The Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 is a horizontally resting CAC card reader suited to stationary usage but also light enough to carry around without trouble.
The Saicoo V1 has a long cable with a cable tie which makes it suitable for computer setups of almost any type.
This CAC card reader has been praised for its durable build quality and reliable performance. It’s excellent review score and high number of reviews are testament to its popularity and performance.
Stats About Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1
- Review Grade: 4.4 out of 5
- # of Reviews: 2397
- Connection: USB
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 6.89 x 2.17 in
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Mobile CAC Reader is dedicated to curating the best news, insights and technology related to the Department of Defense (DOD) Common Access Card (CAC) and mobile CAC readers.
- Saicoo - Smart companion for your life CAC smart card reader is an easy-to-install USB device suited for all contact smart card operations like online-banking or digital signature applications.
See how it stacks up compared to other CAC card readers.
Learn more about the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 on Amazon.
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Positives About the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1
- 18 Month Warranty
- Lifetime Technical Support
- Durable Build Quality
- Long cord with cable tie for desktop usage
Negatives About the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1
- SIM Card use with Windows only
Frequently Asked Questions About Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1
Although Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 is one of the most prominently used CAC readers, there are still some very important questions to be answered so as to make sure it will allow you to use it with your system without the hassle.
What is It Compatible with?
Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 CAC Reader works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, depending on the level of your operating systems, you many need to install a driver. To use your CAC with your computer, you’ll still need to download the appropriate drivers (in some cases) as well as the necessary DOD certificates.
Do I need to Install a Driver for this to Use with My CAC?
Normally, no, so long as your computer has an updated operating system, drivers should be able to recognize the CAC reader. If you do have to install or update your drivers, this article will help you do just that. There are a couple of reviews on Amazon that state that the CAC reader didn’t work for them, and I strongly believe this was because the person didn’t have the right certs or drivers in place.
Where to find Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1?
The best place to pick up the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 is at Amazon.com. There you can find the best price both new and used, as well as see questions and answers from real product users.
Installation Steps |
| Step 1: Obtain a CAC Reader |
| Step 2:CAC Reader driver / Video |
| Step 3:DoD Certificates |
| Step 4:ActivClient |
| Step 4a:Update ActivClient |
| Step 5:IE adjustments/Video |
| Log into a CAC enabled website now |
| Page Quick Links: |
| Firmware Update for SCR-331 |
| Verify SmartCard Service started |
| Start Smart Card Service PDFs |
| Updating a CAC Driver |
Plug in your CAC reader NOW
NOTE: Please check and make sure your CAC reader installed BEFORE you attempt to follow the driver installation instructions below. Most of the time, the New hardware wizard will install the CAC reader automatically, negating the need for you to install the driver manually.
To Verify whether your driver did or did not install, follow these instructions:
Plug your CAC reader into your computer before proceeding
Windows 10: Right click the Windows logo (lower left corner of your screen). Click System, select Device Manager link (upper left corner of the screen), scroll down to Smart card readers, select the little triangle next to it to open it up. If your smart card reader is listed, go to the next step of installing the DoD certificates.
Windows 7 & 8/8.1: Right click Computer, select Properties, Device Manager link (upper left corner of the screen), scroll down to Smart card readers, select the little triangle next to it to open it up. If your smart card reader is listed, go to the next step of installing the DoD certificates. NOTE: If you don't see it, you can also click Start, In the Start Search line type in: devmgmt.msc. (For Windows 8.1 users, you'll right click Start).
If it did not install correctly... Try this first: Go to Device Manager (Instructions are above), scroll down to Smart Card readers, right click the CAC reader that shows up below Smart Card Readers. It can also show up under unknown devices. Select Uninstall. It will give you a message. Once it is uninstalled, unplug the reader from your computer. Wait a few moments, then plug it back in. It 'should' start to install itself. If that doesn't work, keep reading for other ideas below.
IF you do not see Smart card readers when checking, THEN follow along with the steps below.
To install a driver onto your computer for a CAC reader, you need to first download the correct driver for the hardware you purchased, I have drivers for the most common USB Readers, Keyboard, laptop, & desktop card readers
PROCEED TO STEP 3 ONCE YOU'VE COMPLETED YOUR VERIFICATION OR INSTALLATION
Unzipping - the driver
Windows 10, 8.1/8, or 7 - Save the zip file to a location of your choosing. Once you have the zip file downloaded, open the zip file (Windows built in zipping program). Copy the folder inside to a new folder. It will unzip the contents, (this is the folder you will need when you are doing the steps below). You can also use the Extract All Files button (on the left under Folder Tasks, under File, Extract All). It will then ask where you want to save the file. I recommend placing a backslash ( ) at the end of the location on the screen.
WinZip- Use the Extract button. It will ask you where you want to save the extracted files to, I recommend your desktop. Click the desktop icon on the left. Push the little yellow folder in the upper right corner of this active window. It will prompt you for a name for the folder (type in CAC Driver). Hit OK, then select Extract (lower right corner of this window). You should now see your new folder on your desktop to open up. Keep this for a later step.
Updating the Driver - Example is for an SCR-331
Windows 10, 8.1, 8, & 7 - Right Click Computer, Select Properties
Click the Device Manager link (on the left side of your screen)
Select the triangle next to Smart Card Readers
Right click the SCRx31 USB Reader, select Update Driver software
Browse my computer... Select Browse, then desktop (or wherever you made the folder)
NOTE: One person had to select 'Search automatically for updated driver software' (This is very rare)
Select the folder (if using the firmware update driver below, stop at the driver folder, do not 'dig' down to AND or Intel folders) and then OK. Next
Your driver will be installed.
Updating the Driver - for IOGear GSR-202 reader
Plug your IOGEAR CAC reader into an available USB port
Allow Windows to load the generic driver
Go to the IOGear website and download the driver for GSR 202 CAC Reader to your desktop
Create a folder on the desktop to extract the driver's zipped files
Unzip the file to the folder you've created
Go to Device Manager
Select the CAC reader
Right click the driver
Select properties
Select update driver
Select Browse
Select the IOGear driver from the desktop folder. This is the unzipped IOGEAR folder
The driver gives you two choices: 32 bit and 64 bit. (this must match your version of Windows)
Install the driver
Insert your CAC into the CAC reader
The yellow light on the CAC reader should blink rather than remain a solid yellow
If the yellow light blinks on the CAC reader, then the computer has added the smart card as a device and the card will work properly
FIRMWARE UPDATE for SCR-331 Reader
Saicoo Smart Card Driver
(Requires a physical Windows computer, Mac using Bootcamp, or TENS / LPS (see next sentence below). It will NOT work in virtual Windows (examples: VMware, Parallels, or Virtual box)).
Verify your firmware version before going through this process...
1. Go to Device Manager, type: device manager in the search box
2. Select the arrow next to Smart card readers
3. Right click on SCR33x USB Smart Card reader
4. Select Properties
5. Select Details (tab)
Install Saicoo Card Reader
6. Select Hardware Ids
7. The number after &REV_ is your current firmware, if it is0518or0525there is no need to update the firmware.
Intel based Macs can update the firmware using TENS / LPS (instructions on top of PDF page 37 (document page 34)) Video instructions
The firmware update 'should' fix the following problems:
A. Card reader is not recognized
B. Shows up as 'STCII Smart Card Reader'
C. Shows up as 'USB Smart Card Reader' (not necessarily a problem)
D. Does not read your 'Gemalto TOP DL GX4 144', 'Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5 Dual' CAC.
E. Does not read your CAC when using your Mac
F. Trying to use the Windows 7 built in Smart Card service instead of ActivClient.
NOTE: We are hearing Mac users having problems with the SCR-331 reader. A recommendation is to get a Mac compatible reader.
Installation Instructions:
| 1. Download update file |
| 2. Unzip the downloaded file (by Right-clicking and selecting Extract All) |
| 3. Update the driver present in the 'driver' folder (by following guidance above) |
| 4. Once the driver is updated, Run FWUPDATE.EXE (lightning bolt) in the 'app' folder to update the firmware. Select the default choices. |
| 5. Close all programs, restart your computer |
NOTE: If you computer fails to recognize the CAC reader driver, you may need to try a different computer to do the update.
Now your SCR-331 reader can be used with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista or Mac.
FIRMWARE UPDATE for SCR-3310 reader
(V1 ONLY (doesn't have V2 after SCR-3310 on the label))
(Requires a physical Windows computer, Mac using Bootcamp, or TENS / LPS (see next sentence below). It will NOT work in virtual Windows (examples: VMware, Parallels, or Virtual box)).Intel based Macs can update the firmware using TENS / LPS (instructions on PDF page 37 (document page 34)) Video instructions
NOTE: DO NOT use this update on a V2 reader. There is no firmware update for a V2 reader because it is already updated.
Click on FWUpdate.exe, this will update your firmware to version 5.26
CHECK SERVICES to make sure Smart Card is running
(This Video shows a very basic version on how to start the service (start at 44 seconds))
If your CAC reader is still not seen by ActivClient, make sure that the Smart Card service is running.
Here's how: Go to: Start, Search programs and files (in Windows 7, 8.1, & 10), type: Services.msc Scroll down to Smart card, double click it and set it to automatic and click Start
If you are unable to start the service; It doesn't show up; ActivClient still says no reader attached; or it acknowledges you have a CAC in the reader (but you can't access it) follow these registry edits below.
Windows 10, 8.1, & 8
Automated method (double click the .reg file inside the .zip folder)
Windows 7
Automated method (double click the .reg file inside the .zip folder) from MilitaryCAC
Automated method (with instructions) from Lazybit
Manual method for Windows 10, 8.1, & 7 (mirror your registry settings to the PDF links below).
Anytime you make changes to the Registry it is a recommended you back it up first
If ActivClient still does not see the CAC reader, try these ideas (if they don't work, your only other option is reloading Windows onto your computer).