.6. There is no plan to update the application. * The software will only encode Facility Codes that are in the Encoder.ini file. Channel Partners could order additional Facility Codes if needed. * Comes with the USB security dongle. ### 125 Encoder - C197800 (Discontinued 2023) Serial connection. ![125 Encoder 2 hardware unit](https://328339335-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bM8WhlBE9BYizPWJaPN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9a513d4c5321e11e3b3795302915b88a1651f5e5%2FSECHUB-ENCODING-ENC3-01-125-encoder-2-hardware.jpg?alt=media) ![Encoder III 125 kHz unit](https://328339335-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bM8WhlBE9BYizPWJaPN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-68bb565e8848e5080eb6d4ef2991a086e3c5319a%2FSECHUB-ENCODING-ENC3-02-encoder-iii-125-unit.jpg?alt=media) ### MIFARE Encoder SDI010 and SDI011 (Discontinued 2015) USB Encoder. ![Encoder III SDI010 MIFARE USB encoder](https://328339335-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bM8WhlBE9BYizPWJaPN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d20529e120bb79e38f68b5fcffcc1f9188f8e0a5%2FSECHUB-ENCODING-ENC3-05-encoder-iii-sdi010.jpg?alt=media) ### Neuron Magnetic Stripe Encoder CT-891-3A Serial connection. ![Encoder III Neuron CT-891-3A](https://328339335-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bM8WhlBE9BYizPWJaPN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-689bd72f32a48b0ae21e4518793a8d02dd55fa7b%2FSECHUB-ENCODING-ENC3-04-encoder-iii-neuron.jpg?alt=media) ### Not supported There is currently no plan to make Encoder 3 support the Gallagher ACR1252U-A1 USB encoder, or any other hardware. ![Encoder III ARC1252U hardware](https://328339335-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bM8WhlBE9BYizPWJaPN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7376ebf8c374b0944a47ed064e50ed66edf9c2e8%2FSECHUB-ENCODING-ENC3-03-encoder-iii-arc1252u.jpg?alt=media) *** 🔗 **Related** * [Supported Operating systems and requirements](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/credentials/encoding-solutions/encoder-3/supported-operating-systems-and-requir.md). Which versions of Windows run Encoder 3, and the dongle it needs. * [Installing Encoder 3](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/credentials/encoding-solutions/encoder-3/installing-encoder-3.md). Getting the installer, the ini file, and the first-run activation. * [Bureau Encoding - Reference Information](/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/credentials/encoding-solutions/bureau-encoding/bureau-encoding-reference-information.md). The recommended alternative for bulk MIFARE encoding. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://help.security.gallagher.com/knowledge-hub/products/cc-hardware/credentials/encoding-solutions/encoder-3/encoder-3-overview.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.