Nordic ID EXA31 User Manual

2017-09-22

Nordic ID EXA31 User Guide

Version 1.0

NORDIC ID EXA31

USER GUIDE

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Nordic ID EXA31 User Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

1.1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

1.2. AVAILABLE VARIANTS .................................................................................................................................... 4

1.3. AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................................. 4

1.4. PACKAGE CONTENT ....................................................................................................................................... 4

1.5. FEATURES OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................... 5

1.6. INSTALLING BATTERY ..................................................................................................................................... 6

1.7. CHARGING ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.8. FASTENING ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

QUAD LOCK® FASTENING ............................................................................................................. 7

1.9. CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 7

CONNECTING WITH HOST DEVICE VIA HID MODE .............................................................. 8

PAIRING NORDIC ID EXA31 WITH A HOST DEVICE ............................................................... 8

CONFIGURING HID MODE WITH BARCODE ............................................................................ 8

CONFIGURING HID MODE VIA APPLICATION ......................................................................... 8

1.10. OPERATING WITH HID MODE ................................................................................................................. 9

HID BARCODE ENABLED .............................................................................................................. 9

HID RFID ENABLED ........................................................................................................................ 9

BOTH: HID BARCODE & HID RFID ENABLED. ........................................................................ 9

1.11. USING THE READER.................................................................................................................................. 10

BUTTONS ........................................................................................................................................ 10

1.11.1.1. TRIGGER BUTTON .................................................................................................................... 10

1.11.1.2. POWER BUTTON ...................................................................................................................... 10

1.11.1.3. UNPAIR A BLUETOOTH DEVICE BUTTON ........................................................................ 11

LED INDICATORS ......................................................................................................................... 11

1.11.2.1. READ/HID/CONFIGURABLE LED ......................................................................................... 11

1.11.2.2. BLUETOOTH LED ...................................................................................................................... 12

1.11.2.3. POWER LED ................................................................................................................................ 12

ANTENNAS ..................................................................................................................................... 12

SOFTWARE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.1. NORDIC ID RFID DEMO APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................ 13

NORDIC ID RFID DEMO FOR ANDROID .................................................................................. 13

NORDIC ID RFID DEMO FOR IOS .............................................................................................. 13

2.2. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................. 13

NUR API IN GENERAL .................................................................................................................... 13

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................... 14

2.1. FIRMWARE UPDATE ..................................................................................................................................... 15

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SERVICE AND SUPPORT................................................................................................................................................ 15

WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15

RELATED DOCUMENTS AND CONTENT ................................................................................................................. 16

ABOUT NORDIC ID ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

VERSION HISTORY .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

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Nordic ID EXA31 User Guide

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GETTING STARTED

1.1. GENERAL

Nordic ID EXA31 provides UHF RFID reader capabilities and optional 1D/2D barcode scanning
functionalities for host devices. Nordic ID EXA31 is used with the host devices via Bluetooth® Low
Energy wireless technology.

1.2. AVAILABLE VARIANTS

Nordic ID EXA31 is available in 4 different variants:

CODE

FREQUENCY

2D IMAGER

IWB00001

868MHz

Yes

IWB00003

868MHz

No

IWB00004

915MHz

Yes

IWB00005

915MHz

No

1.3. AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES

CODE

DESCRIPTION

ACN00173

Nordic ID USB Charger for Nordic ID EXA31

ACP00097

Quad Lock Universal Adaptor v1. The Quad Lock Universal Adaptor with 3M™

adhesive is a super thin adaptor that is compatible with all Quad Lock™ mounts.
The Quad Lock Universal Adaptor designed to be used only once, it is not re­stick-able.

1.4. PACKAGE CONTENT

Nordic ID EXA31 package contains following items

• Nordic ID EXA31

• Battery (installed)

• Safety and regulations guide

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1.5. FEATURES OVERVIEW

Picture 1. Key features of Nordic ID EXA31

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1.6. INSTALLING BATTERY

Picture 2. Installing battery

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NOTE! Quad Lock® universal adaptor is sold separately

NOTE! Bluetooth Low Energy needs to be supported by host device

1.7. CHARGING

Nordic ID EXA31 can be charged via USB charger. Maximum charging power via the cradle is 2.5W (5V
@ 500mA). Charging time from 0 – 100% is about 4 hours. The USB charger needs to have a micro USB
connector and the recommended charging power is at least 2.5W (5V @ 500mA).

Charging status is indicated by Power LED. Please see section 1.11.2.3 for information how the Power
LED functions in different situations.

Picture 1 Charging Nordic ID EXA31 via USB charger

NOTE! The USB charger is sold separately by Nordic ID.

1.8. FASTENING

Nordic ID EXA31 can be fastened with several methods. Only Quad Lock fastening is described in the
user guide.

QUAD LOCK® FASTENING

The Quad Lock fastening is a popular and easy-to-use fastening system. The Quad Lock fastening system
provides strong and secure fastening and is suitable for different kind of host devices. Please visit Quad
Lock web pages for more information about different adapters.

Fastening of Nordic ID EXA31 with the Quad Lock is easy. The first step is to attach a Quad Lock adapter
on the bottom of Nordic ID EXA31. The second step is to fasten Nordic ID EXA31 with Quad Lock mount
wherever needed.

1.9. CONNECTIONS

Nordic ID EXA31 supports only Bluetooth Low Energy Class 2 connection for host devices. Supported
Bluetooth Low Energy versions are 4.0 – 4.2 and supported profiles are GATT and HID.

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NOTE! When Nordic ID EXA31 is configured for HID mode, remember to reconnect
Nordic ID EXA31 after using non-HID applications (such as Nordic ID RFID Demo).
This will enable the HID mode again. The easiest way to do this is turn off/on
Bluetooth of host device.

NOTE! XXXXX is a serial number of Nordic ID EXA31

CONNECTING WITH HOST DEVICE VIA HID MODE

In this mode, Nordic ID EXA31 functions and communicates in a similar manner as a keyboard. Therefore,
the device will work with any application that supports an active cursor on input fields, for example web
browser applications. When operating in HID mode, Nordic ID EXA31 needs to be paired with the host
device and configured for the HID mode.

PAIRING NORDIC ID EXA31 WITH A HOST DEVICE

1. Turn Bluetooth of the host device ON. NOTE: Android 6.0 or newer needs location to be enabled

also

2. Power on Nordic ID EXA31 by pressing the power button for 2...3 seconds

3. Open Bluetooth connection settings of host device and you should see “EXA31 XXXXXX” in the list

4. Select “EXA31 XXXXXX” from the list in order pair your host device with Nordic ID EXA31

CONFIGURING HID MODE WITH BARCODE

Read barcode below to configure Nordic ID EXA31 to desired HID mode. Make sure device is not
connected with Bluetooth while configuring with barcodes.

• HIDMODE0 = All HID modes disabled

• HIDMODE1 = HID barcode enabled

• HIDMODE2 = HID RFID enabled

CONFIGURING HID MODE VIA APPLICATION

1. Install Nordic ID RFID Demo application (see section 2.1)

2. Connect your device

3. Turn on HID mode, RFID and/or barcode mode in reader settings

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NOTE! HID operation is slow and it’s not very useful for cases where

need to read and transfer high amount of tags (> 5)

4. Close application and make sure Bluetooth connection is closed

5. Reboot your Nordic ID EXA31 device by pressing the power button for 2...3 seconds.

1.10. OPERATING WITH HID MODE

HID BARCODE ENABLED

Reading Barcode:

• Pressing trigger down  barcode aimer starts Releasing trigger scanning start

• When tag found, result is sent to HID immediately

• Pressing trigger down during scan  scanning aborted

HID RFID ENABLED

Reading RFID tags:

• Pressing trigger down  RFID reading starts

• Reader read tags in memory as long trigger is kept down. Short beep when new tags found

• Releasing trigger  Reading stops and tags in memory will be transmitted to HID. Short beep when

single tag sent. If no tags found, double low note beeps.

BOTH: HID BARCODE & HID RFID ENABLED.

Activate Barcode reader:

• Trigger click (short press (<350ms) and released immediately)  Barcode scanning starts immediately

without aiming.

• Trigger press and keeping down at least 350ms Barcode aimer starts Trigger released  scanning

starts.

Activate RFID reader:

• Pressing trigger “double click” and keeping down  RFID reading starts. Searching tags. Beep when

tags found.

• Releasing trigger  Reading stops and tags in memory will be transmitted to HID. Short beep when

a single tag sent. If no tags found, double low note beeps.

• Pressing trigger during tag sending  aborted.

• Pressing trigger during barcode scanning  aborted.

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NOTE! Button usage depends on the application in use.

NOTE! Reader can be powered down even though it has an active

Bluetooth connection by pressing power button down at least 7 seconds

1.11. USING THE READER

BUTTONS

Nordic ID EXA31 has three physical buttons for user interactions. Location of the buttons can be seen in
Picture 2.

Picture 2 Location of the buttons

1.11.1.1. TRIGGER BUTTON

The trigger button is located at the top of the reader. It can be used to start/stop UHF RFID/barcode
scanning and turn the reader on. When turning the reader on the trigger button needs to be pressed 0.5
seconds until blue LED starts blinking before it triggers. This ensures that accidental presses are avoided.
Depending on the application in use, the trigger button starts/stops UHF RFID or barcode reading. By
default, the first press of the button starts the reading and the second press of the button stops it.

1.11.1.2. POWER BUTTON

Power button turns reader On/Off. The power button needs to be pressed for about 2…3 seconds until
red LED turns to green before it triggers, this ensures that accidental presses are avoided. The power
button is disabled when Nordic ID EXA31 has an active Bluetooth connection with the host device.

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NOTE! The “Unpair a Bluetooth device” button is disabled when the

Nordic ID EXA31 has an active Bluetooth connection with host device

1.11.1.3. UNPAIR A BLUETOOTH DEVICE BUTTON

If Nordic ID EXA31 is paired to the host device, it stores information about the paired devices and tries
to connect automatically when turned on. Using the “Unpair a Bluetooth device” button clears the paired
device from the memory of Nordic ID EXA31.

Unpairing:

• Make sure device is disconnected.

• Press and keep “Unpair” button down at least 3 second.

• When device beeps three times, pairing is cleared. Device may reboot.

LED INDICATORS

Nordic ID EXA31 has three LEDs for user indications. Location of the LEDs (Read/HID/Configurable,
Bluetooth and Power) can be seen in Picture 3.

Picture 3 Location of LEDs

1.11.2.1. READ/HID/CONFIGURABLE LED

By default, Read/HID/Configurable LED indicates whether RFID or barcode reading is active. The
Read/HID/Configurable LED can be configured via API if needed.

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NOTE! The reading range depends on used tag and environment

1.11.2.2. BLUETOOTH LED

Bluetooth LED indicates whether the Bluetooth connection is On/Off or in search mode.

1.11.2.3. POWER LED

The Power LED indicates whether the reader is On/Off and it also indicates the battery level of the reader.
The colour of the Power LED indicates the battery level.

Blinking of the Power LED indicates that the device is charging. The battery level during charging is
indicated by the colour of the blinking Power LED.

ANTENNAS

Nordic ID EXA31 is equipped with a circularly polarized UHF RFID antenna. Nominal read range is up to
2m / 6.6 ft.

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SOFTWARE

Nordic ID has taken an open source SW development approach in use with Nordic ID EXA31. Nordic ID
provides the SDK along with the examples through the GitHub. Nordic ID EXA31 supports powerful NUR
API so developers can use familiar NUR API for application development.

2.1. NORDIC ID RFID DEMO APPLICATIONS

Nordic ID provides feature rich yet easy-to-use RFID demo applications for iOS and Android platforms.

NORDIC ID RFID DEMO FOR ANDROID

Nordic ID RFID demo application for Android supports Android 5.0 and newer versions. The Nordic ID
RFID demo application is available from the Google Play store.

NORDIC ID RFID DEMO FOR IOS

Nordic ID RFID demo application for iOS supports iOS 9 and newer versions. The Nordic ID RFID demo
application is available from the Apple App store.

2.2. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

NUR API IN GENERAL

NUR API is an application programming interface for Nordic ID UHF RFID module. It provides control for
all Nordic ID UHF RFID readers. The NUR API provides compatibility between Nordic ID UHF RFID
reader from RFID functions perspective. The NUR API consists of application, NUR API, transport and
HW layers as depicted in Picture 4.

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Picture 4 NUR API architecture

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Nordic ID provides Software Development Kits (SDK) and code samples via GitHub:

https://github.com/NordicID/

The Software Development Kits provide development basics for Nordic ID EXA31. Samples utilizing the
Android and iOS specific accessory extension used with Nordic ID EXA31 are available from GitHub as
well (includes e.g. barcode and RFID HID). Samples utilizing NUR API in general are available for Android,
iOS and Windows (includes RFID generic operations such as write, locate etc.).

More information including source code and samples can be found from GitHub via:

https://github.com/NordicID/nur_sample_android

APPLICATION

NUR API (C/C++, .NET and Java)

Transport layer: TCP, serial port, USB and Bluetooth Low Energy

Android devices: TCP, Bluetooth Low Energy and USB OTG

iOS devices: Bluetooth Low Energy

DEVICES CONTAINING NORDIC ID NUR MODULE:

All Nordic ID UHF RFID readers

(even proprietary implementation using Nordic ID NUR modules)

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https://github.com/NordicID/nur_sample_ios

2.1. FIRMWARE UPDATE

Firmware of Nordic ID EXA31 consists of four different firmware which are:

• NUR firmware (firmware of the NUR RFID module)

• NUR bootloader (bootloader of the NUR RFID module)

• Device firmware (firmware of the reader)

• Device bootloader (bootloader of the reader)

All the firmware can be updated by using Nordic ID RFID demo applications presented in section 2.1 or
implementing update functionality to 3rd party application using instructions that can be found from
section 2.2.

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

For technical enquiries regarding Nordic ID devices or software development, please contact our
Technical Support:

E-mail: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

As a manufacturer, Nordic ID stands responsible for providing repair services for its devices during and
after the warranty period. Together with partners Nordic ID serves customers globally. When your Nordic
ID device needs repair, always use Nordic ID Service or our authorized service partners. We want to make
sure that your Nordic ID product serves you the best possible way, and by using our preferred service
partners the quality of the service is trustworthy and the spare parts are original. This way the existing
product warranty remains, and you receive a 3-month service warranty for the repaired devices.

Nordic ID works together with full support and primary support partners. Full support partners can handle
both warranty and non-warranty repairs on behalf of Nordic ID in their own regions. In addition, Nordic
ID has a network of smaller repair centres, primary support partners, who offer the first line of support
to their customers locally.

For any enquiries about Nordic ID repair service please contact:

E-mail: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

WARRANTY

Nordic ID warrants that the Products are at the time of delivery free from defects in materials and
workmanship, provided the Products remain unmodified and are operated under normal and proper
conditions. Warranty period is the longer of twenty-four (24) months from the date of delivery in case
the Customer is end-customer or twenty-seven (27) months from the date of manufacture in case the
Customer is reseller. Spare parts are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period
of ninety (90) days from the date of delivery to Customer.

For more detailed information about the warranty can be found from Nordic ID Sales Terms.

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RELATED DOCUMENTS AND CONTENT

• Nordic ID EXA31 datasheet

• Nordic ID EXA31 Quick Guide

• Nordic ID Safety and Regulations Guide

• Nordic ID GitHub account for developers (https://github.com/NordicID)

ABOUT NORDIC ID

Nordic ID is at the centre of today’s real-time item tracking and reliable RFID technology. We help
organizations fight the damaging effects of item loss, facilitate streamlined business procedures, and stay
ahead of the competition.

We are ready to help you take advantage of our wide range of products and services designed to fit your
needs. Contact us now, and we will help you to tackle your challenges and get your business to the next
level.

Nordic ID Group

Salo IoT-Campus

Joensuunkatu 7

FI-24100 Salo

FINLAND

tel. [phone]
fax [phone]

www: www.nordicid.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

VERSION HISTORY

Version

Date

Modifications

1.0

19.8.2017

The first version