The Tracient support team are continually producing application notes and email responses to support questions. If you don't see the question (or answer) that you are looking for please
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We will be very happy to
supply you with a sample reader for evaluation however you will appreciate we
get asked for samples all the time so our policy is not to lend them but for
you to purchase one from our online store on this website. Go to the top right
hand side of Handheld HF and UHF RFID Readers You will need
a Master card or Visa.
This will enable you to
familiarise yourself with the reader, confirm its functionality and
performance, and the suitability for your applications. If after testing you
don’t wish to keep the reader we will refund the cost of the readerless shipping if you return it in saleable
condition within 30 days of the invoice date.
Alternatively there may be a
reseller in your region who is happy to lend you a sample. Please click RFID
handheld business partner or contact us .
Each reader is shipped with
TraceConnect, the name we give to our suite of manuals, drivers and demo
applications. This includes an RFIDWedgewhich allows you to input tag ID’s
straight into your application without any programming. For a more detailed description of what’s sent
with the readers, click here for “What’s in the box”
Do
you supply tags?
Yes, each reader is sent with
one or more sample tags. We can alsosource larger quantities for you. Please see our RFID
Tag Services page.
What material can I use to present
Tracient’s readers to my colleagues and customers?
There is a short but very good power point presentation on
ftp.tracient.com/temp
called “Tracient Technologies Handheld RFID Readers”. It summarises our product
range, the key features and the uses the readers have been put to.
Also on the FTP site ftp://ftp.tracient.com/videos/
you will find videos of the readers in use with various applications.
YouTubewww.youtube.comhas videos of our readers connected to other
handheld devices such as PDAs and handheld computers. Search for “tracient”.
We may have others that are relevant to your application,
please contact
us for details.
Readers
What
devices can I connect to via Bluetooth?
Tracient’s wireless handheld RFID readers should be able
to connect to any Bluetooth enabled device. However it can depend on a number
of things:
1.The Bluetooth stack your device is using. We specifically
support Microsoft, Widcomm and Bluetopia stacks. If these are not available the
readers can be connected via the Virtual Comm Port.
2.The operating system. We support Pocket PC (2003), Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Mobile 6 (Classic and Professional
versions, but not Standard).
3.The use mode. We only support devices that have a touch screen.
At
Tracient we have successfully paired our readers with iPACs and I-Mates. We
also have customers who have been successful connecting with Blackberry 8100 (Pearl), 8230, 8300 (Curve) and 8700 devices, but have
experienced issues with later models such as the 8800.
If
you want to go the ruggedised way we regularly connect with Psion Teklogix
WorkAboutPros and Ikons, Symbol 9000
series, Motorola MC75/ MC70/ MC35, Intermec, HHP Dolphin, NordicID, Eurotech
and LXE devices.
With
phones we have had success with Nokia E60 series, Nokia N70 series, Nokia N90
series and Motorola RAZR phones.
Regarding
desktop operating systems we only 'support' WindowsXP. We have however
successfully installed and run TraceConnect on Windows Vista Home Basic
Edition, and we have some customers successfully using, and developing (with
our SDK) on Windows Vista.
What
Bluetooth dongles do you recommend for laptops/ desktops?
If your laptop or desktop does not contain a Bluetooth
reader we have found dongles which use the Microsoft stack to be the most
reliable although we also support Widcomm & BlueSoleil. Kensington is
another but please contact
us about this as it has some idiosyncrasies.
Can I
connect multiple readers at a time?
Yes, theoretically up to 7. We have successfully tested 5
(using a USB hub). It makes no difference which model of reader you have or whether you are using a combination of
Padl-R HF, Padl-R UF or Explore-R HF.
NB. Our TraceConnect applications (control panel etc) only
connect to 1 reader at a time, so connecting multiple readers will need to be managed
using your own application (via our SDK).
Can I
change the frequency setting on my UHF reader?
Our handheld UHF readers can read from 862 – 955 MHz. We are not allowed
to give customers free reign to change the region and frequency settings due to
compliance implications. However, we can provide you with support and tools to
upload data files allowing the unit to be reconfigured onto any custom frequency
within the regional allocation.
How
rugged are the readers?
Tracient’s handheld RFID readersare not ruggedised. Instead we’ve taken a low mass approach –
light items don’t damage as easily when dropped. If there is damage to the
casing it is an easy low cost replacement. A neoprene boot is also available to
give the Padl-R readers some protection.
Are
there accessories for the readers?
Yes we provide neoprene boots, retractable key chains,
universal chargers, vehicle chargers, lanyards and wrist straps. End user
pricing can be found on the Accessories Page on our online store.
Do
the readers have a display?
Our readers do not have
displays mainly because it keeps the cost down and it is hard to reach a consensus
of what should go on it so we leave this functionality entirely to the PDA or
phone or desktop the reader is connected to.
You might think not having a display is a hindrance
however when you are waving the device over tags quickly it is not convenient
to try to watch a display on the reader at the same time. Having a small PDA in
the other hand makes it easy. Larger integrated RFID devices have this problem
and it can slow processes down because every time the user reads a tag they
have to pull the device towards them to read the display. Our way shaves
seconds off the whole process.
What’s
the difference between the Padl-R HF and the Explore-R HF?
The readers share similar functionality and the ability to
read/ write standard HF tags. And both
products can be connected to cell phones, PDAs, handheld computers, laptops and
desktops via Bluetooth or USB.
The Padl-R HF reader is specifically designed to be handheld (light
weight and ergonomic). It is used predominantly in asset tracking, particularly for high value
assets such as equipment and machinery. A key benefit of this reader is the
ability to batch log and store tag data without connection to any other device
so the user does not have to carry a relatively heavy handheld reader in the
field. You simply collect the tag data with the Padl-R reader then download the
read information later using a Bluetooth or USB connection. Read range on ISO
15693 tags is 8 – 10 cm. User feedback is via 3 LEDs and a beeper.
The Explore-R HF is a credit card sized desktop
reader which is perfect for monitoring work in progress/ personnel
or proof of concept applications. It does not support tag logging on the unit
and has no real time clock. Read range on ISO 15693 tags is 3-5 cm. User
feedback is via 2 LEDs only.
How
long do the batteries last?
Battery life
can vary substantially depending on usage an mode of operation (single mode,
continuous mode and burst mode) The figures below are approximate and can be
extended with various features reconfigured.
Padl-R HF> 14.25 hours on continuous mode at
one read per second.
Padl-R UF> 7.25 hours on continuous mode at
one read per second.
Explore-R HF> 1.5 hours on continuous mode at one
read per second.
How many reads per power
cycle?
Padl-R HF30,000 reads
Padl-R UF17,000 reads
Explore-R HF7,000reads
How long do the batteries
take to charge?
These figures are based on
having a completely flat battery to fully charged. In gneneral the unit can be
used after about an hour of charge.
Padl-R HF4-5 hours
Padl-R UF6 hours
Explore-R HF2 hours
Can I
connect via Bluetooth and charge the reader via USB at the same time?
Yes, this is possible with our Padl-R HF and Padl-R UF readers,
but not the Explore-R
Can
the readers store tag Ids?
Explore-R HFNo.
Padl-R UFYes. 900 tags with data.
Padl-R HFYes. 1,000 tags with data.
Enquire about our tag filters that enableonly unique tag Ids to be stored in the
reader memory. Also about our application ‘RFIDSync’
which allows you to capture tag Ids, timestamps and reader serial number for download
into applications such as Excel or Word, or output as XML into a web based
system.
Can
the readers be used for Tag Validation/ Verification?
Yes, but only via an application on a PC or PDA.
Can
the reader read the IPX Protocol?
Yes, our UF readers support EM44xx, EM 42xx and EM 4122
tags.
·Sample applications for developers for Windows (Windows
desktop e.g. XP)
·Source code in C++ and C# for sample applications
·ActiveX control for Internet Explorer browser applications
·Sample browser applications
·Java midlets and java class for J2ME phones (on request)
·User manuals
How do I purchase a Discovery Kit?
Discovery Kits may be purchased from our online store on
this website. Click here to be taken to Discovery
Kits. You will need a Master card or Visa.
What software do you provide with the readers?
All
Tracient’s readers come with TraceConnect which is a suite of drivers required
to interface the reader with your computing devices (handheld computers, PDAs,
laptops, smart phones etc) and three convenient applications which get you up and running without having to
spend time coding software:
1.RFIDWedge lets you export data from the reader and transfer it
straight into your office application (just like a bar code keyboard wedge).
You can have a Microsoft Excel™ spreadsheet collecting tags in about 1 minute,
straight out of the box.
2.RFIDSync allows you to capture tag IDs and data in the reader's
log then download them to a PC or Laptop via USB or Bluetooth at a later time.
The application can automatically filter out duplicate tags.
3.Reader Demo shows the IDs of tags as they are read, the number
of unique tags read and the maximum read rate.
If you wish to do more integration with the reader you will need
our SDK.
I want to use a different frequency, do I need to buy
another SDK?
No, the SDK is the same for all our readers. If you buy it
for one model of reader it will work just as well for another model.
Why
is there a cost for the SDK?
The price we charge (US$500)for the SDK is a nominal cost
to help coverthe thousands of man hours
we have spent making sure the examples and code are comprehensive and user
friendly. It also covers the cost of a reasonable amount of developer support.
The benefit to you is considerably less time required to integrate the reader.
We consistently get excellent feedback about our SDK and
are confident you will appreciate the real value of it once you get to work
with it.
Which software
development platforms does Tracient support?
·WinCE (PocketPC 2003 .NET4.2).
·Windows mobile 5.0, Windows Mobile 6.0.
·Windows XP.
·Java for any bluetooth enabled phone
supporting J2ME JSR-82 (bluetooth) MIDP2.0 compliant.
·Desktop or WinCE web based interfaces via
ActiveX controls.
Please contact us if your desired platform is not on
this list as we may still be able to help.
Technical
Support
I’ve
lost my TraceConnect CD
The contents of TraceConnect are available from our ftp
site. Please contact
us for instructions.
How
do I use the button on the Padl-R readers?
The button is not a mechanical button but a touch sensitive one
designed specifically to reduce susceptability to occupational overuse syndrome
and to provide complete sealing for dirty environments.
To turn on the reader or initiate a read, tap your thumb lightly
and briefly on the button. No pressure is required.If you leave your finger on the button too
long then the device takes that as a command to turn off, this can be
frustrating to people who leave their finger on the button but this timeout can
be lengthened to about 10s in the control panel. Most customers develop the
habit pretty quickly and leave the setting at its default of 3.5s.
How
can I extend the battery life?
1.Set the reader to single read or burst mode
(Control panel/ reader tab).
2.Increase the interval between reads (Control
panel/ reader tab).
3.Wind back the power output (Control Panel/ RF
tab).
4.Connect the reader to a mini USB battery (e.g
Kensington K38021UShttp://us.kensington.com).
Note this only provides a trickle charge rate of 10mA. This can be increased to
0.5A with a hardware modification.
What
is Burst Mode?
Burst mode is like continuous mode but with a battery
saving function. It only starts when the button is pushed, then continues
reading untilthe button is pushed again
or it can no longer detect tags in its field.
I’m
having trouble connecting via Bluetooth
1.If you are having a problem connecting with
USB AND Bluetooth then the reader battery probably needs recharging. Charge the
unit fully for 6 hours before trying again.
2.Check the reader is turned on.
3.Familiarise yourself with the TraceConnect
applications using USB first. This will give you familiarity with the user
interface and reader behavior. Then proceed to try to connect via Bluetooth
once you understand the software.
4.Check with us you have the latest version of
TraceConnect Software.
5.Check you are not already connected to the
reader via another application. The reader can only be connected to one
application at a time.
6.Check which Bluetooth stack your computing
device is using. The stacks that we support are Widcomm, Microsoft and
BlueSoleil. If you aren’t using any of those stacks you can use a virtual com
interface to map a com port to the device.
7.Check you have selected Bluetooth as the
communications option in the app you are trying to use. (look under ‘settings’
in the application).
8.If you are still having problems, contact us
for further instructions.
How
do I obtain the maximum read range?
Maximum read range depends mostly on the type of tags
being used and the environment they are in (near water, on metal, on glass etc)
however there are certain things you can do to optimise the reader’s
performance:
1.Make sure the reader is fully charged (Amber light goes out when
USB cable is plugged in).
2.Make sure the labels are not placed on metal or near water (ask
us about tags werecommend for near
metal or water applications).
3.Check there is no interference from other radio wave
transmitters in the room.
4.Set the reader to full power (Use the RF tab in the Control
Panel).
5.Hold the reader parallel to the tag antenna.
Also contact us about recommended use behavior for
the Padl-R UF.
What
is my reader’s passkey?
The passkey is the last 5 numbers of the reader’s serial
number.
Is
there a trouble shooting guide?
Yes, there is a trouble shooting guide in the reader user
manual. You will find the manual on the TraceConnect CD sent with the reader.
As long as you have installed TraceConnect on your PC you will find the manuals
in Programs/ Tracient TraceConnect/ Tracient Docs. If you cannot find the CD, contact us
and we will email you a soft copy.
What
do I do if the reader gives me an error message?
Record the error number on the screen and contact us
for assistance.
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