Abstract: A card has two sets of magnetized spots, one set being readable by a reader in an on-line system, and the other set being readable by an off-line reader. Coupled to the off-line reader is a pulse generator adapted to develop pulses of the same character as "go" and "no-go" pulses generated by a station query and stored data comparison console in response to data from the on-line reader. A gate network normally keeps the console in communication with the on-line reader, but is operated to couple the pulse generator to the on-line reader when the console fails to query and cannot send command pulses. Also disclosed are timing devices for delaying operation of the output apparatus for a period corresponding to the time required for the normal on-line system operation to actuate such apparatus.