Finally, RFID for the People! (not just the RF engineers)
The SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Tag Reader puts multitag reading potential in your hands.
This breakout board features ThingMagic's M6E Nano module, which is ideal for your small form-factor, portable reader design.
The Arduino shield footprint can connect directly to an Arduino-compatible board, the USB connection or an external power supply. There is an easy serial interface to read and write to tags using either US or EU frequency standards (FCC for US and ETSI for EU). Universal Reader Assistant software sets you up to read and program your tags. There is even a kill feature to disable the tags for security purposes.
The reader works with common, low-cost, passive Gen2 UHF tags. We offer two options of tags: one with adhesive backing and one without.
These paper-thin, adhesive EPCglobal Gen2 tags work with our Simultaneous RFID reader and can be stuck to practically anything you can imagine. Each tag comes with a TID (Truly Unique ID) that can't be changed, but there's plenty of memory for you to write and read from.
This EPCglobal Gen 2 tag is exactly the same as the adhesive tag --- only not sticky.
You can use the trace antenna on the PCB, or solder jumpers can select between the PCB antenna and u.FL external antenna option for greater read range.
Check out our tutorials and resources for more info:
Think small, portable readers... and let us know what you build!
That’s it for this week, folks. We hope you have a great weekend, creating some great projects. Check back next Friday for more new products!
Interested in more RFID?
We've got a page just for you! Get an overview of the basics of how RFID works, the hardware needed and tutorials to get you started.
RFID reader track the information in the antenna on the chip. Mostly the chip fixed on a card. When the card is in the territory of RFID reader system the information read and send to the computer in the digital format for recording purpose. Many types of RFID Reader like long range rfid tag reader and some are short range RFID readers.
What the range you can get with this specific reader module and antenna combo. Also whats beam angle of the antenna. I am planning to buy these pair but need to check if it is good enough for my application.
I think you need to set this up at the next AVC it would be fun to play in between heats.
27 milliwatts ain't nothin' compared to the 1500W I can run as a Amateur Radio Operator ;)
I take my Technician Class test tomorrow, wish me luck!
If you know electronics and radio theory well enough, you might be able to pass all three in one go. My call sign is KM4HPK. You'll pass at least tech.
I'm guessing the antenna comments should go with the RFID reader description, not the tags (I would be surprised but oddly pleased to find a u.FL connector on an RFID tag).
How far away could you pick up the tags with that antenna?
The board has adjustable power output from 0dBm to 27dBm, meaning that with the correct antenna you can read up to 16 feet (4.9m), or 1 to 2 feet with the onboard antenna.
I once wanted to use RFID for drone racing. Now with this setup with the high gain antenna it's possible. Right now we have a new system that detect the strength of the video feed from the drone itself. Each pilot have their own video frequency so the base station check the "RSSI" of each flying drone passing by. It can then measure laps. All that with no extra gear on the drone. Before that we had IR beacons.
Which antenna is needed to read up to 16 feet?
There are many UHF high-gain directional antennas on the market. We've got a good low-cost antenna inbound as well. Should be posted in a week or two.