Baracoda TagRunners User manual

Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
TagRunners User Guide
©Baracoda
TM
– June 2009

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 2 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
SUMMARY
SUMMARY................................................................... 2
REVISION HISTORY.......................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION.............................................................. 4
STATUS DISPLAY SUMMARY.................................................... 5
PDA STYLUS................................................................ 7
RECHARGING THE BATTERY.................................................... 7
INSTALLING / REPLACING BATTERIES..........................................8
SWITCHING ON THE READER................................................... 8
CONFIGURING YOUR READER................................................... 9
R ESET YOUR READER ............................................................ 9
S ECURITY ................................................................... 9
RFID P ROTOCOLS LIST .......................................................... 9
D ATA FORMAT ................................................................ 10
B ARACODA H EADER ..................................................... 10
T IMESTAMP .......................................................... 10
D ATA P REFIX / S UFFIX ................................................. 10
RFID P ROTOCOL I DENTIFIER ............................................. 11
B EEPS AND LED S ............................................................. 11
P OWER MANAGEMENT ............................................................ 11
L OW BATTERY ................................................................ 11
QUICK START UP GUIDE..................................................... 12
H OW TO READ T AGS ............................................................ 12
H OW TO R EAD / W RITE TAG M EMORY ............................................... 13
T HE DIFFERENT USAGE MODES ..................................................... 13
T HE DIFFERENT CONNECTION METHODS ............................................... 14
T HE DIFFERENT READING MODES ................................................... 14
T HE DIFFERENT WAYS TO CONNECT T AG R UNNERS TO A HOST ................................ 15
SAFETY / REGULATORY...................................................... 17
FCC:..................................................................... 17
EU:...................................................................... 17
O THERS INDICATIONS : ......................................................... 18
LIMITED WARRANTY......................................................... 19

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 3 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Revision History
Changes to the original manual are listed belo .
Document Date Description
1.0 16 Oct. 08 Initial release
1.1 05 Jan. 09 Add “Ho to read / rite tag memory data” section
1.2 06 Feb. 09 Modify “Status Display Summary” section
1.3 18 March. 09 Modify “RFID Protocol List” section
1.4 29 April 09 Modify “Installing / Replacing batteries” & “Safety / Regulatory” sections
1.5&1.6 18 June 09 Modify “Safety / Regulatory” sections

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 4 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Introduction
The TagRunners is a contact RFID Reader / Encoder very easy to use. Just press the trigger in order to s itch on
the reader and simply press it again to read a RFID Tag. The colours of the LEDs indicate the status of the
device. A beep indicates hen the reader connects to the remote device and hen a Tag is readed successfully.
Ackno ledgement of a completed read is configurable by the user.
Tags data are transmitted in Real Time to the remote host devices/terminals using Bluetooth ireless
technology or Tags data can be stored in the reader and later uploaded to a remote device/terminal using
Bluetooth ireless technology. You can do nload soft are updates as ell as additional documentation from
http:// .baracoda.com after registration.
Note:
What is the Reading technology used by the TagRunners?
This product supports the RFID HF 13,56MHz. Please consult the Compatibility Protocols list included in this
document to kno the RFID protocols supported.

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 5 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Reading Status Led
(RSL)
Status Display Summary
The TagRunners has t o (2) LEDs. There are providing a status regarding the Bluetooth connection and the
Reading status. The right one is the Bluetooth connection LED (BCL) and the left one is the Reading status LED
(RSL).
The function of the BCL is to give
•The Bluetooth status of the device (connected or not connected).
•The communication mode of the scanner (Real Time mode or Batch mode).
The function of the RSL is to give:
•The information hether or not a Tag data has been read.
•The status of the battery. If battery level ill be too lo , you ill need to recharge the battery
immediately.
Bluetooth onnection Led
(B L)

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 6 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
B L LED:
Single Blinks (e.g. *pause*pause*…) The reader is ready to be connected
Double fast Blinks (e.g. **pause**pause**…) The reader is connected
The led colour is Green The reader is set in Real Time mode
The Led Colour is Orange The reader is set in Batch mode
The Led Colour is blinking Orange/Green The reader is set in Batch mode, but no data is stored in
the memory
RSL LED:
One Single long Blink (green colour) The reader has just read and decoded a Tag
One Single long Blink (orange colour) You pressed the Trigger button, and the reader is trying to
read a Tag (Trigger mode)
The Led Colour is blinking Orange The reader is trying to read a Tag (Smart Autoscan mode)
The Led Colour is Orange (solid) The reader is trying to read a Tag (Autoscan mode) or the
reader is trying to read / rite the TAG Memory.
Double fast Blinks Red Battery level is lo . Please recharge the battery
immediately
One Single long Blink Red + Green (solid) The reader is charging
Green (solid) The reader is fully charged
Special cases:
Both LEDs blinks orange The reader is set in the “Real Time ith No Data Loss
mode” but ith no bufferisation (buffer configured to 0)
and is not connected. In this particular situation the RFID
antenna is disabled: impossible to read Tags in this mode.

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 7 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
PDA stylus
In order to attach the PDA stylus to the TagRunners, insert the stylus into the hole, as sho ed in Fig.1. Note
that there are t o holes, symmetric around the principal axe of TagRunners. Push do n ards, as sho n by the
arro n° 2 in Fig.1 till you ill hear a clips.
There are t o holes, one on both sides.
Note: You ill not be able to use the Protective boot and the PDA stylus simultaneously.
Recharging the battery
Recharge the internal battery by using the included AC adapter or the charging cradle (optional). The Adapter
rating is 5V, 500mA.
When the scanner is charging, the RSL led (left) has the follo ing status: one single long blink red + green
(solid).
When the scanner is fully charged, the RSL led (left) is green (solid).
A full recharge (from completely drained batteries) takes approximately four (4) hours.
When the original batteries ear out, please contact your Baracoda reseller for replacements.
Note: When you insert the TagRunners ( ith its protective boot) in its charging cradle, the reader ill:
-emit a beep.
-and automatically s itch on (if it as off).
Fig.1
1
2

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 8 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Installing / replacing batteries
Only use Baracoda approved rechargeable batteries. The use of any other batteries may damage the reader
and void the arranty. Please remove the batteries hen you are storing the reader for more than 30 days.
To insert batteries into TagRunners:
1. Use a coin or your finger to unlock and remove the battery cover at the back of the
TagRunners. Turn the lock underneath the reader to a horizontal position.
2. Insert the battery lid do n ards.
3. Plug the small battery cable into the battery connector (Zone A in Fig. 2).
4. Insert the Baracoda Battery in its location. Pay attention also to ell position the
battery connector.
5. Slide the cover up and lock it into place.
aution. Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the
instructions.
Switching on the reader
Remember to fully charge the battery before first use.
In order to s itch on the reader, please press the trigger button.
The reader ill s itch off after some period of inactivity. The default time period is ten (10) minutes of reader
inactivity if the device is not connected via Bluetooth. This default value can be modified by the end user.
A
Fig. 2

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 9 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Configuring your reader
To configure your reader, you can use the BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min). When connected to a host
device, the BaracodaManager soft are can be used for multiple setting changes.
Reset your reader
To reset the reader to its “default settings”, please use BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min).
Security
The Bluetooth connection is secured ith a PIN code authentication.
You can configure security (enable/disable/change PIN code) through BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min).
The Security is enabling by default: default PIN code is 0000.
RFID Protocols list
You can enable/disable any type of RFID protocols supported by the reader ith the BaracodaManager
soft are (v3.35 min).
RFID Protocols supported TagRunners
Protocols Examples Read Tag Id
Read / Write data memory
ISO/IE 14443- A
Mifare 'classic' 1K / 4K Yes Yes
Mifare Ultralight Yes Yes
Mifare DESFire Yes No
Mifare Pro, ProX, SmartMX Yes No
ISO/IE 14443- B
Atmel Crypto RF Yes Yes
ASK TS256B & TS512B Yes No
S.T. MicroElectronics SR Yes No
Inside ontactless PicoTag Yes No
NXP I ODE-1 Yes No
ISO /IE 15693-3
KSW Microtec ‘VarioSens’ Yes Yes
ISO /IE 15693
NXP ICODE SLI Yes Yes
S.T. MicroElectronics LRI64 Yes Yes
TI Tag-it HF Yes Yes

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 10 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Data format
The data format is the follo ing: Header + Timestamp + Prefix + Data + Suffix
Header
Timestamp
Data
Prefix
Data
Data
Suffix
Baracoda Header
It is a proprietary data encapsulation. It is necessary to activate the Baracoda header in 2 cases:
•to use the Baracoda keyboard emulation (Kemul) and Terminal.
•to use the “No data loss” mode.
You can configure Baracoda Header through BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min).
The Baracoda header is enabled in default settings.
Timestamp
Timestamp can be configured (ON/OFF, synchronise ne time) ith the BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35
min).
Timestamp ill be in the follo ing format: YYMMDDhhmmss:
YY: YEAR MM: MONTH DD: DAY hh: Hours mm: Minutes ss: Seconds
Data Prefix / Suffix
A prefix and/ or suffix can be added to every data sent to the host device. You can configure prefix/suffix
through BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min).
There is no prefix/suffix in default settings.

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 11 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
RFID Protocol Identifier
The reader can transmit a maximum of 3 (three) digit RFID Protocol Identifier codes for different types of RFID
protocols. You can activate RFID Protocol Identifier through BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min). The RFID
Protocol Identifier is disabled in default settings.
If the option is selected, the RFID Protocol Identifier is added at the beginning of the data frame.
List of RFID Protocol Identifier codes can be found in the follo ing table:
I
dentifier
Associated
RFID
protocol
[A]
ISO/IEC 14443
-
A (or NXP Mifare)
[B]
ISO/IEC 14443
-
B
[C]
ISO/IEC
15693 (e.g. TI Tag
-
it or NXP ICODE
-
SLI)
[D]
NXP ICODE
-
1
[E]
Inside Contactless PicoTAG
[F]
S.T. MicroElectronics SR
[G]
ASK CTS256B/CTS512B
[H]
Calypso (Innovatron protocol)
[I]
EPC HF Version 2
[Z
]
Unkno n
Beeps and LEDs
You can enable/disable Beeps / LED Lightening ith the BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min).
Power management
Mutliple parameters exist to optimize the battery autonomy (“Sniff period”, “Shutdo n timer”, etc…)
TagRunners is configured at 20dBm (Bluetooth Class.1) by default.
The BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min) can be used for multiple setting changes.
Low battery
An alternation of red and green blinking on the t o (2) LEDs indicates that the battery level is lo . Recharge
battery immediately. If you continue using the reader, it ill continue orking until a triple beep occurs: at that
moment the reader ill shut do n and you ill be forced to charge it.

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 12 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Quick Start up guide
How to read Tags
In order to s itch on the reader, please press the trigger button.
The reader ill emit a beep hen the read is successful.
The TagRunners is a contact RFID Reader/Encoder, and the RFID antenna is fixed on the top of the device.
Proper reading position
(40°to 130°)
orrect orrect orrect
Not correct
RFID Tag
RFID Tag
RFID
Tag
RFID Tag

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 13 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
How to Read / Write TAG Memory
All RFID tags have an unique identifier (Tag ID), and some of them have also a non-volatile memory (TAG
Memory) in hich it is possible to read and rite ( ith or ithout security).
Note: the TAG ID of a RFID tag is different from its TAG MEMORY.
Unlike reading a tag ID, the read / rite memory (TAG MEMORY) operation is only possible in real time. As a
consequence, the Host has to be connected the TagRunners. This is the host that sends commands to read /
rite in the memory.
During this read/ rite operation, the RSL led ill be orange (solid). When there is a lack of data exchanges
bet een the tag and the TagRunners (ie : interrogator), it ill emit a “Tic” sound. In that case, approach it to
the tag in order to complete successfully the ‘read / rite’ operation.
The different usage modes
Real Time mode
In real time mode, the data is decoded and transmitted to the remote host ithout any delay. If the reader is
not connected, the data is lost (Status RSL Led: red flash).
Real Time mode with No Data Loss option
If the No Data Loss option is activated and if the reader is not connected or out of Bluetooth range, the reader
ill store the data. It can memorise up to 20 000 Tag id and later automatically upload them to the remote host
hen a Bluetooth connection is established to the host.
Every data sent to the host must be ackno ledged by the host. If the host fails to send an ackno ledgement,
the reader ill continue to transmit the data until the host does send an ackno ledgement.
This ackno ledgment is disabled in the default settings. It is strongly recommended to set the No Data Loss
mode to ON. This configuration can be set ith the BaracodaManager soft are.
Additionally, this protocol ackno ledgment allo s an end user to set an audio ackno ledgment indicating that
the data has been successfully transmitted to the host.
Batch mode
Datas are al ays stored in the reader. Once the batch mode is selected, the BCL led (right) emits an orange
flash. In batch mode, the reader can read up to 20 000 Tag id and store them into its non-volatile memory for
later transmission to the host.
To upload datas from the reader, connect it to the host computer via Bluetooth. The BaracodaManager
soft are is used to configure the location here the datas are sent once the datas are extracted from the
reader.
Once connected, the reader ill ait for the appropriate command in order to start uploading the datas: this
command can come from the BaracodaManager soft are. The user has to click on the button “Upload”.
Be a are that ith BaracodaManager soft are, t o (2) different ays to upload datas are possible:
•To an application indo : In this case al ays double check before starting the upload
procedure that the cursor in your text indo is active. Other ise you ill loose all the data
saved into your reader.
•To a .txt file (default option). The BaracodaManager soft are gives you the possibility to
modify the name of the file in hich you may ant to save the data.
The reader can be configured to automatically reconnect ith the BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min).

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 14 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
The different connection methods
The only ay to create a connection from a Host and a reader is the Slave mode. The Host (PC,
BaracodaManager, …) creates the connection onto the scanner.
The MASTER mode is not available for this product.
The different reading modes
TagRunners has three (3) reading modes. These modes can be changed ith the BaracodaManager soft are
(v3.35 min).
Trigger mode (default setting)
Simply press the trigger hen you ant to read a RFID Tag.
Autoscan mode
This mode enables to read continuously. In Autoscan mode, the RFID antenna is continuously on.
Smart Autoscan mode
For a battery po er consumption optimisation issue, in this mode the RFID antenna is not al ays activated,
and the TagRunners reads by intermitent.
Option: TagRunners allo s to activate the option “No duplicate scans” order to not scan t ice in the same
RFID Tag. By default, this option is disabled, but can be changed ith the BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35
min).

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 15 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
The different ways to connect TagRunners to a host
Baracoda proposes t o (2) ays to simplify this process. Just choose the most appropriate one according to
your specific needs.
For users: software solutions
Baracoda provides t o different soft are packages to manage the Baracoda Bluetooth devices:
-K-Emul lets you insert the data value in the selected field. It also allo s adding a prefix and a suffix.
-BaracodaManager soft are (v3.35 min) is a user-friendly, advanced soft are that inserts the data in a
text field of the target application (Kemul plug-in) or displaying the data (Terminal plug-in), presents
the follo ing features: very easy connection (one click connectivity), automatic reconnection, buffers
data in memory and automatic re-transmission.
Please check the compatibility for some specific hosts (see BaracodaManager Compatibility Table on
.baracoda.com).
Ho to quickly verify that your reader is orking correctly, using the BaracodaManager soft are:
1. Make sure that your host device (PC or PDA) is Bluetooth enabled. If not, please contact your reseller.
2. Install the BaracodaManager soft are (updates can be do nloaded from http:// .baracoda.com ).
Refer to Compatibility Table for specific hosts.
If your Bluetooth soft are is not compatible, you can test your scanner ith Hyperterminal or Kemul. Refer to
Communication Protocol documentation. (Do nload on http:// .baracoda.com/do nload )
3. Configure the BaracodaManager soft are.
•Start the BaracodaManager soft are by selecting Start> Programs> BaracodaManager>
BaracodaManager. The application automatically searches for ireless products.
•Place the reader in discovery mode by pressing its trigger button.
•Highlight the reader in the Devices in Range box and click the Add Button.
•The Bluetooth Stack asks for the passkey. While the message displays, click on the Bluetooth
connection icon in the system tray at right side of the task bar.
•Enter 0000 as the default Bluetooth Passkey Request dialog box.
•Look at the status of the scanner in the BaracodaManager application indo . When the
status changes to “connected”, the reader is ready to be used.
4. The first time the reader is configured, the BaracodaManager soft are opens a terminal indo .
Read a RFID tag and the data ill appear in the terminal indo
•Close the Terminal indo by clicking on exit
•Select the Kemul plug-in from the drop do n menu. For more information, see the
BaracodaManager soft are documentation.
5. When you have finished your session, click on the Exit Button of the application to save your
configuration.
For developers: Baracoda Software Development Kit (SDK)
The Baracoda SDKs are created for developers ho ant to integrate the functions into their o n program
code, thus enabling end-users to run a single soft are program. This eliminates the need to run the
BaracodaManager soft are in addition to a third party application.

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 16 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
BaracodaManager uses libraries that provide an abstraction layer allo ing developers to integrate Baracoda
products into their o n application very rapidly. Moreover, these libraries ill deal ith all the lo -level
routines, timeouts, connections and configuration management.
These libraries are available to developers for free ( .baracoda.com for more information)

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 17 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Safety / Regulatory.
F :
Product FCC Id: QSH AIRRFI
Interference statement:
This device complies ith Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the follo ing t o 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.
Modification statement:
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not
expressly approved by Baracoda Wireless Technology, may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Class B digital devices regulatory notice:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply ith the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance ith the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Ho ever, there is no guarantee that interference ill not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, hich can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by 1
or more of the follo ing measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation bet een the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to hich the receiver is
connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for help
Wireless notice
This product emits radio frequency energy, but the radiated output po er of this device is far belo the FCC
radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the device should be used in such a manner that the potential
for human contact ith the antenna during normal operation is minimized. The system antenna(s) used for this
transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction ith any other antenna or transmitter.
EU:
This equipment is intended to be commercialised in all the countries of the European Union and there is no
commercialisation or operational restrictions in any of the countries.
Hereby, Baracoda Wireless Technology declares that this Bluetooth barcode scanner is in compliance ith the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. The declaration of conformity is
in progress.

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 18 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Others indications:
This device is a radio transmitter and receiver. It is designed and manufactured to not exceed the limits for
exposure to radio-frequency (RF) energy, as recommended by the EU & FCC Councils. These limits are part of
comprehensive guidelines and establish permitted levels of RF energy for the general population.
This device must maintain a distance of al least 20cm from the user’s body hen transmitting.
This directive includes as one of its essential requirements the protection of the health and safety of the user
and any other person. In respect of these recommendations, the device should not be body orn (in the pocket
for example) hile it is operational. The unit should be turned off or not transmitting in those circumstances.

Baracoda TagRunners – User Guide v1.6 - 19 -
Data Capture
for Workforce
in Motion
Limited Warranty.
Manufacturer arrants that the product ill be free of defects in material and orkmanship for one (1) year
from the date of shipment. Manufacturer ill, at its option, either repair, replace or refund the purchase price
paid by buyer for the defective products.
Such repair, replacement or refund shall be buyer's sole remedy in the event of Manufacturer's breach of this
limited arranty. Repaired or replaced parts or product may include ne , reconditioned or remanufactured
parts and equipment at Manufacturer's option. All costs associated ith shipment to Manufacturer for
arranty service, including but not limited to freight, duties, insurance and customs fees are buyer's
responsibility. Manufacturer ill pay the freight costs (duties, insurance, customs and any other fees are
buyer's responsibility) associated ith the return shipment to buyer. The method of shipment ill be at
Manufacturer's discretion. Repair or replacement of any parts or equipment does not extend the period of
arranty provided for herein. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS MANUFACTURER'S ONLY WARRANTY.
MANUFACTURER DOES NOT GIVE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. To take advantage of this arranty, buyer should contact the seller not the
Manufacturer. The arranty set forth herein does not cover and Manufacturer ill have no obligations
hereunder if any non-conformance is caused in hole or in part by; accident, transportation, neglect, misuse,
alteration, modification, or enhancement of the products or incorporation, interfacing, attachment of any
feature, program, or device to the Products by a person or entity other than Manufacturer, failure to provide a
suitable installation environment, use of the products for other than the specific purpose for hich the
products are designed or any use of the product not in accordance ith the User Guide or other misuse or
abuse of the product. The arranty does not cover problems linked to batteries.