User Manual

1134
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1134 LF Reader User Guide V1.2 .pdf
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© Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd
9.3 SmartWedge RFID application
A Wedge application has been developed for use with the 1134 and other Technology
Solutions RFID readers. This activates the RFID reader whilst any of the yellow scan buttons
are held down. Any transponder serial numbers that are read are sent out as though they had
been typed on the keypad to whichever application has focus.
Instructions for installing and using the Wedge application are provided separately from the
Technology Solutions website at http://www.tsl.uk.com/downloads.htm .
9.4 LF RFID Configuration
A Configuration application has been developed for use with the 1134 and other Technology
Solutions RFID readers. This allows common operating parameters to be changed and
stored.
Instructions for installing and using the Configuration Application are provided separately from
the Technology Solutions website at http://www.tsl.uk.com/downloads.htm .
9.5 Software support for the 1134 LF RFID reader
To make full use of the functionality of the LF RFID reader, a customised software application
will be required. Technology Solutions support two approaches to this; direct communication
with the reader using the low level command set or the use of an API to simplify application
development.
9.5.1 Low level command set
The Low level command set supports two modes; ASCII and binary. ASCII mode is typically
used for simple applications, for example collecting transponder unique identifiers (UIDs). The
binary protocol is more suited where complex interaction with transponders is required.
The command set format and content is described in the document ‘LF RFID Command
Protocol.pdf’ which is available for download from the Technology Solutions website at
http://www.tsl.uk.com/downloads.htm .
9.5.2 API
An API is provided for use with the LF RFID reader. This can be downloaded from the
Technology Solutions website at http://www.tsl.uk.com/downloads.htm .
A document is provided as part of the .zip folder which introduces the API. The RFID API is
provided with Microsoft style compiled HTML help (.chm) and an intelli-sense file for general
reference to the API. A sample application is also provided which demonstrates the use of the
API.
9.6 Power management with the 1134 LF RFID reader
All power for the LF RFID is drawn from the host terminal. Maximum operating time is
therefore obtained by managing the operation of the RFID reader optimally.
The LF RFID reader has three operating modes; continuous read mode, idle mode and
standby mode. The reader is switched between read mode and idle modes by software
commands, documented in the Low level command set. The reader is set into standby mode
when the virtual COM port is closed. The reader remains in standby mode for as long as the
USB is active on the host terminal.
The recommended power saving method is to close the serial port when the reader is not
being used. Idle mode does not provide much power saving and the time taken to exit Idle
mode is not much shorter than that from the serial port being opened. Any application using
the 1134 LF RFID reader should therefore only open the COM port when an RFID transaction
is to be performed. This is the approach taken with the Demonstration application and with
SmartWedge RFID.