caenrfid R1280I Technical document

TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL
Revision 7 –27 March 2023
R1280I
skID
Mini Sled RAIN RFID Reader

Visit the skID R1280I web page, you will find the latest revision
of data sheets, manuals, certifications, technical drawings, software and firmware.
All you need to start using your reader in a few clicks!
Scope of the Manual
The goal of this manual is to provide the basic information to work with the skID R1280I Mini Sled RAIN RFID
Reader.
This manual refers to:
•skID R1280I firmware revision ≥ 2.8.0
•SDK (Software Development Kit) revision ≥ 4.7.0
•R1280I Configuration Tool revision ≥1.7.0
Change Document Record
Date
Revision
Changes
Pages
1 Feb 2021
01
First release
-
28 Apr 2021
02
Modified Introduction paragraph in the Configuration Menu
chapter
36
01 Jul 2021
03
Graphic Restyling
all pages
Modified Technical Specifications Table
108
Added FCC Compliance and skID R1280I FCC GRANT Part B and C
117, 119,
121
Modified RoHS Directive
117
07 Feb 2022
04
Modified some internal links
-
30 Aug 2022
05
Added warning in BLE Communication Setup and the Easy
Controller for Android and BLE Communication Setup and the Easy
Controller for Android paragraph
20, 55
Modified Easy Controller App for Android and iOS
20÷35,
55÷70,
80÷87
20 Dec 2022
06
Modified Easy Controller App for Android and iOS
20÷35,
55÷70,
80÷87
Added Japan MIC Certificate and UKCA Declaration of
Conformity in the Regulatory Compliance chapter
116÷124
Modified Tab. 9.1: skID R1280I Technical Specifications Table
108
Modified Radiation Patterns paragraph
110
Modified Ordering Options Table
19
Modified Tab. 9.2: Reader to tag link profiles –ETSI –ARIB
Regulation
109
27 Mar 2023
07
Modified Configuration Menu chapter
36÷53
Added shipping mode in the Getting Started chapter
20
Reference Document
[RD1] EPCglobal: EPC Radio-Frequency Identity Protocols Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID Protocol for
Communications at 860 MHz –960 MHz, Version 2.0.1 (April 2015).
CAEN RFID srl
Via Vetraia, 11 55049 Viareggio (LU) - ITALY
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.caenrfid.com

© CAEN RFID srl –2023
Disclaimer
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of CAEN RFID.
The information contained herein has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no
responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. CAEN RFID reserves the right to modify its products specifications
without giving any notice; for up to date information please visit www.caenrfid.com.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice
This device was tested and found to comply with the limits set forth in Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following 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. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment.
This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, the product may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this product in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case, the user is required to
correct the interference at their own expense. The authority to operate this product is conditioned by the
requirements that no modifications be made to the equipment unless the changes or modifications are
expressly approved by CAEN RFID.
Disposal of the product
Do not dispose the product in municipal or household waste. Please check your local
regulations for disposal/recycle of electronic products.

INDEX –skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 4
Index
Scope of the Manual .................................................................................................................................................................2
Change Document Record.......................................................................................................................................................2
Reference Document................................................................................................................................................................2
1Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................7
Description.................................................................................................................................................................................7
Front panel ....................................................................................................................................................................8
Bottom panel ..............................................................................................................................................................10
Back panel....................................................................................................................................................................11
Charging.......................................................................................................................................................................11
USB connector.............................................................................................................................................................11
Accessories...............................................................................................................................................................................12
Installation Notice...................................................................................................................................................................13
Magnets .......................................................................................................................................................................13
3M Dual LockTM ...........................................................................................................................................................15
SP ConnectTM ...............................................................................................................................................................17
Ordering Options ....................................................................................................................................................................19
2Getting Started .............................................................................................................................................................20
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................20
Android devices.......................................................................................................................................................................20
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android .......................................................................20
iOS devices ...............................................................................................................................................................................28
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for iOS................................................................................28
3Configuration Menu......................................................................................................................................................36
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................36
RFID ...........................................................................................................................................................................................38
General Settings .........................................................................................................................................................38
EASY2READ Parameters............................................................................................................................................42
HID Parameters...........................................................................................................................................................43
SYSTEM .....................................................................................................................................................................................48
Bluetooth and USB communication ........................................................................................................................48
Bluetooth Low Energy Options................................................................................................................................49
Firmware Release .......................................................................................................................................................50
Buzzer...........................................................................................................................................................................51
Vibration ......................................................................................................................................................................52
Power ...........................................................................................................................................................................53
Shipping Mode.........................................................................................................................................................................54
4EASY2READ Profile ......................................................................................................................................................55
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................55
Android devices.......................................................................................................................................................................55
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android .......................................................................55
BT Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android .........................................................................63
Windows PCs............................................................................................................................................................................71
BT Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Windows .......................................................................71
USB Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Windows.....................................................................77
iOS devices ...............................................................................................................................................................................80
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for iOS................................................................................80
5HID Profile......................................................................................................................................................................88
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................88
Android devices.......................................................................................................................................................................88
BLE and BT Communication Setup ..........................................................................................................................88
Windows PCs............................................................................................................................................................................92
BT Communication Setup..........................................................................................................................................92
iOS devices ...............................................................................................................................................................................96
BLE Communication Setup........................................................................................................................................96
6BT-BLE Switching ........................................................................................................................................................ 101
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................................101

INDEX - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 5
Switching the reader from BT to BLE.................................................................................................................................102
Switching the reader from BLE to BT.................................................................................................................................104
7Reader Reset ...............................................................................................................................................................105
8Firmware Upgrade ...................................................................................................................................................... 106
9Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................................................ 108
Technical Specifications Table ............................................................................................................................................108
Reader - Tag Link Profiles ....................................................................................................................................................109
Radiation Patterns ................................................................................................................................................................110
Model WR1280IXEUAA (ETSI version)...................................................................................................................110
Model WR1280IXUSAA (FCC version), WR1280IXJPAA (ARIB version) ...........................................................111
Technical Drawings ...............................................................................................................................................................112
Battery Life ............................................................................................................................................................................114
10 Regulatory Compliance..............................................................................................................................................116
CE Compliance .......................................................................................................................................................................116
UKCA Compliance..................................................................................................................................................................116
FCC Compliance.....................................................................................................................................................................117
Japan MIC Compliance .........................................................................................................................................................117
RoHS Directive.......................................................................................................................................................................117
skID R1280I CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ...........................................................................................................118
skID R1280I UKCA Declaration of Conformity..................................................................................................................119
skID R1280I FCC Grant part b ..............................................................................................................................................120
skID R1280I FCC Grant part C..............................................................................................................................................121
skID R1280I Japan MIC Certificate .....................................................................................................................................122

INDEX - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 6
List of Figures
Fig. 1.1: skID R1280I Reader ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Fig. 1.2: skID R1280I Reader ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Fig. 1.3: Front Panel .............................................................................................................................................................................8
Fig. 1.4: skID R1280I Reader - Grip.....................................................................................................................................................9
Fig. 1.5: Bottom Panel .......................................................................................................................................................................10
Fig. 1.6: Back Panel.............................................................................................................................................................................11
Fig. 1.7: Supplied Accessories...........................................................................................................................................................12
Fig. 1.8: Optional Accessories...........................................................................................................................................................12
Fig. 1.9: Magnets Position.................................................................................................................................................................13
Fig. 1.10: Installation Notice - Magnets ..........................................................................................................................................14
Fig. 1.11: 3M Dual LockTM Position...................................................................................................................................................15
Fig. 1.12: Installation Notice - 3M Dual LockTM ..............................................................................................................................16
Fig. 1.13: SP ConnectTM Position ......................................................................................................................................................17
Fig. 1.14: Installation Notice - SP ConnectTM..................................................................................................................................18
Fig. 9.1: skID Mod. WR1280IXEUAA Radiation pattern H plane................................................................................................110
Fig. 9.2: skID Mod. WR1280IXEUAA Radiation pattern V plane................................................................................................110
Fig. 9.3: skID Mod. WR1280IXUSAA - WR1280IXJPAA Radiation pattern H plane.................................................................111
Fig. 9.4: skID Mod. WR1280IXUSAA - WR1280IXJPAA Radiation pattern V plane.................................................................111
Fig. 9.5: skID R1280I Technical Drawings......................................................................................................................................112
Fig. 9.6: skID R1280I Technical Drawings –Front panel view ....................................................................................................112
Fig. 9.7: skID R1280I Technical Drawings –Back panel view .....................................................................................................113
Fig. 9.8: skID R1280I Technical Drawings –Bottom panel view ................................................................................................113
List of Tables
Tab. 1.1: Front Panel Buttons.............................................................................................................................................................8
Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection ...................................................................................................................................10
Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status Table ....................................................................................................................................................10
Tab. 1.4: Bluetooth and USB/charger LED status table................................................................................................................10
Tab. 1.5: Back Panel ...........................................................................................................................................................................11
Tab. 1.6: Magnets Specifications......................................................................................................................................................13
Tab. 1.7: 3M Dual LockTM Specifications .........................................................................................................................................15
Tab. 3.1: EPC Code parameters........................................................................................................................................................44
Tab. 3.2: Escape Sequences supported...........................................................................................................................................45
Tab. 4.1: Compatibility table EASY2READ-BT/BLE/USB for different OS .................................................................................55
Tab. 5.1: Compatibility table HID-BT/BLE/USB for different OS ................................................................................................88
Tab. 6.1: Compatibility table profiles-BT/BLE/USB for different OS .......................................................................................101
Tab. 9.1: skID R1280I Technical Specifications Table..................................................................................................................108
Tab. 9.2: Reader to tag link profiles –ETSI –ARIB Regulation ..................................................................................................109
Tab. 9.3: Reader to tag link profiles –FCC Regulation ...............................................................................................................109
Tab. 9.4: skID R1280I Battery Life..................................................................................................................................................114
Tab. 9.5: skID R1280I Battery Life –Intensive Use –Scenario A ...............................................................................................114
Tab. 9.6: skID R1280I Battery Life –Intensive Use –Scenario B ...............................................................................................114
Tab. 9.7: skID R1280I Battery Life –Moderate Use –Scenario C ..............................................................................................115
Tab. 9.8: skID R1280I Battery Life –Moderate Use –Scenario D..............................................................................................115
Tab. 9.9: skID R1280I Battery Life –Light Use –Scenario E.......................................................................................................115
Tab. 9.10: skID R1280I Battery Life –Light Use –Scenario F.....................................................................................................115

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 7
1INTRODUCTION
Description
The skID (Model R1280IE, R1280IU) is a portable RAIN RFID
reader of the easy2read©product line with integrated antenna
for medium range applications.
The reader hosts an internal rechargeable battery and can
operate both in wired mode, using a USB cable, or in wireless
mode through the Bluetooth®interface.
Thanks to the Bluetooth® communication interface, the skID is
a perfect add-on for any Bluetooth®enabled host such as a PC,
a smartphone, a PDA or a tablet for RAIN RFID readings. The
reader is compatible with Windows 8/10, Windows CE/Mobile,
Android and iOS operating systems. The device supports both
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth classic
communication to provide the maximum usage flexibility,
including the HID profile for keyboard emulation.
The skID can be easily fixed to the smartphone using 3
different methods: magnets, 3M Dual Lock, or SP-Connect.
Designed for mobile operators, the skID is ideal for inventory
management, mobile workers, service and maintenance
applications.
Fig. 1.1: skID R1280I Reader
Fig. 1.2: skID R1280I Reader

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 8
Front panel
The skID R1280I front panel houses the following buttons and icon (see figure below):
Fig. 1.3: Front Panel
No.
Name
Description
1
Trigger button
Inventory mode: press to perform an inventory cycle (hold down the button to
repeat inventory cycles)
2
Power button
Press the button to switch on the reader, press for at least 2 seconds to switch
it off
3
Antenna
Antenna Position, do not cover with your hand!
Tab. 1.1: Front Panel Buttons
When the reader is in your hand, the trigger button is pressed with the thumb while the power button is
pressed with the index finger (see § Fig. 1.4: skID R1280I Reader page 9).

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 9
Fig. 1.4: skID R1280I Reader - Grip

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 10
Bottom panel
Fig. 1.5: Bottom Panel
No.
Name
Description
1
USB
USB port type C (see § USB connector page 11)
2
Power LED
Indicates the reader status and battery level (see § Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status
Table page 10)
3
Link LED
Indicates the Bluetooth and USB/charger connection (see § Tab. 1.4: Bluetooth
and USB/charger LED status table page 10)
Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection
Status
Description
Green
Reader is active and the battery charge is in the range 35÷100%
Orange
Reader is active and the battery charge is in the range 15÷35%
Red
Reader is active and the battery charge is in the range 0÷15%
Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status Table
Status
Description
OFF
No connection established
Orange
USB cable connected (both to a PC or to the AC power adapter)
Blue
Bluetooth connected
Green
Configuration mode
Tab. 1.4: Bluetooth and USB/charger LED status table

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 11
Back panel
Fig. 1.6: Back Panel
No.
Description
1
Area where to apply the 3M Dual Lock TM (see § 3M Dual LockTM page 15)
2
Position of the internal magnets that couple with those supplied for direct
application on the phone cover (see § Magnets page 13)
3
Area where to apply the SP ConnectTM (see § SP ConnectTM page 13)
Tab. 1.5: Back Panel
Charging
The skID R1280I is supplied with an USB cable while the power supply for charging is an optional accessory
(see § Accessories page 11).
When you charge the reader, the link LED (see § Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection page 10) lights
up orange.
When the reader is on, the power LED (see § Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection page 10) indicates
the battery level according to table Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status Table page 10.
Warning: EMPTY BATTERY CONDITION: When the reader is completely discharged, it is
recommended to fully charge it.
USB connector
A USB Type C socket connector is located in the bottom side of the skid R1280I (see § Fig. 1.5: Bottom Panel
page 10) and can be used to connect the reader to an USB host port or to an AC/DC battery charger.

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 12
Accessories
The following accessories are supplied with the skID R1280I reader:
No. 1 USB cable USB Type C
No. 1 3M Dual LockTM
No. 1 SP ConnectTM
No. 2 magnets
Fig. 1.7: Supplied Accessories
The following is a list of the optional accessories you can purchase (see § Ordering Options page 19):
various models available in different colors
Power Supply
Cover
Fig. 1.8: Optional Accessories

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 13
Installation Notice
There are 3 different methods of fixing the reader to your smartphone: using magnets, 3M Dual LockTM or
SP ConnectTM.
Magnets
Two magnets are already placed inside the reader. These internal magnets pair with the ones supplied (see
§ Accessories page 12) for direct application on the phone cover.
Fixing the reader to the smartphone using the magnets is recommended only for indoor environments,
because for prolonged outdoor uses the magnets can oxidize.
Fig. 1.9: Magnets Position
Parameter
Value
Material
NdFeB
Size
20x20x1 mm3
Adhesive
Force of attraction:1kg
Material: 3M 467MP
Tab. 1.6: Magnets Specifications

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 14
Follow the steps below for fixing the reader to your phone cover using the magnets:
1
2
3
Fig. 1.10: Installation Notice - Magnets
Warning: To detach the phone from the reader, slide
the skID parallel to the phone and not perpendicularly

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 15
3M Dual LockTM
The 3M Dual LockTM is supplied with the reader (see § Accessories page 11).
Fixing the reader to the smartphone using the 3M Dual LockTM is allowed for both indoor and outdoor
environments.
Fig. 1.11: 3M Dual LockTM Position
Parameter
Value
Thickness
5.8mm (coupled tape)
Opening and closing cycles before
losing 50% of the attractive force
1000
Tab. 1.7: 3M Dual LockTM Specifications

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 16
Follow the steps below for fixing the reader to your phone cover using the 3M Dual LockTM:
1
2
3
4
Fig. 1.12: Installation Notice - 3M Dual LockTM

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 17
SP ConnectTM
The SP ConnectTM is supplied with the reader (see § Accessories page 11).
Fixing the reader to the smartphone using the SP ConnectTM is recommended especially for outdoor
environments.
Fig. 1.13: SP ConnectTM Position
Follow the steps below for fixing the reader to your phone cover using the SP ConnectTM:
1

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 18
2
3
4
5
Fig. 1.14: Installation Notice - SP ConnectTM

INTRODUCTION - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 19
Ordering Options
The reader is available in ETSI, FCC or ARIB version:
Code
Description
Reader
WR1280IXUSAA
R1280I - skID - RAIN RFID Mini Sled Reader FCC
WR1280IXEUAA
R1280I - skID - RAIN RFID Mini Sled Reader ETSI
WR1280IXJPAA
R1280I - skID - RAIN RFID Mini Sled Reader ARIB
Accessories
WALIM0000004
AC-DC power supply 5V 1A
COVER
For information ask at [email protected]

GETTING STARTED - skID R1280I - Technical Information Manual 20
2GETTING STARTED
Introduction
Warning: the reader is sold with the battery in shipping mode.. Shipping mode electronically
disconnects the battery to minimize power drain while the reader is idle. When for the first time
the user connects the R1280I skID reader to a PC using the provided USB cable, the battery
automatically connects to the rest of the system and stays connected until the user decides to
put it back into shipping mode.
For more information on shipping mode, please refer to § Shipping Mode page 54.
This quickstart guide will help you to get started with your skID (Model R1280I) reader using an Android or
iOS device.
The reader can be configured in two different profiles:
•EASY2READ (factory default): choosing this option you select the CAEN RFID easy2read
communication protocol. Select this option in order to control the reader using the CAEN RFID
Easy Controller Application or the SDK (Software Development Kits) library.
•HID: choosing this option you select the keyboard emulation protocol. For details on the use of
the HID profile please refer to § HID Profile chapter page 88.
The reader is sold with the factory profile set to EASY2READ and the BLE is activated.
For more detailed information on reader configuration, connections and setup options please refer to the
next chapters.
Android devices
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android
Follow the steps below to connect your Android device to the skID reader using the BLE connection and
the Easy Controller App. All the images below were generated using a Samsung S7 model device.
1. Download on your Android device the CAEN RFID Easy Controller for Android App (available link at the
skID R1280I web page, by clicking on the Android App on Google Play icon).
2. Power on the reader.
3. Launch the CAEN RFID Easy Controller for Android App.
Warning: Note that in the EASY2READ profile, the BLE connection between your Android
device and the skID reader is managed directly through the Easy Controller app.