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Quick Start Guide

Info

Please note that this hookup guide is for our latest version of the USB RFID Reader. The overall functionality our new board is the same as its predecessor; however, this latest revision requires a different USB driver and features a new USB-C connector.

If you have original USB RFID Reader with the USB mini-B connector, please refer to thi hookup guide.

Warning

While most of the ID-innovations read-only Tiny modules, will have an internal antenna; any of the ID-3XX modules will likely require an external antenna to function. Users should consult with the module's datasheet, when purchasing.

Design Updates

We have made a few changes with our newest version of the USB-C RFID Reader. The most significant of these changes are detailed below:

Design updates

Major changes between the original USB RFID Reader (left) and new USB-C RFID Reader (right).

  1. USB Connector
    We have updated the USB mini-B connector to the more prevalent USB-C connector.
  2. USB-to-Serial Converter
    We have transitioned to a most cost-effective the USB-to-serial converter, the CH340C from WCH.
  3. PTH Breakout Pins
    The PTH pins have been relocated and now feature silkscreen labels.

USB Driver

Users will need to install a USB driver for the CH340C serial-to-USB chip, in order to communicate with the RFID module. The latest USB drivers for the CH340C are available from the manufacturer, on the WCH website:

RFID Module

User will need to attach a compatible ID-Innovations Tiny, non-write, RFID module (excluding the Mifare readers, marked with an MF) to the USB-C RFID Reader.

Attach RFID Reader

Attaching an ID-12LA module to the USB-C RFID Reader.

Scan a Tag

In a terminal emulator, users will need to connect to the COM port of the USB-C RFID Reader and configure the port's settings to 9600bps 8-N-1. Once configured properly, users can scan compatible RFID tags and their unique ID will be displayed in the terminal emulator.

Reading an RFID tag

Scan an RFID tag with the USB-C RFID Reader.

Tag ID displayed in terminal

The unique ID of RFID tags being displayed in the terminal emulator.