Socket Mobile RFSC001 Users Manual
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.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual without the permission of
Socket Communications is expressly prohibited. Please be aware that the
products described in this manual may change without notice.
Feel free to contact SOCKET COMMUNICATIONS at:
Socket Communications, Inc.
37400 Central Court
Newark, CA 94560
Other than the above, Socket Communications can assume no responsibility
for anything resulting from the application of information contained in this
manual.
Please refrain from any applications of the Socket CF RFID Reader Card
that are not described in this manual. Please refrain from disassembling the
CF RFID Reader Card. Disassembly of this device will void the product
warranty.
You can track new product releases, software updates and technical
bulletins by visiting Socket’s web page at: www.socketcom.com.
Table of Contents
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 2
1 | INTRODUCTION 5
About the Software 5
System Requirements 6
Package Contents 6
Product Registration 6
Resellers and Integrators 6
Vertical Solutions 6
2 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 7
STEP 1: Uninstall Other Scanning Software 8
STEP 2: Install the Software 9
STEP 3: Insert the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card 10
STEP 4: Assign Trigger Button(s) 11
STEP 6: Read Data into a Windows Program 13
OPTIONAL: Configure RFID 19
OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes 20
OPTIONAL: Configure Sounds 21
OPTIONAL: Configure Bar Code Symbologies 22
OPTIONAL: Use SocketScan Trigger 23
OPTIONAL: View Version Information 25
3 | RFID DEMO 26
Read an RFID Tag 27
Enable Inventory and Loop Modes 29
Select Tag Type 30
ADVANCED: Write to Tag 31
APPENDICES
A | PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 34
B | HF RFID STANDARDS & TAG DESCRIPTIONS 35
C | BAR CODE LABEL SPECIFICATIONS 44
D | CLASS 1 VS. CLASS 2 LASER SCANNERS 45
E | ENABLING OR DISABLING SYMBOLOGIES 48
F | LASER DECODE ZONE 50
G | TROUBLESHOOTING 52
3
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 CF RFID Reader-Scan Card is sleekly designed
with no cables or batteries – it draws minimal power
from the Pocket PC. Plus, the card is designed to
withstand repeated three-foot drops to concrete –
even when inserted into the Pocket PC.
About the Software
SocketScan™ enters the RFID tag ID or bar coded data
directly into any open Windows program, as if the data were
manually typed. You can configure Prefix/Suffixes,
enable/disable bar code symbologies, and assign a beep tone
to signify good data reads.
The RFID Setup utility allows you configure what kinds of
data are returned after reading RFID tags, including tag ID,
tag memory, tag types, tag type prefix, etc. You can also
enter a string used to indicate read errors and enable/disable
inventory mode.
Socket RFID Demo allows you to read memory blocks of
selected RFID tags in range in either Inventory Mode or a
continuous Loop Mode. For advanced users, there is also the
capability to write data to the RFID memory.
SocketScan Trigger places a software trigger on your screen
that you can tap to trigger the reader or scanner. Installation
is optional.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 5
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.asp
System Requirements
Your device should meet these minimum requirements:
• Pocket PC running Windows Mobile 2003/2003SE
• Available CompactFlash or PC Card slot
(Operation in a PC Card slot requires a PC Card adapter, available
separately, SKU# AC4000-978.)
Package Contents
The CF RFID Reader-Scan Card package includes the following:
• Socket CF RFID Reader-Scan Card
• SocketScan Installation CD
• Booklet with copyright and warranty information
Product Registration
Socket highly recommends that all customers register their products.
Registered users receive priority for technical support, product updates, and
special offers. Register online at:
www.socketcom.com/prodreg. Product
registration is not required to ensure your warranty rights.
Resellers and Integrators
For information about Socket’s Strategic Vertical Integrator (SVI) Program,
please visit: www.socketcom.com/solutions/default.asp?Type=SVI
Vertical Solutions
For information about third party vertical application solutions, please visit:
www.socketcom.com/solutions/
6
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 5: Assign a trigger button.
STEP 6: Read tag IDs into a Windows program.
OPTIONAL:
• Configure RFID
• Configure prefix/suffixes.
• Configure sounds to confirm a successful read.
• Configure bar code symbologies.
• Use SocketScan Trigger.
• View version information.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 7
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. Select the bar code scanning software, then tap Remove.
5. Tap Yes to confirm removal of the program.
OPTION 2: Uninstall via ActiveSync
1. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed, and remove the CF
RFID Reader Card from your Pocket PC.
2. Use ActiveSync and a serial/Ethernet/USB cable or cradle to make an
active connection between your Pocket PC and a host PC.
3. On the host PC, open Microsoft ActiveSync.
4. Click Tools | Add/Remove Programs.
5. Select the bar code scanning software and click Remove.
6. In the confirmation screen, click OK.
7. The next dialog will ask if you want to remove the software from your
host PC as well.
• Click NO to keep a copy of the software on the host PC that can later
be re-installed onto a Pocket PC.
• Click YES to remove the software from the host PC.
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STEP 2: Install the Software
Follow these instructions to install SocketScan into your Po cket 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. Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to access your CD-ROM drive.
In the CD, click on SETUP.EXE.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 9
4. SocketScan will begin to automatically install on your Pocket PC.
s
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 3: Insert the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card
Plug directly into
a CompactFlash
card slot.
OR
Insert into a PC
Card adapter, then
plug the combined
unit into a PC Card
lot.
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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.
Program
What happens when you press a button assigned
to this program?
SocketScan will launch. If SocketScan is already running,
pressing this button will trigger either the RFID reader or
laser scanner, depending on which mode the card is in. If
you assign only one hardware button for use with the CF
RFID Reader-Scan Card, this is the program that should be
assigned. If you do not assign a button to this, you will have
to manually start SocketScan by tapping Start | Programs |
SocketScan.
Your Pocket PC will switch from RFID mode to bar code
scanning mode, or vice versa. This is designed to be used
in conjunction with a trigger button assigned to
SocketScan. You can also use Trigger Select to toggle to
other Socket bar code scanners that use a software trigger.
The laser bar code scanner will be triggered. SocketScan
must be running.
The RFID reader will be triggered. SocketScan must be
running.
Note:
• If it is inconvenient or impossible for you to assign a hardware button
on your Pocket PC, you can install SocketScan Trigger from the
installation CD, which allows you to tap on the icon to trigger
SocketScan and the RFID reader/bar code scanner.
• Refer to your Pocket PC manual for specific instructions on assigning
buttons.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 11
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.
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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. SocketScan detects the
reader-scan card and is ready to read RFID tags.
Card detected, scanning mode. SocketScan detects the
reader-scan card and is ready to read bar codes.
No RFID Reader Card detected. The reader card is either
missing or improperly inserted.
Note:
• If the card is inserted, but SocketScan does not detect it, push the
card gently but firmly all the way into the slot.
• By default, the RFID Reader Card will return the tag ID. The RFID
Setup utility can be used so that the RFID Reader Card returns o nly
the tag data, or the tag ID plus the tag data.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 13
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.g.,
Excel, Notepad, etc.). Make sure a document or spreadsheet is open.
Place the cursor where you want to enter data.
Note: If reading RFID tags into Excel, you may want to increase the cell
width to fit the entire length of a tag ID, which may have more than 20
characters.
5. Hold the Pocket PC so the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card is in the correct
reading/scanning position (see next page) and press the trigger button.
Please note that the correct positions for RFID reading and
bar code scanning are very different!
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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.
CORRECT BAR CODE SCANNING POSITION:
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.
2.0 inches MIN.
CORRECT RFID POSITION:
Hold the RFID Reader Card parallel to and directly
above the tag, at most 2.0 inches above the tag.
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Parallel,
2.0 inches MAX.
Note: The LED will turn amber to indicate that the RFID Reader Card
is reading tag IDs. It does not indicate a successful read, nor does it
indicate bar code scanning.
DO NOT direct the RFID Reader-Scan Card at
an angle towards the tag.
WRONG RFID POSITION:
WRONG RFID POSITION:
DO NOT hold the RFID Reader-ScanCard
perpendicular to the tag.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 17
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.
• By default, the RFID Reader Card will return the tag ID. The RFID
Setup utility can be used so that the RFID Reader Card returns o nly
the tag data, or the tag ID plus the tag data. (See the next page for
instructions.)
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