Arduino - MagStripe card.available pauses and no other code can run - c++

Question

I am using the MagStrip library (https://github.com/carlosefr/magstripelib). In my main loop I call the function which runs the code:
void magcardFunc()
{
static const byte DATA_BUFFER_LEN = 108;
static char magcard[DATA_BUFFER_LEN];
// Don't do anything if there isn't a card present
if (!card.available()) {
return;
}
// Read the card into the buffer "magcard" (as a null-terminated string)
short chars = card.read(magcard, DATA_BUFFER_LEN);
if (chars < 0) {
Serial.print("bad read");
return;
}
// Send the data to the computer if data was read
if (chars != 0) {
Serial.print(magcardstr);
}
}
The code successfully reads a magnetic card when inserted.
The problem is, I have other functions which are called from the main loop but they do not get called as the code pauses at:
if (!card.available()) {
return;
}
// Read the card into the buffer "magcard" (as a null-terminated string)
short chars = card.read(magcard, DATA_BUFFER_LEN);
If I insert a card into my mag reader (and leave it there), the program continues and the other functions are called. I want the main loop to continue and the other functions be called without having to leave a card inserted.
I have tried removing the IF statement:
if (!card.available()) {
return;
}
and I have tried reversing it
if (card.available()) {
return;
}
If I reverse it as above, the other functions run but when I do swipe a card, it is not read.
I get no compiler errors.
EDIT:
Here is an example sketch which replicates the problem. I noticed that this sketch actually did call the otherFunc when the mag card reader was unplugged. I am not sure why when it is plugged in it pauses. Maybe an interrupt is always on?
#include <MagStripe.h>
void magcardFunc();
void otherFunc();
MagStripe card;
static const byte DATA_BUFFER_LEN = 108;
static char data[DATA_BUFFER_LEN];
void setup()
{
// The card data will be sent over serial...
Serial.begin(9600);
// Initialize the library for reading track 2...
card.begin(2);
}
void loop()
{
magcardFunc();
otherFunc();
}
void magcardFunc()
{
// Don't do anything if there isn't a card present...
if (!card.available()) {
return;
}
Any help is appreciated.