Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CSC100 scan?
The CSC100 is designed to scan Magic: The Gathering cards (English only). Support for other trading card games may be added in the future, but there is currently no timeline.
Will the machine scan sleeved cards?
No. The CSC100 does not scanned sleeved cards. It will only scan bare cards.
Can I export my collection to other apps?
Yes. The app includes built-in import and export tools.
- ManaBox: imports directly without conversion
- TCGplayer / BinderPOS: requires CSV conversion
Is there a monthly fee?
The app allows unlimited scanning and exporting at no cost. The free version supports up to 1,000 stored cards at one time, but you can scan, export, and delete cards endlessly.
A $4.99/month subscription is only required if you want to store more than 1,000 cards simultaneously. This subscription helps cover server costs and supports ongoing app development.
Does the app track prices?
Yes. Prices are sourced from Scryfall and updated daily.
Historical price charts are not currently included.
How often is the card database updated?
Frequently, including around prerelease. If new cards aren’t recognized:
- Update the app
- Restart to trigger a database sync
Your website does not seem to sell to my location? What can I do?
We have recently expanded our sales locations to Canada and Europe. As demand grows in different regions of the world we will look to expand. Please let us know where you live and we will work towards expanding to your region!
What lighting is suggested?
Indirect or diffuse light works best. To optimize scanning reliability you should minimize both shadows and glares in the bin. Natural diffuse room lighting works very well. Some users have opted to purchase ring lights or diffuse LED desk lamps and have had good results. You can find light recommendations on our Discord.
How fast does it scan?
The CSC100 can scan up to 100 cards per minute.
What happens if it damages my cards?
Damaged cards are rare but with any automated process there is a risk of card damage. This risk is taken on by the user and we will no be held liable for any damaged cards. It is highly recommended to use bulk cards when first optimizing your device.
My phone overheats during scanning, what can I do to help?
Some users have seen their phones begin to overheat when scanning. This can cause phones to become unresponsive and card scanning can suffer. If this happens it is recommended to remove the phone case when scanning. If this does not alleviate the issue you can also use a fan to blow air over your phone.
Can it scan cards from multiple sets in one batch?
Yes. You can scan cards from multiple sets in the same batch.
Optional locking features (set, year, first letter) can improve speed and accuracy, but they are not required.
Why aren’t some cards being recognized?
The most common cause is blurry images. If a scan fails, the app will show a card back instead of a card name.
To fix this:
- Change the camera lens in Auto Scan settings
- Make sure your phone camera can focus at close range
- Adjust settling times if needed
Once images are sharp, cards will populate automatically.
Why do basic lands scan poorly?
Basic lands are especially difficult for recognition due to minimal differences between thousands of versions.
Using Set Lock may help, but errors should be expected when scanning basics.
Do I need to lock to a set before scanning?
No, locking is optional. It can improve speed and accuracy (fewer candidates to search) and reduce version errors, but the default mode can scan any English Magic card.
What locking options exist when scanning?
Four available scan modes:
- No Lock (default): any English Magic card
- Set Lock: one or multiple sets
- Year Lock: one release year
- First Letter Lock: cards starting with a chosen letter
How do I “Set Lock”?
On the Auto Scan screen under the settings menu, use the icon that enables “set lock.” (Please see the quick start guide)
Is it normal to fix some cards manually?
Yes. Even with optimal settings, some cards may require manual correction.
Sorting the batch summary by lowest confidence first helps identify issues quickly.
Do I need to sort cards before scanning?
No. Sorting is optional. However, if your cards are already grouped by set or year, using the lock features can reduce version errors and improve accuracy.
Is there a recommended scan speed?
Default settings work for most phones, but results vary by device.
Key settings:
- First Card Settling Time – increase if the first scan is blurry
- Regular Settling Time – increase if later scans are blurry
To optimize speed:
- Lower both settling times
- Slowly increase each until scans remain clear
Cards aren’t feeding smoothly. What can I do?
Try the following:
- Clean the rubber roller with a slightly damp cloth
- Apply gentle downward pressure to the card stack when starting
- Ensure cards are not warped or uneven
Tip for the last card in a stack:
If the final card is not ejecting reliably, place a bulk card upside down on top of the stack (Magic logo facing up). This helps maintain pressure so the last card feeds correctly. When that card is scanned, simply remove it from the summary screen.
Does the CSC100 require a specific app?
Yes. The CSC100 must be used with the TCG Archivist app.
Does the CSC100 have physical buttons?
No. All controls are handled through the app.
How do I connect via Bluetooth to the CSC100?
Bluetooth turns on automatically when the device is powered. You must connect directly through the TCG Archivist app.
If you can’t connect:
- Make sure Bluetooth permissions are enabled for the app
- Try a different power brick or USB cable
Blinking red lights usually indicate insufficient power.
What power supply is recommended?
Any USB-C Power source with the minimum required power: 3.5 watts.
More questions?
Join our Discord and ask!