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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📱 General

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What is TCG Archivist?

TCG Archivist is a mobile app for iOS and Android that helps you catalog, organize, and track your Magic: The Gathering collection. It features automatic scanning with the CSC100, manual scanning with your camera, manual entry, collection management, deck building, and more.

Which card games are supported?

The app 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.

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: - Restart the app to trigger a database sync - Try to search for the cards manually, if they are not found contact support

📸 CSC100 Scanner

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What does the CSC100 scan?

The CSC100 is designed to scan Magic: The Gathering cards (English only).

Do I have to use the TCG Archivist app for scanning?

Yes. Scanning with the CSC100 requires the TCG Archivist app.

When we first started, our earlier devices relied on third party apps. While these apps are excellent at what they are designed to do, we found they could not deliver the speed, reliability, and feedback required for high-speed batch scanning.

With the TCG Archivist app, the app and the CSC100 work together as a single system. This coordination allows us to control timing, monitor progress, and ensure scans remain reliable across large batches and mixed collections.

You are not locked into our ecosystem - you can freely export your collection data to other apps or tools at any time.

Will the machine scan sleeved cards?

No. The CSC100 does not scan sleeved cards. It will only scan bare cards. If you want to scan sleeved cards we recommend using the timed scan feature in the app, it can be found under single scan.

How fast does it scan?

The CSC100 can scan up to 100 cards per minute.

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.

Any USB-C power source with the minimum required power: 3.5 watts.

💡 Scanning Tips

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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.

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

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.

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.

What lighting is suggested?

Indirect or diffuse light works best. 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.

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: 1. Lower both settling times 2. Slowly increase each until scans remain clear 3. Lower camera resolution

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: 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 batch summary.

My phone overheats during scanning, what can I do to help?

Some users have seen their phones overheat when scanning, causing phones to become unresponsive and card scanning to suffer.

If this happens: - Remove the phone case when scanning - Use a fan to blow air over your phone - Reduce the camera resolution in the auto scan settings - Reduce the number of parallel processes in the auto scan settings

🗂️ Collection Management

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Can I track cards in multiple locations?

Yes! You can assign cards to custom locations. This helps you organize where your physical cards are stored.

Can I add the same card multiple times?

Yes, you can specify quantities when adding cards. The app tracks both unique cards and total quantity.

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.

🔒 Data & Privacy

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Is my collection data backed up?

Yes! Since all users must sign in, your collection is automatically backed up to the cloud. You can access it from any device by signing in with your account.

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

What happens if I lose my phone?

Your collection data is safely stored in the cloud with your account. Simply install the app on your new device and sign in to restore your entire collection.

Technical

Why does the app need camera permission?

Camera permission is required for the manual scanning feature and for use with the CSC100.

Why does the app need storage permission?

Storage permission allows the app to save card images and process them in batch mode. It's also needed for exporting collection data.

Why does the app need Bluetooth permission?

Bluetooth permission is required to connect to the CSC100 scanner.

Does the app work offline?

No

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