CF RFID Reader-Scan Card™ Series 6 Dual-Function RFID Reader and Bar Code Scanner for Pocket PCs User’s Guide
9/2005 Document # 6410-00266 A Copyright Notice Copyright © 2005 Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Socket, the Socket logo and Mobility Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. CF RFID Reader-Scan Card, RFID Demo, SocketScan, and SocketScan Trigger are registered trademarks or trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
Table of Contents COPYRIGHT NOTICE 2 1 | INTRODUCTION 5 About the Software System Requirements Package Contents Product Registration Resellers and Integrators Vertical Solutions 2 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE STEP 1: Uninstall Other Scanning Software STEP 2: Install the Software STEP 3: Insert the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card STEP 4: Assign Trigger Button(s) STEP 6: Read Data into a Windows Program OPTIONAL: Configure RFID OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes OPTIONAL: Configure Sounds OPTIONAL: Configure Bar
H | TECHNICAL SUPPORT 53 LIMITED WARRANTY 54 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 56 4
1 | Introduction As RFID begins to supplement bar codes in many applications, both technologies will co-exist for many years. Now you can add high frequency RFID read/write and laser bar code scanning capabilities to your Pocket PC-based data collection application with the Socket CF RFID Reader-Scan Card. This dual-function device reads and writes to all ISO 15693 and many proprietary 13.56 MHz RFID tags and also scans all common linear bar codes.
The Trigger Select program allows you to press a button to quickly switch between the RFID and laser scanning modes of the RFID Reader-Scan Card. The Trigger ISC program allows you to assign a button on your Pocket PC exclusively for triggering the bar code laser scanner. The Trigger RFID program allows you to assign a button on your Pocket PC exclusively for triggering the RFID reader. Software updates: www.socketcom.com/support/support_bar.
2 | Setup for Windows Mobile This chapter shows how to install, configure, and use the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card on a Pocket PC running any of the following versions of Windows Mobile: • Windows Mobile 2003 • Windows Mobile 2003SE (Second Edition) The product includes support for square screens and landscape mode for Windows Mobile. Setup Summary STEP 1: Uninstall other bar code scanning software. STEP 2: Install the software. STEP 3: Insert the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card. STEP 4: Start SocketScan.
STEP 1: Uninstall Other Scanning Software Delete any bar code scanning software you may already have installed on your Pocket PC. You can either uninstall the software directly from your Pocket PC, or indirectly via ActiveSync. OPTION 1: Uninstall Directly from the Pocket PC 1. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed, and remove the CF RFID Reader Card from your Pocket PC. 2. Tap Start | Settings. Tap on the System tab or Control Panel. 3. Tap on the Remove Programs icon. 4.
STEP 2: Install the Software Follow these instructions to install SocketScan into your Pocket PC. Afterwards, you may choose to repeat the same process to install the RFID Demo and/or Floating Trigger software, if desired. 1. Use ActiveSync and a serial/Ethernet/USB cable or cradle to make an active connection between the Pocket PC and a host PC. ActiveSync should report that you have Connected, and the ActiveSync logo should turn green. Pocket_PC 2. Insert the installation CD into your host PC. 3.
4. SocketScan will begin to automatically install on your Pocket PC. Follow the screens on your host PC and Pocket PC. 5. If your Pocket PC warns that the software comes from an unknown publisher, tap Yes to continue installation. 6. When software installation is complete, remove the Pocket PC from the cradle. Soft reset the Pocket PC by pressing the reset button. Note: After software installation, several new icons will appear in the Programs screen.
STEP 4: Assign Trigger Button(s) You must set up a mechanism for triggering the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card. Hardware button(s) are the best triggering method from a Pocket PC. To make the dual functionality of the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card easy to use, SocketScan allows you to configure up to four buttons for launching SocketScan and/or triggering the RFID reader or bar code scanner. Please refer to the chart below to determine which SocketScan functions you would like to assign to buttons on your Pocket PC.
1. Tap Start | Settings | Personal | Buttons. 2. In the Button list, tap to highlight a button you would like to assign a new program to. In the drop-down menu, select the program. If desired, repeat to assign additional trigger buttons. When done, tap ok. Trigger Select Note: For maximum ergonomic placement, choose a button located directly beneath your thumb or forefinger when you hold the Pocket PC. The Voice Record button is a good choice for many Pocket PCs, if available.
STEP 5: Read Data into a Windows Program 1. Start SocketScan. If you assigned a hardware button to SocketScan, you can press the button to quickly launch the program. Otherwise, tap Start | Programs | SocketScan. 2. Whenever SocketScan is running, any of three icons may appear at the bottom of the Today screen. Make sure an icon appears indicating that the SocketScan detects the reader-scan card, either in RFID or scanning mode. Icon Meaning. Card detected, RFID mode.
3. If you did not assign buttons to Trigger ISC or Trigger RFID, make sure the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card is in the correct mode for the function you wish to use. The SocketScan icon at the bottom of the Today screen indicates your current mode. To switch modes, do either of the following: • If you assigned a button to Trigger Select, press the button. • Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap to select the card mode you want. 4. Start the Windows application that you want to receive the data (e.
CORRECT BAR CODE SCANNING POSITION: Hold the RFID Reader-Scan Card so that the lens is angled about 45° to the bar code and at least 2.0 inches away from the bar code. The red laser line should cover the entire width of the bar code. 2.0 inches MIN. Note: The proper scanning distance and angle vary depending on the size, type and quality of the bar code, and the quality of the printing material. CORRECT RFID POSITION: Hold the RFID Reader Card parallel to and directly above the tag, at most 2.
WRONG RFID POSITION: DO NOT direct the RFID Reader-Scan Card at an angle towards the tag. WRONG RFID POSITION: DO NOT hold the RFID Reader-ScanCard perpendicular to the tag.
6. When data is read, a beep should sound indicating a good read, and data should appear in your application. For example, in an Excel spreadsheet, data should appear in the cell you highlighted. The next cell should now be highlighted, ready for the next scan/read. If the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card fails to read data within a few seconds, you must try again. Note: • If your Pocket PC enters sleep mode when SocketScan is running, press the ON button to restart SocketScan and initialize the reader.
OPTIONAL: Configure RFID This utility allows you to configure what kinds of data are returned after reading RFID tags. Note: These settings are only used with the SocketScan keyboard wedge programs and Scan Demo. 1. Tap Start | Settings | System tab | RFID Setup. 2. Enter your desired settings, then tap ok. Trigger mode: • Tag ID only: Select to read only the tag ID. • Read Data Only: Select to read only data from the tag memory. • Tag ID & Read Data: Select to read both the tag ID and tag memory.
OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes The SocketScan applet lets you specify prefix and/or suffix characters to be added automatically to the data you read. This helps to further eliminate manual data entry. 1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Prefix/Suffix. Note: You can configure prefix/suffixes whether or not the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card is inserted into your Pocket PC. 2. In the pop-up menu, select Prefix/Suffix... 3.
OPTIONAL: Configure Sounds The SocketScan Sounds applet lets you choose any WAV sound file to be played to indicate a successful read. 1. Tap on the SocketScan icon at the bottom of the Today screen. 2. In the pop-up menu, select Sounds... 3. In the screen that appears, select a sound for indicating successful reads. Tap ok. Browse box To you want to play a .WAV file, after selecting Play .wav file, you can search through files by tapping the browse box.
OPTIONAL: Configure Bar Code Symbologies SocketScan provides an applet that makes it easy to modify which bar code symbologies you want the scanner to recognize and attempt to decode. By default, the scanner is set to recognize several of the most common symbologies. 1. Tap on the SocketScan icon at the bottom of the Today screen. 2. In the pop-up menu, tap Symbology Selector. If SocketScan is currently configured for more than one scanner, then tap In-Hand Scanner in the submenu that appears.
OPTIONAL: Use SocketScan Trigger If you find it inconvenient or impossible to assign or use a hardware button to trigger the reader, you can install this virtual trigger button that “floats” on top of the active application. 1. Make sure to do all of the following before using SocketScan Trigger: • Install SocketScan Trigger from the installation CD. The software must be installed separately from SocketScan. • Start SocketScan. Tap Start | Programs | SocketScan.
4. A SocketScan Trigger icon will also appear in the menu bar of the Today screen. Tap on this icon to reveal a pop-up menu with the following options: • Tap Scan Now to activate the scanner as if you had tapped the trigger button. • Tap Remove Floating Trigger to remove the trigger button from the screen but keep the icon handy on the task bar. To restore the trigger button, tap on the menu bar icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Launch Floating Trigger.
OPTIONAL: View Version Information SocketScan includes an About screen which displays the SocketScan version, as well as the firmware/scan engine version for the selected device. 1. In the Today screen, check the SocketScan icon at the bottom of the screen to verify that the correct device is selected. If required, select the correct device by tapping on the icon and in the pop-up menu, selecting the device you want. 2. Tap on the SocketScan icon at the bottom of the screen.
3 | RFID Demo This chapter shows how to use the Socket RFID Demo application with the Socket CF RFID Reader-Scan Card to perform the following: • • • • Read an RFID Tag. Enable Loop Mode. Select Tag Type. Advanced – Write to Tag. Before you begin using the Socket RFID Demo application, make sure you have done the following: • Installed the RFID Demo application onto your Pocket PC, following the same software installation procedure described in Chapter 2.
Read an RFID Tag 1. Start RFID Demo. Tap Start | Programs | RFID Demo. 2. The main screen of RFID Demo will appear with blank fields. 3. Hold the Pocket PC in the correct position to read an RFID tag, as described in Chapter 2. Hold the Pocket PC so the RFID Reader Card is parallel to and directly above the tag, at most 2.0 inches above the tag. Parallel, 2.0 inches MAX. 4. Tap Select Tags.
5. Tag ID(s) should appear in the Available Tags field. Additionally, the bottom of the screen will report the number of RFID tags found in range. 6. In the Available Tags field, tap to highlight the RFID tag you wish to read, then tap Read Tag. 7. After the Socket RFID Reader Card reads the tag, Tag Data will appear. If desired, check Display as hex data to view the data in hexadecimal format.
Enable Inventory and Loop Modes The Socket RFID Reader Card has four types of reading modes that result from different combinations of inventory mode and loop mode. The chart below describes the results of enabling or disabling the modes.
Select Tag Type 1. In the main screen of Socket RFID Demo, tap RFID at the bottom of the screen. In the pop-up menu, tap Select Tag Type. 2. In the Select Tag Type dialog box, use the drop-down menu to select the tag type. Tap ok. Note: • Tag selection response time is longer with Auto Detect than for specific tag types. If Auto Detect is not selected, only the type of tags selected can be read or written to. • Auto Detect will search for tag types 01 to 04.
ADVANCED: Write to Tag 1. In the main screen of Socket RFID Demo, tap RFID at the bottom of the screen. In the pop-up menu, tap Advanced. 2. Use the next screen to read and write data in specific blocks of an RFID tag. Enter the number of the starting block and number of blocks you would like to read. 3. Hold the Pocket PC in the correct position to read RFID tags — parallel to the tag and directly above it, at most 2.0 inches above. Tap Read Tag.
4. RFID Demo will report any data saved to the RFID tag, as well as the type of tag and number of bytes per block. The bottom of the screen will report the read status and tag ID. 5. To write data to the tag, enter text into the bottom field. The type and amount of text that can be written varies depending on your tag type. After entering text, hold the Pocket PC in the correct reading/writing position and tap Write Tag.
6. After writing data to the tag, the bottom of the screen will report the write status. 7. To verify that the data was written successfully to the tag, hold the Pocket PC in the correct reading/writing position, and tap Read Tag. 8. To close the advanced screen, tap ok.
Appendix A Product Specifications Physical Characteristics CompactFlash Card Size: 1.43 x 1.68 x 0.20 inches (36 x 42.7 x 5.0 mm) Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g) Scanner Head Size: 1.76 x 1.93 x 0.82 inches (45 x 49 x 21 mm) Power Consumption (3.
Appendix B HF RFID Standards and Tag Descriptions ISO15693 The ISO/IEC 15693 standard was developed for “Contactless Vicinity Cards”. Adopted in 1998, ISO15693 has significantly enabled global acceptance of 13.56MHz RFID technology. Based on contributions by Texas Instruments and Philips, ISO/IEC 15693 is largely a superset of the features and specifications of the Tag-it HF and I·Code1 products, respectively. • ISO15693-1: Defines the physical characteristics of a credit card transponder.
I·Code SLI ISO15693 (Philips) The complete I·Code SLI specification can be found in the Philips publication titled “I·Code SLI Smart Label IC SL2 ICS20 Functional Specification”. Figure 1 - Memory Structure of the I·Code SLI (version SL2 ICS20) 896 bits (112 bytes) of user memory is available for read/write. 32 bits (4 bytes per block) Block # 0 (0x00) 1 (0x01) 2 (0x02) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 (0x1A) 27 (0x1B) The user can permanently lock any block.
Figure 4 - Memory Structure of the my-d SRF55V10P 125 blocks of 8 bytes = 1000 bytes (8000 bits) of user memory is available for read/write. 64 bits (8 bytes per block) Block # 3 (0x03) The user can permanently lock any block 4 (0x04) 5 (0x05) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Once a block is locked it can not be unlocked. 126 (0x7E) 127 (0x7F) A 64-bit ID (factory programmed) uniquely identifies each my-d SRF55V10P chip.
Tag-it HF The first 13.56MHz RFID IC that Texas Instruments developed was the Tag-it HF. Still in high volume production, Tag-it HF is widely used in applications globally and has an existing installed base of millions of tags. The Tag-it HF uses a protocol air interface that is proprietary to Texas Instruments. By contrast, the Tag-it HF-I was released by Texas Instruments in 2001 is compatible with ISO/IEC 15693 parts -2 and -3.
I·Code1 The first long range 13.56MHz RFID IC that Philips released was the I·Code1 (SL1). Still in high volume production, I·Code1 (SL1) is still widely used in applications globally and has an existing installed base of millions of tags. The I·Code1 (SL1) uses a protocol and air interface that is proprietary to Philips. By contrast, the I·Code SLI (SL2), released by Philips in 2002, is fully compatible with ISO/IEC 15693 parts -2 and -3.
PicoTag Inside Contactless (formerly Inside Technologies) makes a contactless RFID product series called the PicoTag. There are two different sizes of PicoTag memories, 2K and 16K. There are two different modes of operation, plain and secure. Figure 8 - Memory Structure of the PicoTag 2K 29 blocks of 8 bytes = 232 bytes (1856 bits) of user memory is available for read/write. 64 bits (8 bytes per block) Block # 3 (0x03) The user can permanently lock any block 4 (0x04) 5 (0x05) . . . . . . . . .
ISO14443 ISO/IEC 14443 is a 4-part RFID standard for short-range “Contactless Proximity Cards”. Adopted in 1999 and 2000, ISO14443 has become the worldwide standard for cashless payment and contactless stored value applications. • ISO14443-1 defines the physical characteristics of an RFID card. • ISO14443-2 specifies two types (A and B) of 13.56MHz air interface and modulation methods used for communication between tags and readers.
Mifare Ultralight (Philips) The complete Mifare Ultralight specification can be obtained from the Philips publication “Mifare Ultralight Contactless Single-trip Ticket IC MF0 IC U1 Functional Specification” dated March 2003. Figure 10 - Memory Structure of the Mifare Ultralight (MF0 IC U1) Byte Block 00 01 02 03 0 SN0 SN1 SN2 BCC0 1 SN3 SN4 SN5 SN6 2 BCC1 Internal Lock 0 Lock 1 3 OTP 0 OTP 1 OTP 2 OTP 3 4 Data 0 Data 1 Data 2 Data 3 . . . . . .
LTO CM 14443-A (LTO) The LTO-CM is compliant with ISO14443-A air interface. Figure 12 - Memory Structure of the LTO CM 128 blocks of 32 bytes = 4096 bytes (32768 bits) of user memory is available for read/write. Note: Only the tag serial number can be read by the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card.
Appendix C Bar Code Label Specifications All bar code symbols/labels should satisfy the appropriate AIM Uniform Symbology Specification. Background Substrate: The bar code symbol should be printed on material (media) that is reflective and has a matte (not glossy) finish. A background diffuse reflectance of at least 70% to 80% is desirable for optimum contrast. Retro-reflective media should be used to obtain decode distances greater than 36 inches.
Appendix D Class 1 vs. Class 2 Laser Scanners This is a paper on bar code laser scanners that Jack Brandon, Product Marketing Manager of Scanner Products for Socket Communications, published in 2001. You can download a copy of this paper from: www.socketcom.com/support/learn.asp Introduction Socket now offers the popular CF RFID Reader-Scan Card with either a CMOS, Class 1 or Class 2 laser engine.
b. The label media — The media is the material a bar code is printed on. This is usually some type of paper but can also be a plastic or even metallic material. Because the reading mechanism in a bar code scanner is based on contrast, the whiter and more reflecting a media is, the farther away it can be scanned. Retro-reflective media (like a stop sign) is used for scanning very large bar code labels at distances of 20 feet and more. c.
will cause damage to the eyes of humans and animals. The normal use of a bar code scanner is inherently very safe because (a) the laser is typically aimed away from the person using the scanner, and (b) the beam oscillates 39 times per second over a 53° arc, making it impossible to stare into the beam. Additionally, using the lower powered Class 1 laser makes it even less likely that eye damage will occur.
Appendix E Enabling or Disabling Symbologies All Socket bar code scanning products are pre-set to automatically detect and decode (autodiscriminate) the most common bar code symbologies. Refer to the table on the next page to determine which symbologies and parameters are set as default. If you would like to change your symbology settings, you can choose from either of two options, depending on what device you are using and what settings you want to change.
Table 1.
Appendix F Laser Decode Zone The decode zones for the Class 1 and Class 2 lasers in the CF RFID ReaderScan Card are shown below. The minimum element width (“X Dimension” or bar code “size”) is the width in thousandths of an inch (mils) of the narrowest element (bar or space) in the symbol. The figures shown are the typical scanning distances (depths of field) for selected bar code sizes. The maximum usable length of a bar code symbol (Width of Field) at any given range is also shown below.
Class 2 Laser Decode Zone APPENDIX E: DECODE ZONE | 51
Appendix G Troubleshooting For help on SocketScan on a Windows Mobile-based device, tap Start | Help. SYMPTOM: I get the “No Card Detected” icon in the task tray and can’t trigger the laser or scan any bar codes. POSSIBLE REASON Your mobile computer does not recognize the RFID ReaderScan Card. SOLUTION Make sure the RFID Reader Card is inserted properly. If necessary, remove and reinsert. If using battery power, be sure to tap Yes if asked if you want to use battery power.
Appendix H Technical Support If you have trouble installing or using RFID Reader-Scan Card, Socket has two technical support resources to help you. Please note that technical support is available in English only. 1. Socket On-Demand Support (SOS) Socket On-Demand Support is an interactive technical support program that focuses in on your specific problem to provide the answers you need. SOS provides immediate service and is the best place to start for technical support. To access SOS, visit: www.socketcom.
Limited Warranty Socket Communications Incorporated (Socket) warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for the following period from the date of purchase: Socket CF RFID Reader-Scan Card: Two years Incompatibility is not a defect covered by Socket’s warranty.
Limited Software Warranty LIMITED WARRANTY. SOCKET warrants that the original disk or CD ROM is free from defects for 90 days from the date of delivery of the SOFTWARE. CUSTOMER REMEDIES. SOCKET’S entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be, at SOCKET’S option, either (a) return of the price paid or (b) replacement of the SOFTWARE which does not meet SOCKET’S Limited Warranty and which is returned to SOCKET with a copy of your receipt.
Regulatory Compliance This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
© Socket Communications, Inc. 9/2005 Printed in U.S.A.
