RFID Starter Kit - Retail

This kit includes everything you need to get started with RFID. It includes a USB RFID board, ID-12LA RFID reader, and 2 RFID cards.

The RFID USB Reader is a simple to use, USB to serial base unit for the ID-3LA, ID-12LA, and ID-20LA readers. Simply plug a reader into the headers and attach a miniUSB cable. Open a terminal program of your choice at 9600bps 8N1, then scan your 125kHz ID tag and the unique 32-bit ID will be shown on the screen. The unit is based on a FTDI chip and comes with a read LED and buzzer.

The ID-12LA is a very simple RFID reader module. It plugs directly into the USB reader to allow you to read RFID tags through a USB connection. Power the module, hold up a card, and get a serial string output containing the unique ID of the card.

Note: This new version of the RFID Starter Kit comes with the ID-12LA, which is essentially the same as the ID-12, but has a lower voltage input.

RFID Starter Kit - Retail Product Help and Resources

SparkFun RFID Starter Kit Hookup Guide

May 5, 2015

Learn the basics of how to get started with the SparkFun RFID Starter Kit.

Core Skill: Soldering

This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.

1 Soldering

Skill Level: Noob - Some basic soldering is required, but it is limited to a just a few pins, basic through-hole soldering, and couple (if any) polarized components. A basic soldering iron is all you should need.
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Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

2 Programming

Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

1 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Noob - You don't need to reference a datasheet, but you will need to know basic power requirements.
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Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • donatoaz / about 10 years ago / 1

    Has anyone dealt with multi-tag reading? Is it something I can program or is it an RFID module feature? I've read that the way some RFID readers read multiple tags "at once" is by reading one at a time, and that this could be made in several different ways, for instance there apparently are some tags that have a random delay in replying (something that resembles the idea of CSMA-CD) or that some tags could be polled by the reader which could do something like "If tag #123 is here, please reply with an ack"....

    I really want this feature, but I am lost. Any help would be much appreciated.

    • mrbbp / about 10 years ago / 1

      i think it's a feature on reader. you need 13,5 MHz reader for that. and tag that can be switch off, with "anticollision" bit. (i don't remember which tag ISO) the technic (if remember my old reading) is to read the tag on the reader, switch off the tag, read the next tag, switch off until there is no tag. not sure but it seems you can not loop more than 10 time... If i'm wrong, please give use the solution... I've looked for a while and only find Skyetek M1 13.56 Mhz RFID around 100$

      read this: https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/ee476/FinalProjects/s2010/jjs367_ky238/index.html

      regards

  • Member #617413 / about 10 years ago / 1

    Good afternoon. I wonder how can I put an LED connected directly on the RFID card you bought? Thank you

  • OHoilett / about 10 years ago / 1

    What's the detection distance for this module?

  • Member #603491 / about 10 years ago / 1

    Do you guys know if this set works with a pic 18f2550 because i need this rfid kit for school

    • M-Short / about 10 years ago / 1

      The RFID reader really just outputs TTL serial. As long as you microcontroller can read that you should be fine.

  • elpsk / about 10 years ago / 1

    It works well if i connect it to a raspberry pi? Are driver compatible or downloadable easily?

    • babsher / about 10 years ago / 1

      The FTDI drivers are compatible with standard linux usb drivers. So raspberry pi should work. This is what I am planning on doing.

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